Like most preppers, I am constantly re evaluating my gear.  And you should too. Situations and needs change.  I still live on the edge of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. And up to now, my basic brush blade has been my Nepalese Kukri.  But some of my plans have changed, and I decided I needed a full bladed machete. I have always like the Kukri blade design.  This type of blade was believed to have been first used by the ancient Greeks as a cavalry sword called a Kopis, itself derived from an agricultural tool.  It it is also suspected that this design was introduced into Nepal during Alexander the Great’s invasion of India. Whether it was or not, this is an outstanding blade design. I decided to go with it when selecting a full blade machete.

It is important to understand the proper role of the machete. It does not replace a good ax or hatchet for chopping thick wood. It is designed to clear brush, cut smaller items of wood, and is useful as a close combat weapon.

I studied the reviews of the various models in this design and settled on the  Schrade SCHKM1. I am glad I did. The blade is full tang and constructed of 3cr13 steel. This was a  good choice because it has a good hardness but is soft enough to withstand constant high impact use. The blade came nice and sharp. The Kukri design allows for powerful chopping strokes. It has a blade length of 13.3 inches (33.8 cm) and a weight of 1 lb 6.6 ounces, and the blade is 1/8 inch thick. It is full tang. The holes in the blade are to lighten it and serve no real functional purpose unless you want to imitate the main character in “The Book of Eli”. I haven’t had the chance to put it through hard paces yet, but did trim some branches off  a Palo Verde  tree that was blown over in a recent monsoon storm. I like the balance and heft. The blade is thick powder coated and the handle is what Schrade calls their safe-t grip. It is rubberized and non slip. The handle has a front quillon which is extremely ergonomic and safe.

The scabbard is in itself well designed. Double stitched and designed to be worn on your belt with leg straps, slung over your back, or attached to your ruck. It also comes with a quality sharpening tool in a detachable pouch as well as a ferro rod fire starter.

If you are looking for a lightweight, well designed machete of the Kukri design, this would be a good selection. Available from Amazon.