Machetes

In this category, you'll find a carefully selected collection of robust machetes for outdoor adventures, camping, bushcraft, garden work, and professional forestry applications. From classic South American models to lightweight bush machetes and powerful splitting tools – the selection includes proven brands such as Condor Tool & Knife, Tramontina, Cold Steel, Fiskars, Gerber, Ontario Knife Company, Morakniv, and Hultafors. All machetes are shipped with fast delivery across Switzerland and Liechtenstein and are aimed at camping enthusiasts, scouts, gardeners, and anyone looking for a reliable cutting tool for demanding use.

Machetes for Camping, Hiking, and Outdoor Use

Whether you're splitting firewood while camping, cutting back undergrowth on a hiking trail, or want to master survival training: a high-quality machete is the ideal companion. Compact models with a cord-wrapped handle and plastic sheath easily attach to a backpack and are ready for use in no time. For longer trips in remote areas, carbon steel blades are a good choice because they can be resharpened with simple means even while on the go.

Applications of Machetes

The range of applications for a machete is much broader than many might think. In the garden, it helps clear blackberry hedges and dense undergrowth, while in forestry it represents a lightweight alternative to hatchets or axes. In bushcraft, it is used for carving, preparing firewood, and building simple emergency shelters. A robust machete is also an indispensable companion in hunting and agriculture, providing many years of reliable service.

Materials, Blades, and Handle Shapes

Choosing the right machete starts with the blade material: carbon steel impresses with extreme sharpness and good edge retention but requires care and regular oiling. Stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant and particularly suitable for damp environments, though it sacrifices some hardness. The blade length typically ranges from 30 to over 60 cm, with shorter variants offering more control and longer blades delivering more chopping power. Ergonomic handles made of rubber, wood, or Micarta ensure a secure grip – even with moisture and sweat.

Top Brands

Condor Tool & Knife Tramontina Cold Steel Fiskars Gerber Ontario Knife Co.Morakniv Hultafors

Brands Compared

Brand	Known for	Ideal for	Price Segment
Condor Tool & Knife	Hand-forged machetes from El Salvador	Bushcraft, survival, collectors	Mid-range – Premium
Tramontina	Classic Latin American machetes	Agriculture, forestry, beginners	Entry-level – Mid-range
Cold Steel	Extremely robust machetes and sword blades	Demanding outdoor use	Mid-range – Premium
Fiskars	Garden and leisure machetes with plastic handle	Garden maintenance, light clearing work	Entry-level – Mid-range
Gerber	All-round machetes for outdoor and camping	Camping, hiking, scouts	Entry-level – Mid-range
Ontario Knife Co.	Military and tactical machete models	Tactical use, heavy bushcraft tasks	Mid-range – Premium
Morakniv	Scandinavian knife tradition, lightweight machetes	Bushcraft, trekking, scouts	Entry-level – Mid-range
Hultafors	Swedish quality tools with a strong focus on ergonomics	Professional forestry work, craftsmen	Mid-range

Who is this category suitable for?

The machete collection is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, campers, scouts, hunters, and gardeners in Switzerland who need a versatile cutting tool for demanding tasks. Ambitious bushcrafters and survival trainers will also find carefully selected tools here that are often only available in limited ranges at local specialist retailers.

Quality, Safety & Handling

A good machete is characterized by a stable, full-tang construction, a carefully hardened blade, and an ergonomic handle. Safety comes first: every machete is supplied with a matching protective sheath to prevent injuries during transport. Anyone who sharpens and keeps the tool clean regularly will benefit from many years of reliable use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a machete and what is it used for?▾

A machete is a robust, long-bladed cutting tool mainly used in agriculture and forestry, for bushcraft, survival and in the garden for clearing paths, clearing brush or splitting wood.

Which machete is suitable for bushcraft and survival?▾

For bushcraft and survival use, versatile machetes with a blade length of 30–45 cm are recommended, often made of carbon steel with good sharpening properties. Models from Condor or Cold Steel offer a balanced combination of cutting performance and robustness.

Are there differences between machetes with a smooth blade and those with a sawback?▾

Yes. Machetes with a smooth blade allow clean, continuous cuts, while sawback models also make it easier to cut through wood fibers and thicker undergrowth. Which variant is more suitable depends on the specific area of application.

Which material is better: carbon steel or stainless steel?▾

Carbon steel can be sharpened very well and retains its edge even under intensive use, but requires regular care against corrosion. Stainless steel is easier to maintain and more corrosion-resistant, but somewhat less edge-retentive – ideal for damp environments.

Which machete is best suited for garden or forestry work?▾

For garden work and lighter forestry tasks, shorter, handy machetes (approx. 30–40 cm blade length) with an ergonomic handle are suitable. Brands like Fiskars, Tramontina and Gerber offer proven models that are comfortable to hold even during longer periods of use.

How do I properly maintain and sharpen my machete?▾

After each use, the blade should be cleaned and wiped dry; a light coat of oil is recommended for carbon steel. Sharpening can be done using a coarse diamond sharpening stone or a special machete file. Regular resharpening maintains working performance and safety.

Are machetes legal in Switzerland?▾

Machetes are generally considered tools in Switzerland and not weapons within the meaning of the Weapons Act, provided they are used for a legitimate purpose (e.g. gardening, outdoor activities). When carrying in public, proper, closed storage should be ensured.

Which machete is most suitable for beginners?▾

Beginners benefit from a universal, not too heavy machete with a non-slip handle and a blade length of around 35–45 cm. Models from Tramontina or Fiskars offer a balanced price-performance ratio and are also well-equipped for occasional outdoor use.