Review of Fiskars Machete Axe - 18"

I've been using the Fiskars Machete Axe - 18" for a couple of months now. Limbing 1"-2" branches, clearing
overgrown blackberry vines, and hacking out small stumps. Great tool!

I have used a lot of large blades for bushwork before, from large bowies to every form of machete to kukris and
goloks to the Woodsman's Pal. In the past, I tended to focus on dual purpose tool/weapons that I could easily transport over long distances.

Now, with a homestead, I decided to prioritize the tool aspect completely. I saw this admittedly goofing looking
"machete axe" and liked the reviews it was getting in regards to clearing trails in viney areas. I have a lot of blackberry vines to cut back on steep slopes. My long experience with Fiskars hatchets has been very positive. $50 seemed a little high for anything branded as a machete, but I thought I'd try it.

It came a little dull, but the belt sander quickly fixed that. It was not so dull that it could not have been used.
The sheath is excellent, at least as far as keeping the blade secured. I haven't tried wearing it on a belt or anything.

It may look like a mall ninja designed Orc falchion, but it weighs 2.5 pounds. That's much heavier than most 18" stamped blades. It is not an axe by any means, but it chops small diameter stuff quite well. The blade is quite stiff,
and you can push cut thick roots with the top of the "axe" blade with out any flex. The curve on the bottom of the "axe" portion does pull cut blackberry vines well.

To my hand, the handle is very comfortable. I appreciate the guard built into the handle, and I like the fact that you
can get both hands on it for those thicker branches or stumps. In the rain, I've had no issues with the handle getting slippery.

If you want a heavier blade for clearing brush in a variety of situations, give this one a try.

Edit- I did not cut all the spruce wood in the cart with the machete, I just needed a place to put the machete
for the picture.

Have any petite older women used this machete?

Would be interested to hear their opinions if there are any 60+ females 5.1" in height who could comment on their experience with this tool?

Many thanks

Megan,

I think this one would too large and heavy for most women to use repeatedly, and the handle too large
for a woman of that size to safely grasp. My 5'10 adventure-girl wife agrees.

I do have a tool review coming up in the next couple of days that I bought specifically for my wife and my mom
to use as a vine/branch trimmer.  I'll try to tag you somehow in that post so you get notified.
It is perfect in that role.

Take care!

Jeff Lindsey wrote:Megan,

I think this one would too large and heavy for most women to use repeatedly, and the handle too large
for a woman of that size to safely grasp. My 5'10 adventure-girl wife agrees.

I like the hooked blade aspect for cutting specific things and avoiding others, but I think for the amount of times I would actually need a 2 handed axe, I'd rather have something smaller and just go back for the axe.   For camping or bushcraft however, this could be the one tool to rule them all.   Digging a trench or a fire pit with this would be easier than carrying a separate shovel

New review up for people that wish a les effort/low impact pruner!