I also prefer a machete when I'm working in the woods. My only requirements so far have been a fairly solid blade with some heft to it and a longer length (usually around 18" - I don't want to get any closer to the devil's club than that!). I am looking for a new one, however. My current machete is a no-name brand with really, really hard metal (it holds an edge but is too hard to put much of one on it - it's better as a club right now).<br><br>How do you like the Ontario beavertail machete? It's not a name I'm familiar with. Where do you get such an animal?<br><br>I'll add one tip that's saved me many extra cut body parts. I dip the handle of my machete in "tool dip" to rubber coat it. I'll do this three or four times with plenty of time for curing in between each treatment. It really helps me keep a grip in rainy weather and also seems to add some cushioning. On the extra nasty days I'll get a little bit of pitch on the handle for the best grip.