I think most folks think of a Collins type machete when they hear "machete". They pretty much set the standard for what we now call machetes. Thin blade, simple handle slabs riveted to the blade tang. With the advent of modern manufacturing techniques, such large blades no longer had to be forged, but could be stamped from stock and mass produced. This made them inexpensive and widely available even to the poor. Almost everybody on earth has seen this common type of machete. The Collins axe company made this type of knife common all over the world. Other manufacturers followed their lead.

Let's just call it a Bushwacker and let it go at that. But even if it is manufactured differently from an inexpensive camp machete, its purpose is identical.

Of course. In the short machetes, I like the 1/8" thick Ontarios. They do better at chopping with that additional weight. The DFLE makes a super camp machete. The M9 does well, too. I also want to see how the 14" Collins does. I have given mine a convex edge. Big surprise, eh?

I will be slashing brush and chopping. For me, a good big knife should be able to do both. The RTAK, Ontario SP-5, DFLE, M9, and the Becker Bk-9 all do this well. Some of my heavier bowies did not. The DFLE excells as an all-around big knife. I will be surprised if even the Bushwacker tops it, but we will see.

Once the blade is yours - you can call it whatever you want! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Machetes are field work knives. One uses the biggest blade they are able to swing all day long without fatigue. So, if you can get the job done with 2lb blade than you do so.

I can even name it. How about Fred?

10"+ blades can all be called machetes no matter how thick they are. Does it really matter what you call it? I call my 24" Ontario "Billy Bad @$$" (excuse my french) and would dare anyone to stand within a few feet of him and say different. LOL
I mean it would be one thing to call a Dog Father a folding knife or Hobo knife but I wouldn't freak out if someone called mine a "camp knife" or a "machete" because it can be either one. The Battle Mistress, no matter the thickness is a machete. The Dog Father, machete. Scrapper 5 CG, machete. My 2 function swiss army knife, MACHETE!

LOL. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />