small machete for beginners and guide to using them
For newcomers to farm life, a handy machete can make daily farm work twice as easy. This seemingly simple tool can easily handle basic tasks such as pruning branches and clearing weeds, and can also be a reliable helper in emergency situations.
Today we’ll talk about how to pick and use the best small machete for beginners on the farm.
First, why is a small machete the first choice for farm beginners?
The core advantage of a small machete is versatility and ease of use.
On the farm, you may need to deal with a variety of scenarios: pruning the thin branches of fruit trees, cleaning up stubborn weeds in the vegetable garden, harvesting ripe crops, or even temporarily building a simple fence.
A well-designed small machete can perform all these tasks at the same time, avoiding the hassle of changing tools frequently.
The size and weight of a small machete makes it more suitable for beginners than larger farm tools.
For example, gardening machetes are often made of lightweight materials (such as manganese or stainless steel) and have handles that are designed to fit in the palm of the hand so that they don’t get tired after long periods of use.
This design not only reduces the difficulty of operation, but also reduces the risk of accidental injury due to heavy tools.
Second, the four key indicators for selecting a small machete
1. Material: the balance of durability and sharpness
Manganese steel are common materials for machetes.
Manganese steel is hard and wear-resistant, suitable for cutting thicker branches, but requires regular maintenance to prevent rust; stainless steel has excellent rust resistance and is suitable for wet environments, but is slightly less hard and may require more frequent sharpening for long-term use.
For novices, a small machete made of stainless steel is easier to maintain and is especially suited to the rainy climate of Korea.
2. Handle: the core of comfort and safety
The design of the handle directly affects the experience of using the knife.
The ideal handle should have a **non-slip texture** and **ergonomic curvature**, such as the rubberized non-slip grip of the Gerber Gator series, which prevents disengagement.
In addition, the length of the knife handle is recommended to be between 15-20 centimeters, which ensures a stable grip but does not cause inconvenience in handling due to excessive length.
3. Knife blade: length and curvature
The length of the knife blade is generally 20-30 centimeters. Too short to cope with thicker branches, too long will increase the difficulty of control.
In terms of curvature, **slightly curved blades** (such as Tramontina’s Classic Curve) are better for cutting vines and weeds, while **straight blades** are more precise when pruning branches.
Beginners can prioritize a model with a slightly curved middle of the blade to take care of both scenarios.
4. Additional features: a plus for practicality
Some small machetes for sale integrate practical designs, such as a folding blade for easy carrying (e.g., the folding model of the Zelin Clearing Sickle), a built-in sharpening stone in the sheath (e.g., the Has Led Garden Tool), or a window breaker at the end of the handle for emergency use.
These details can further enhance the value of the tool’s use.
Safety tips for novices
1. Correct grip
Adopt the hammer grip: five fingers are evenly distributed on the handle, the index finger and thumb are close to the front of the handle, and the remaining three fingers are naturally bent.
This grip provides maximum control and is especially suited to chopping motions. When cutting thinner branches, switch to the precision grip: thumb against the back of the blade, index finger pressing lightly on the root of the blade to improve cutting precision.
2. Cutting Action Essentials
Keep the blade at a 45-degree angle to the target when cutting, and utilize the power of the wrist to do a push-pull action instead of relying solely on downward arm pressure.
For example, when clearing weeds, cutting diagonally upward from the root will cut the rootstock with less effort. For thicker branches, cut a notch on one side and then split from the other side to avoid the blade getting stuck.
3. Safety precautions
Stay focused at all times and avoid using the machete when tired or distracted. Non-slip gloves and goggles are recommended to prevent your hands from slipping or wood chips from splashing into your eyes.
The area around the work area should be cleared of debris to ensure that there is sufficient space to move around and to avoid colliding with obstacles when swinging.
V. MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF SMALL MACHOPPER
1. Daily Cleaning
Immediately after use, wipe the blade with a dry cloth to remove soil and plant sap. If the blade is stained with grease (e.g. when handling fruit trees), wash it with diluted soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Avoid prolonged immersion in water to prevent the handle from swelling or the blade from rusting.
2. Sharpen the knife regularly
When cutting becomes laborious, it is an indication that the knife needs to be sharpened. When using a **sharpening stone**, fit the blade to the stone at a 15-20 degree angle and grind in one direction from the root of the blade to the tip, repeating 10-15 times per side.
For small machetes made of stainless steel, work with a small amount of sharpening oil to enhance the effect. When finished, clean the blade with a soft cloth to remove any remaining metal shavings.
3. Long-term storage
When not in use for an extended period of time, apply a thin layer of rust inhibiting oil (e.g. WD-40) to the blade and handle and place in a dry, ventilated sheath.
Avoid stacking with other metal tools to prevent scratching the blade. If the knife handle is made of wood, apply wood wax oil regularly for maintenance to prevent cracking.
VI.SUMMARY
A suitable pocket machete is a handy companion for a novice farm hand.
By focusing on key indicators such as material, handle and blade, choosing a tool that meets your needs, and mastering proper use and care, even a novice can easily master this versatile farm tool.
Remember, the value of the machete is not only in accomplishing tasks, but also in helping you to build confidence in your farm life, and gradually grow into a unique “farm master”.
About us:
Dingzhou Gemlight Cutting Tools Co., Ltd.,With a solid foundation since 1990, Gemlight machete is a trusted name in the field of cane machete manufacturing. We focus on R&D, design and production to produce high quality wholesale china machete and shovel,hoe,pickaxe,sickle,farm tools.
Gemlight Machete factory Based in Baoding, Hebei, China, we benefit from efficient logistics and fast delivery. Our products have been well received in more than 50 countries, thanks to our commitment to customer satisfaction
