Ontario Camper Machete

The OKC Camper Machete is a straight-backed 12.5-inch chopper for clearing brush, cutting back undergrowth and splitting light kindling at camp. Ontario Knife Company has made machetes for the U.S. Armed Forces since World War II, and this model uses the same plain approach: a carbon steel blade and a one-piece molded handle with little to wear out. Campers, hunters and anyone cutting trail or tidying a property line will find it a practical size to swing all day.

Features

1095 High Carbon Steel — A simple, tough carbon steel that takes a keen edge and is easy to bring back with a file or stone in the field.
12.5-Inch Blade — Long enough to reach into brush and carry momentum through a swing, with an 18-inch overall length that still packs on a ruck or in a truck.
0.125-Inch Blade Stock — An eighth of an inch thick, which keeps the blade light and quick for slashing vegetation.
Zinc Phosphate Finish — A matte dark gray coating that cuts glare and gives the carbon steel a first layer of protection against rust.
Molded Polymer D-Handle — The one-piece black handle loops around to form a knuckle guard, protecting your hand from thorns, branches and the blade itself.
Ribbed Grip Panels — Diagonal ridges molded into both sides of the handle help your hand stay put when it gets wet or sweaty.
Upswept Rounded Tip — The belly curves up to a blunt, rounded point that concentrates chopping force forward instead of acting as a stabbing tip.
Ontario Knife U.S. Markings — The ricasso, the flat section just ahead of the handle, is stamped ONTARIO KNIFE and U.S., and the handle carries a molded Ontario Knife panel.

Blade Steel And Care

1095 is a high carbon steel, so it sharpens easily and holds up to hard chopping, but unlike stainless it will rust if put away wet. Wipe the blade dry after use and give it a light coat of oil before storage, especially once the edge bevel has been sharpened through the coating. The polymer handle needs no care beyond a rinse, and the D-guard sits wide enough to fit a gloved hand.