Ka-Bar KA1248 BRK Machete Cutlass - Multi-Purpose Tool for Cutting, Chopping and Clearing

Threedfreak: Bought this machete expecting to enjoy the legendary quality and craftsmanship normally produced by Ka Bar...didn’t get it.

The protective coating on the blade came off very very quickly in chunks leaving the carbon steel exposed.

A few minutes later the blade chipped away severely after using it to clear a few dead pine branches.

This machete is garbage and looks to have been made out of pig iron rather than proper steel.

Never buying this brand again.

Canada on Aug 22, 2020

L. Downer: Works well, and hold a edge quite well. I put it through some abuse to test if the edge would roll or not and it handled it all perfectly.

Canada on Aug 13, 2020

Max Brickhouse: Good quality. Very strong

Canada on Jul 01, 2020

Natasha: Great product. Received on time and was exactly what was expected. Husband loves it!

Canada on Jul 28, 2016

steven: I bought this machete about 2 weeks ago to use at work and it has not let me down yet. I'm a professional landscaper and use it for removing brush, branches and pretty much anything else that gets in my way with ease. The kraton-g grip is incredible, absolutely no slipping even in wet conditions. The 1085 carbon steel blade came fairly sharp out of the box, good enough for all heavy duty tasks, but was also able to take a hair popping razor edge when I worked it with a diamond sharpener. While its not the absolute best machete I've ever owned (as I'm an absolute knife knut and own too many blades to count) it is by far the best bang for your buck and an absolute steal at 60$. I highly recommend this blade to anyone who needs a smaller machete/big knife for around the house, professional use or outdoor activities such as camping.

Canada on Jun 01, 2015

Petrichor: As much as I hate to use the old adage "A jack of all trades, but a master of none" when talking about tools, it applies so perfectly here with Ka-Bar's.. large knife..small machete.. camp axe.. boarding weapon.. whatever you want it to be. Usually, when I hear people apply the term to a knife or tool, it's with a scornful tone. In the case of the cutlass, I say it with endearment. As an avid backpacker and trailblazer, I want to share my thoughts on why I have deemed this as my most trusted and worthwhile tool: a blade which I keep on my belt at all times when on extended stays outdoors. To anyone who values traveling lightly, this is a ~20 oz (with sheath) multi tool you will never regret having in your pack or on your leg.

However, do not be mistaken: an ideal set up when venturing in the wilderness ALWAYS dictates, at the very least, a small to medium sized knife, and a larger tool blade such as a machete or axe. All of which depend on your location and goals. Relying only on one blade for everything is risky.

Which brings me to my first point; the absolute uniqueness of the cutlass's design and functionality. It's pretty hard to categorize this beaut but in the...

United States on Jan 25, 2013

Penrod: I bought the Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete a couple months ago and have been delighted with it.

The carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen, takes a great edge, and holds the edge well.

One important use for me is working inside our hedges. A long machete just won't work there as I cannot get a long enough swing to cut anything. The Ka-Bar is just right: short enough to swing well, heavy enough to develop some momentum. It easily cuts branches and stems over inch thick with one stroke, and easily handles bigger than that- it just takes more swings. It's also a real good size for camping when you don't want the burden of something bigger.

It feels good in my hand, and the hook at the end of the grip helps a lot for retention.

The sheath has gotten some negative comments. While I would prefer it was all synthetic to resist mold here in Hawaii (no problem with that yet tho), I use the sheath mainly for storage and have no real gripe with it.

I have two other short machetes which I liked a lot, both traditional hand made Philippine pieces. One, hand forged from what I suspect was a leaf spring from a vehicle, with buffalo horn grips was a favorite until I got...

United States on Jun 02, 2012