Ontario Knife Company 6120 1-18SBK Machete Sawback Black

This was the first machete I ever purchased and the first machete I ever used. I purchased this machete for use in my yard. My main use for this machete is to cut small side branches off tree limbs and saplings. It’s a lot easier and faster than using pruning shears. The machete arrives dull but the primary bevel is already ground on the blade. When sharpening a machete for use as a tool, the cutting edge bevel should be 30 to 35 degrees. Thus, each side would be sharpened at 15 to 17.5 degrees. I set my bench grinder up to about 16 degrees and gave the machete a good basic sharpening on both sides. I then used a fine single cut mill file to refine the edge. This only took a few minutes and the machete was sharp and good to go. The machete will dull with use so keep a good single cut mill file handy. I really don’t use the saw back that much. Thinking back, I should have purchased the model without the sawback because it is significantly cheaper. Being my fist machete, I did not know how long of a machete to purchase. It looked like 18” was the standard length but you can buy them longer and shorter than 18”. My original instinct was to purchase a longer machete. After using my 18” machete for 20+ hours, I think 18” is the perfect blade length. I think a longer blade would only be a hindrance. It would take more space to swing safely, it would take more energy to swing, and it would make the machete more top heavy than it needs to be. I think the sawback is worth the extra money if you are using this machete for camping/hiking/bug-out. For use in the yard, the sawback is not needed (in my opinion) because you probably already own a saw that cuts limbs better. If I knew how useful a tool a machete was, I would have purchased one ages ago. Ontario makes a quality machete and you have to like the fact that it’s made in the USA.

This is a heavy-duty machete, made IN THE USA by Ontario. I've purchased a couple of their knives before and was happy with them, so Ontario came to mind when I was in the market for a machete. Here are my thoughts: Pros: Very heavy-duty, and a great value. You may have seen review videos posted online, comparing them with other machetes. This will definitely not snap in have or dent like some other brands. The finish is also nice (black powder coated?) and hasn't been damaged in the few times I've used it. The handle fits my hand well, and it is well balanced. This is a no-nonsense machete made for getting work done (or killing zombies, whatever floats your boat). Cons: The fact that it is heavy duty is certainly a positive, but there is a tradeoff because it is fairly hefty. If you only need to clear light brush, there are probably lighter machetes that may be more appropriate for your task (Tramontina is a brand that comes to mind). In using this machete, my forearm and wrist wore out after a short time of use. One thing to note is that a sheath is not included with this machete, nor is a lanyard for the wrist. Overall, if you are looking for a well-priced machete that won't dent or crack with moderate use, this is the machete for you.

I own a few machetes and this is my favorite. Good thick heavy blade. Handle could be better, but is okay. There is no reason to spend a lot of money for a machete because how you use it. You usually cutting through brush and such, hitting rocks. So for $20 - $40 you should be able to pick up a fine a machete. It will get beat up after years of use. One complaint I hear about this saw back machete is the saw isn't very useful. The reason is because the blade is pretty thick. Normal saws have thin blades. This is a thick blade machete with straight cut saw teeth. You would have difficulty pulling the saw blade if it had teeth set as a normal saw. Out of the box it didn't cut that good. I put the machete in a vise and put about a 15degree pitch on the teeth. That improved the cutting ability, but does make it harder to pull. But, it works fine for what I do with it. Good machete if you're looking for one.

I have a lot of expensive knives, bark river, all the good stuff. hand made stuff from Ireland, you name it. I like this knife as much as any other. Its as American as it gets. this is an effective knife well made. there are no fine finishes, just a real and effective, well made knife. For the money, don't give it another thought, Just buy it. Its the only machete I own and the only one I need.

This machete is made of 1095 steel, a good all-around knife steel. But it will rust, so keep the blade protected with oil or some other rust preventative. The blade needs some sharpening as it comes new. The "sawback" is not a saw. The teeth are just straight "V" shaped notches, the same width as the rest of the blade. It looks cool, but it does nothing so I would just as soon have the plain back blade. The blade has a full tang, meaning that it extends all the way thru the handle, unlike the Gerber Gator which only has a partial tang. Under heavy use, I believe the Gator could easily separate from the handle and cause big problems. This won't happen with the Ontario. I have several other knives by Ontario and I believe that this company gives you a good solid product for the money. The handle seems rugged enough, but everybody has different hands so you will have to judge for yourself how comfortable it feels. I wrapped my handle with 550 parachute cord and it feels just right for me. I don't think you can find a better machete for the money.

What can you say, these are Ontario Knives machete. Absolute beast, blade is sharp out of the box, but it can be even sharper (Im not exactly sure why you want to but never hurt to have it more sharper). This is a heavy duty machete so and it will chop large branches, but will wear out your arm easily (I use Harbor Freight cheap $5 machete for light duty, and this for heavy duty stuff). It doesn't come with sheath (light cardboard sheath) so plan to order one if you don't have one. Excellent tool to have it in your garage.

I own many Machetes (Condor) (Gerber) (Generic cheapos) & by far this is the worst factory grind I've ever seen! I've bought lawn mower blades with better grinds! :( So much for USA craftmanship! 1st & LAST Ontario machete!!!

Very good machete. Nice weight and sharp blade. I used the sawback to cut through a piece of 2x3 and it took a bit, but it worked. I'm glad I went with the saw back versus the plain back because it gives a bit more functionality without extra weight. The handle could be improved, but I wrapped paracord around it and feels better now. Definitely 5 stars since you are really getting what you pay for. The only thing lacking is a custom sheath for this item. I'm yet to find an aftermarket sheath that I like.