Uncle Bob
South west Florida

Sep 25, 2014

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Materials

The best for the buck.

I still have one of these that I borrowed from the Army in 1971. I worked it constantly untill the grand children were big enough to work with me. At that point I decided it was time for a couple more. They're still the same! Bad Axx mil-spec Bush-Wackers! The only thing even slightly different is the grip. It is a little thicker and not as comfortable as the early one. For that I have a disc sander. I also have the now extinct 12" Beaver Tail and a 12" Sawback. Trust me, you can spend all the $ you want and not beat these guys for getting the job done.

Kc M
Grandy, NC

Mar 13, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

great machete

I have been surveying for almost 20 years. The Ontario .125 machetes are the best I have found/used, rugged and stays sharp.

Dan
Southwest Florida

Nov 06, 2009

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Material

Great Value - Great Tool

I used Ontario 18" machetes while working on Sanibel Island, FL removing exotic plants. The blade does need to be sharpened in my opinion; it will hold an edge well. When sharpened I was able to cut through 2 ½ inch branches and trunks of "Brazilian Pepper" at a 45º angle in one stroke. I did this for several seasons, I would usually sharpen the machetes once a day, and under heavy use maybe twice a day using a good double cut file. They handled the abuse well, as far as the slickness of the handle I wore work gloves and attached a strong thong to the handle and wrapped it around my wrist. I would allow the handle to slip a limited amount through my gloved hand; this produced a whipping action that increased the blade velocity. I maintained control over the blade but didn’t try to maintain a solid grip as this would produce blisters quickly. I just let the handle pivot on my pinky finger on the protruding area of the handle where the thong hole is. Not maintaining a solid grip also reduces the concussive vibration transferred into your hands. Wearing gloves has many advantages for one Brazilian Pepper is related to Poison Ivy, I am not allergic but the sap is a gooey stick mess. Also scorpions and spiders are unlikely to be able to sting through work gloves. Some time ago I purchased a 22” Ontario machete, and it is just too much to handle for me, sometimes b bigger is not better. For the record I am 6’ 4“ and weight about 280 lbs. It could stand a micarta handle but that would cost considerably more.

Kc Marchello
Grandy, NC

Mar 13, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

great machete

I have been surveying for almost 20 years. The Ontario .125 machetes are the best I have found/used, rugged and stays sharp.

Jeremy J.
State Line, Ms

Aug 24, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Military worthy

My grandfather was in the army and was issued one of these machetes. He liked it so much that when he left, he went and bought one for himself. Now my dad has it and I believe that it will last forever. It's very well balanced and made out of good steel. It's just the right length for chopping trails or cleaning fence rows. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys clearing land the old fashioned way as I do.

Luigi
Florence, Italy

Jul 14, 2009

Pros: None

Cons: None

excellent!

excellent product and excellent price

Old Guy
Out west

Jan 14, 2016

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

Ontario 18in machete

Looks like GI issue. Blade sharpness is poor as many have said previously. This can be corrected easily. I am pleased with this purchase.

Michael
Philippines

Aug 09, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Finish, Handle Material, Materials, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Real Workhorse

I grew up in a farm in Southeast Asia using machete/bolo since I can remember. The balance and quaility of the metal used in making the blade is way better than those bolos made and sold locally or those from manufacturers and vendors that design and make but have never used these tools as a way of life or to make a living.

Dk
Nashport, Oh

Apr 20, 2012

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials

Cons: Blade Sharpness

still the best

This isn't my first Ontario machete. I started out with the longer 22" version years ago and still have it. I wanted to go with something shorter so I bought the standard USGI 18" version. I love it! Plenty of heft but still light and quick, great balance, and just enough reach. It didn't have much of a sharp edge but fortunately I know how to sharpen blades. You really can't beat these for the price.

I-Iellacious
Mt. Olive, North Carolina

Sep 21, 2010

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Awesome Machete

Just finished clearing some of the nastiest NC brush+small trees you could imagine with this thing and I can definatly say this is the best machete I've ever laid my hands on. Feels great great in the hands, nice weight, easy to sharpen, and holds an edge like you wouldnt belive. Even after I finished up with it its still sharp enough to shave, and I've been cutting 4-8inch trees. Im really hard on everything I have and this thing has taken everything Ive thrown at it, I have no doubt it will last me the rest of my life. I just cant say enough about this machete, GET ONE, you will NOT be dissapointed.

Michael R.
Fredericksburg, VA.

May 03, 2013

Pros: None

Cons: None

Half my order, but Great Quality

Finally received my Ontario 6145 Military Jungle Machete 18” Blade, Polymer Handle through the mail. I got off to a difficult start by combining my order with a plastic sheath. It seems the plastic sheath’s are back ordered until Dooms Day. Finally; I agreed to a “partial” order and got my blade. I am very satisfied with the quality of grip to metal fitting and heavy parkerized coating on the blade. The machete was sharp as any knife in my collection right out of the packing. Very happy for that. Excellent blade for the money. Now I have to craft a sheath out of old aluminum down spout until my Surplus plastic sheath comes in. I found another supplier for a bit more money. I plan to buy another 18” machete for my brother later in the summer.

Lizardman
Switzerland

Nov 16, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish

Cons: None

Beyond my expectations :D

Awesome machete.

Larry S.
SoCal

Jan 27, 2014

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Excellent workhorse

Nothing fancy here. Just a straight forward, sharp, durable, very reliable machete that gets the job done. Can't get a machete with this quality for double the price.

Joseph
mohegan lake, n.y.

Apr 24, 2014

Pros: Overall Quality, Materials

Cons: Blade Sharpness

ontario machete

very well made

John N
Virginia

Feb 18, 2013

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: None

Exactly the quality one should expect from the Ontario military issue machete. Most important to me was the excellent service from KnifeCenter.

Lou
NY

May 27, 2015

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish

Cons: None

Ontario Military Jungle Machete 18" Blade

I had one issued to me when I first entered the service and used it for on many occasion for a variety of things. It lasted for about 15 Years. It’s a well made product that last a very long time through many different types of conditions.

King56
WA

Jul 19, 2010

Pros: Overall Quality

Cons: None

Great Machete

These Ontario military machetes are awesome, great quality and last forever if treated properly.

Clyde
Rigby, Idaho

Feb 09, 2020

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: None

Cuttin' Line? This is the prime tool.

Sharpens readily with file and stone. Need to brush a line or cut wood, this is the implement I reach for first. It makes quick work of poison oak. It's another one of those Surveyor's Buddies. After 35 years, mines out of action until I replace the scales. Great buy. Out does Tops $100+ unit hands down.

Jorge R
Managua, Nicaragua

Jun 06, 2014

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

The jungle military machete 18" blade is a wonderful tool that will be used in the jungles of Nicaragua, Central America. It's plastic sheath is superior to the leather or nylon one in that wet enviromental. It is easy to get a good sharp and using good tech and good stones you can get razor sharp. Meanwhile I was in Nicaragua I used the original WWII US machete without any complaint.

Steve Ex Navy 81-85 Deer Hunter
NY

Aug 12, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

A FINE AMERICAN CUTTING TOOL !

SHARPEN WITH A NORTON RED HANDLE AND YOUR GOOD UP TO SIX INCHES ... KEEP SHINS CLEAR

Dianne
FT LAUDERDALE, FL

Jan 02, 2015

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT THIS YEAR!

GRANDSON (19 YR) LOVED THE MACHETE - HE CARRIED IT AROUND ALL DAY. THE HIGH TECH RADIO FOR THE VEHICLE TOOK BACK SEAT. I WAS TOLD THE MATERIAL IT IS MADE WITH IS THE BEST AVAILABLE. THANKS FOR YOUR INFO TO REVIEW. THERE WAS NOT A SHEATH WITH THE MACHETE WAS ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT

Michael B.
Boston, MA

Jul 19, 2012

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard

Cons: Handle Material

Great piece of steel

This machete is exactly what it should be. Good steel, well made, no defects in the grain and has a pleasing shape. I used it the day it arrived on a camping trip to see how it held up. Used it to split some oak logs, and although my hatchet was more appropriate for this use, the machete did just fine. Of course, it isn't hardened steel so it doesn't hold much of an edge, but very tough. Look forward to using it in the future.

David
North Carolina

May 07, 2010

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: None

A Real Machete

Finally! A real machete! I'll bet I've been through four of them and I was tired of wasting my money on junk. We live on five wooded acres in NC and I am constantly working to clear overgrowth in our long driveway, around the lawn, and elsewhere. Tree branches, scrub brush, small trees, etc. This machete has the oomph! to pass through all this stuff with one swing. I am one happy guy! It does not come well sharpened nor did I expect it to, but once you hone an edge on it, not much will stop it. Also, FAST SHIPPING! Thank you, Knife Center!

Gerard
manila, philippines

Feb 10, 2018

Pros: Handle Material

Cons: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Blade Sharpness

Ontario Military Jungle Machete 18" Blade

i bought this for clearing heavy vegetation in my farm especially the bamboo foliage. nothing works better than this machete.. reliable and gets the job done..handle issue, yes, needs a little reworks to fit the size of a filipino grip.. i am happy with my purchased and my other order coming soon.

Manolo
Puerto Rico

Mar 22, 2021

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Every prepper need one

Gardening and jungle trips The size very handy Old around is great stuff

Ray H
Suffolk, VA

Jan 02, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: None

Great product for clearing poison ivy

We use this Blade to clear out Poison Ivy from the fence line. It is a great product. I have used a old one for quite some time and it was no longer doing the job. Your products are great.

Ricky R.
Buford, GA

Aug 23, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

A Must Have For Woodsman

I worked as a land surveyor for about 9yrs and a machete was my main tool in the North GA. mountains. A few years into it I ordered this machete from a catalog and I tell you I'll never use anything else! One good sharpening and you're good for two days of thick brush. The steel is alot harder than your average machete, so it will really hold it's edge.

Ter
Ireland

Jul 29, 2009

Pros: Blade Material, Weight, Overall Quality, Finish, Materials

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

Fantastic value

Mil. Spec. Machete, wonderful grade of spring steel,perfect balance, able to take and hold a decent edge. Is a bit heavy for light vegetation,handle gets very slippy from wet vegetation. Only thing i will have to do myself is cord-wrap the hard plastic handle. Fantastic value.

Arrowhead
Richmond VA.

Dec 23, 2009

Pros: Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Handle Material

best money ever spent

I have used this great tool for over 20 years now, and would put it up to any task. 1095 is tough and gets scary sharp in no time. A file or belt sander gets the edge ready in moments. I have used that back of the blade to cut through barb wire to spare the edge. I have taken down trees in less time than a hatchet or hand saw could with my Ontairo. 2nd to none in my book. The fact that the military issues these should tell you something. Get one for yourself and your friends too. -Chris

Traveling Mat
homestead florida

Sep 28, 2009

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

simple and durable

I bought this for a survival kit. It is well made and should last. seems to hold an edge well but comes poorly sharpened and requires a bit of time to put a decent edge on it. The flip side is that it takes a while to dull it also. The handle is slippery and worse when your hand is sweaty. A lanyard hole is present and should be used with a piece of cord wrapped around your wrist. I also suggest putting some athletic tape around the handle.

Steve B.
Peachtree City, GA

Apr 12, 2010

Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material

Machete that works

I use the machete to cut back tall ornamental grasses and clear small trees and brush. The blade is sturdy and takes a beating. It sharpens well too. What I did not like so much was the handle. The grip is a bit awkward. I generally use the tool without gloves. I solved the grip problem by using tennis racket tape, bulking it in certain places. I also bought the sheath for this machete and it works very well.

Benz
Phoenix, AZ

Sep 10, 2013

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard

Very Satisfied

I order this machete to clean the backyard and was very impress about this. Not as sharp when I got it but was able to make it sharp enough where I can cut branches of the trees in the backyard and clean the bushes. I would recommend this Ontario Machete and it is well-balanced tool. The only thing that I added to it is a string that wraps around my wrist.

Joe
seattle, wa

Jul 22, 2009

Pros: Overall Quality, Handle Material, Materials

Cons: Blade Sharpness

needs additional sharpening

The machete overall is good. It's heavy, solid, and seems durable. Maybe a bit too heavy for light vegetation, but has good weight for thick bushes and medium size branches. My only complaint is that the blade is extremely dull. I used a file to sharpen it.

Nick
Southeast Texas

Mar 15, 2014

Pros: None

Cons: None

Great blade...just one flaw.

I am a land surveyor so I make a living using a machete almost every day. This blade goes through brush just like any good blade should but it has one flaw. The handle rivets will work loose and you have to reset them. Now it doesn't bother me that bad which is why I gave it 4 stars but I do wish ontario would do something different. I use to have one of their D-handle models with the molded on handle and it was ok. But even with the handle issue this is still a great blade, especially for the price from knife center. I know places that sell these for $30 to $40. I would definitely recommend this blade to anyone.

Travis
MA

Nov 20, 2015

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

Gonna buy a 2nd

Good quality. Haven't had a chance to use it too much yet but you can tell it's made well. Not super sharp out of the box but that's easy enough to fix. Gonna buy another one for my girlfriend. Doesn't come with a sheath so you'll have to buy one separate. I got the Cold Steel SC97AM18 Latin 18" Machete Sheath and its a perfect fit.

David Dmb
Mungia, Spain

Jul 24, 2010

Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials

Cons: Weight, Blade Sharpness

Great machete!

I must say, i´m quite impressed with the chopping capacity on wood and brush. It´s a tough blade that takes a good edge. Perfect for your garden, camp, and trail although the 12" version would perform better in tighter environments and for longer trails as it is lighter. Very economical for the quality you get. I did, however had to resharpen it, as it doesn´t come sharp at all out of the box. Excellent tool all around. I really recommend this blade.

Will
Macon, GA

Dec 09, 2009

Pros: Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness, Weight, Materials, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Handle Material

A very good product

I bought this machete to replace my dad's. He has used it for many years and finally wore it out. I knew that he wouldn't like a different model. This one seems built to the same tought standards as his old Ontario 1-18 but the handle does not feel as sturdy. I suggest wrapping the handle in something for a better grip. I have not sharpened it yet but I expect the blade to take a great edge just like his old one did.

Johnnyg
Vienna, VA

Sep 10, 2010

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Material, Blade Sharpness

Ontario Military Issue Machete

Used for clearing brush and small limbs on the property-also for extended backwoods-this was purchase to replace an older issue model-The older model had a much better handle-the blade on the new model is still excellent-However the handle on the new issue Ontario is a different plastic of lesser quality-still a great blade for the money-tape the handle and paracord the wrist if using for serious work.

Cornbread
Kentucky

Dec 08, 2022

Pros: None

Cons: None

Lasted 10 years

Great machete. Lasted 10 years of hard use from clearing land cuting cider post to splitting kindling. Only had to tighten rivets.goint to get field machete this time round avoiding the rivet problem.

Honest A
Baltimore

Oct 11, 2012

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Blade Sharpness

Good Value - Great Service

This is a solid, heavy duty machete with good weight and balance. The parkerized finish looks like it would weather any storm. Yes, it's a little rough around the edges, but what do you expect for under $20 - consider the use. The handle is comfortable and the blade has a good working bevel. If it were sharp out of the box I'd give it 5 stars. I ordered it on a Tuesday and received it on Thursday. It was packed as securely as a $100 knife!

Consumer
Virginia

Dec 11, 2010

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material

great buy

Great...just like military issue. Handle could use some taping...

James T
Newport News, VA

Oct 12, 2012

Pros: Blade Material, Materials

Cons: Handle Material

Ontario Machete

I wanted something to use for minor brush cutting (I have a large brush hook for major stuff) and something I could carry easily in the truck. Many years ago I had a military machete, and thought this would be the same. But, the handle on this one is not the hard plastic and is bulkier and more square than the original military machete I had. I ended up reshaping the handle on my belt sander- made it rounder and slimmer. Blade sharpened up nicely on the belt sander, and worked pretty well in cutting brush. It's good as a basic tool, but I was a bit disappointed with the handle.

Sharp
OK

Dec 18, 2010

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials

Cons: Finish, Blade Sharpness

Good value for the $$$

As other reviewers have said, the blade doesn't have the best edge out-of-the-box (some sharpening will make it pop). Perhaps the biggest downside is that the handle isn't particularly ergonomic. If you are going to do hours of brush work, you might want to find a more ergonomic tool. Could you get a better machete? Yes. Can you get a better value? I doubt it. I'd buy it again. Note: this review pertains to the heavier model - not the Econo model.

Cjfdtd
Columbia, MO

Jan 07, 2013

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material

Cons: Sheath/Scabbard, Blade Sharpness

KICK ASS

This thing is pretty much tough as nails. It came duller than any blade I've ever received from an online purchase. I took a lawn mowing file to it, and then I took a lawn mowing file to it, and then I took a lawn mowing file to it, and then I took a lawn mowing file to it, etc.... I ended up using a bench stone (which is a stone wheel on a motor that is fixed to a bench). The file was NOT doing the job at all and didn't make a dent in it what so ever, the steel was just too tough, but the bench stone made short work of it, to say the least. FYI it does not come with a sheath, you will need to order one separately. I bought this as an X-mas gift for my brother and I could not fathom gifting a dull blade

Varmit
Midwest USA

Mar 24, 2011

Pros: Weight, Blade Material

Cons: Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Somewhat disappointing

Seems like a generally well built machete, but the fit and finish on the product was poor. The handle scales were mis-aligned with the tang of the blade, sticking up about 1/8" proud at the top of the grips on the front, and 1/8" out at the bottom rear. The handles shape pretty easily, so some time on my belt sander corrected the issue, but still -- sloppy craftsmanship. The edge grind out of the box looks like it might have been given a passing glance from a grinder before being tossed out the door. A complete reprofiling of the edge was needed right from the get-go. It's probably a quite serviceable blade, but frankly, for the same price range, I'm much more impressed with the Condor machete I got in the same order.

Tendrax
Malden, Ma

Jul 15, 2011

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Blade Sharpness

Solid but dull.

The overall quality of this machete is very nice, but they failed miserably in one key area, the edge. Namely, it doesn't have one. When I took this out of the box the edge was literally flat. Was not sharp in the slightest. They had put the primary bevel on it, but hadn't ground it down enough, or put a secondary bevel on it. I can't stress this enough, what I received was a machete shaped flat piece of steel. Zero cutting edge on it. I've managed to get it vaguely usable with a bit of work, but to get a good edge on this is going to be a decent amount of work. If you want a good machete I suggest you go with a marbles or cold steel machete.

Speedy
Tennessee

Mar 22, 2021

Pros: Weight, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Finish

Cons: Finish

Grip a little too blocky for small hands

I purchased a couple of these because of one I had purchased a couple of decades ago as military surplus. The handle material may be superior but its configuration makes me want to sand on it some and bring it back to the dimensions of the one I initially bought. Blade material is still same thickness with an improved parkerizing finish on it (my original one was blued).

Drew
florida

Jul 29, 2011

Pros: Blade Material

Cons: Overall Quality, Finish, Blade Sharpness

Better products out there

Fit and finish horrible. This is a weekend project. Handles come too fat and mis-aligned with tang. Back of blade is not square. A clean square back has many uses. If you have the time and tools to work on it, it will serve you well. Really all you get is a well heat treated piece of 1095 steel. If you want a finished product buy a condor.

Underwood
Annandale, VA

Apr 04, 2011

Pros: None

Cons: None

This thing blows. I have tried to call the company to return it no luck. I have tried sharpening it, and it is still dull. I would not buy this at all.

We value your privacy

Reviews and Ratings for Ontario Military Jungle Machete 18" Blade - 6145

Customer Reviews

The best for the buck.

great machete

Great Value - Great Tool

great machete

Military worthy

excellent!

Ontario 18in machete

Real Workhorse

still the best

Awesome Machete

Half my order, but Great Quality

Beyond my expectations :D

Excellent workhorse

ontario machete

Ontario Military Jungle Machete 18" Blade

Great Machete

Cuttin' Line? This is the prime tool.

A FINE AMERICAN CUTTING TOOL !

BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT THIS YEAR!

Great piece of steel

A Real Machete

Ontario Military Jungle Machete 18" Blade

Every prepper need one

Great product for clearing poison ivy

A Must Have For Woodsman

Fantastic value

best money ever spent

simple and durable

Machete that works

Very Satisfied

needs additional sharpening

Great blade...just one flaw.

Gonna buy a 2nd

Great machete!

A very good product

Ontario Military Issue Machete

Lasted 10 years

Good Value - Great Service

great buy

Ontario Machete

Good value for the $$$

KICK ASS

Somewhat disappointing

Solid but dull.

Grip a little too blocky for small hands

Better products out there