You're spot on. The $20 model is a funny shaped machete @ 2.75mm.



The LTC is 4.75mm thick.



And they have a new model coming in July that is about 8mm thick, at least at the portion near the handle (I have not seen one, nor do I know anything about it).



FWIW, I like the shape of the LTC - lots of belly on the blade, and my son heartily agrees. To me it looks like it has a little parang influence in the shape (discounting the khukri downwards bend).

None of these would be as cool as a really good HI model, of course - at least, that's what I get from reading reviews. OTOH, the LTC is not nearly as heavy to pack as a "real" one...

Tom