Kabar Cutlass Machete

The Ka-Bar Cutlass Machete bridges the gap between a full-size machete and a heavy-duty fixed blade, giving bushcrafters, preppers, and overlanders a compact chopping tool that works in tight cover where a longer blade gets hung up. The forward-belly cutlass profile loads every swing into the blade's widest point for efficient chopping, brush clearing, and limb work without the fatigue of swinging a full-length chopper.

Blade work comes from an 11-inch SK5 high-carbon steel blade with a hollow grind and the distinctive cutlass shape Ka-Bar drew from naval boarding blades. SK5 is a Japanese tool steel in the same family as 1080, valued in choppers because it runs tough at a softer working hardness of 52 to 54 HRC rather than chasing edge retention. That spec translates to field reality: easy to sharpen on a pocket stone, resistant to chipping when batoning kindling or clearing hardwood saplings, and quick to bite in on the first swing. The non-reflective black coating sheds sap and keeps the non-stainless blade from flash-rusting in humid conditions. Wipe it down with a light oil after use and it will patina in honestly.

The TPR handle contours to the hand with a palm swell and aggressive texturing, staying grippy through sweat, rain, and game blood. A generous guard stops hand slide without fouling close-quarters work, and a lanyard hole anchors a wrist loop for the heaviest chops. A Cordura and leather combination sheath with an articulating belt loop rides comfortably on a hip or pack strap.

For anyone building out a survival, hunting, or camp kit, the Cutlass splits the difference between a bushcraft knife and a full-size machete and earns its place on the belt. Pair it with a quality sharpening stone to keep the SK5 edge in working shape.

1. Specs:
2. Overall Length: 16.5" (419mm)
3. Blade Length: 11" (279mm)
4. Blade Steel: SK5
5. Handle Material: TPR
6. Weight: 17.6oz
7. Country of Origin: Taiwan