I heard the reviews too, and I decided to buy one after I saw my brother use one to clear briars off a path on his farm. I bought the 14 inch wood-handled Tramontina, and the 21 inch rubber handled Tramontina. They were about $6.75 each from www.Bladematrix.com. (no affiliation). The shorter wood handled one is a nicer looking machete, but I actually use the longer one to chop out light brush, cockleburrs, and briars. I carry it in the Trail Blazer, locked down under the tire tool. At the time I made the purchase, I didn't know how to select the right length machete but now I do, thanks to advice from GauchoViejo on this forum.