Tramontina SS-BRK-TT522 TT522 Machete, One Size

This thing is a real work horse. It's not overly pretty (not why I bought it), the edge needs to be worked on before getting to serious work (so did my old one) but as it's carbon steel, it doesn't take long. Once you have your edge ground to your liking, it's very easy to maintain. I blazed a new 100 yard trail through a spruce / fir / pine forest in about 15 minutes, which would have likely taken an hour with an axe.Why the 5 stars? Unlike some jokes of machetes purchased at a local box store, this one doesn't bend when used. The edge doesn't twist or distort when subjected to torsion from a missed strike, and the handle doesn't break because the tang is full.For those who complain about the coating and sharpness: the blade is dip coated in a shellac (or some kind of varnish) to prevent it from rusting because it's not stainless but carbon steel (a good thing, much easier to sharpen and more durable). This coating scratches easily and often pools on the tip because it's dipped, where some have concluded the tip is broken... this is not the case. Also, the tip and blade are not razor sharp, again as others remark, and that's for a very good reason: safety during shipping and handling. These are meant for serious use (unlike 90% of the others online and in stores). If you don't like the coating, remove it (and oil it unless you want rust). If you don't like the edge, change it AS YOU SHOULD to make it specific for your use. If you don't know how to do this, then you should either find someone who can, or learn how.I had one of these as a kid and was impossible to destroy. That was many many moons ago. I was in need of a replacement as the old one's location has been unknown for about 20 years, I therefore settled on this one and sharpened it. I then went to work cleared some trees, branches, and a couple rocks my mistake. The rocks did some minor damage to the blade but 5 minutes with the file (remember it's carbon steel not stainless to which the latter is often hard to sharpen well) and it's hair popping sharp, just as I remember from my childhood.My only complaint is a minor one, and that's the handle. As I wear gloves so it's not really a problem but with bare hands, I think it would cause blisters quite quickly vs wood. One thing I DO like about the plastic handle though, is the hook on the end; it's far easier to keep in the hand vs the wooden one, which makes it easier to manage with gloves.In summary, if you want something that looks mean, sharp out of the box, and pretty, some soft rubbery handle material, and never plan on cutting anything serious, look somewhere else. If you want a serious tool, one that will take some substantial use and abuse, one that is worthy of being your trusty and reliable friend for a very very long time (assuming you know how to maintain a tool like this, i.e. sharpening and some light oil to keep it from rusting once the coating wears off), this is the one.

I've used Machete's off and on my entire life for clearing brush so I think I'm qualified to say I at least know what I'm talking about when I review one. Frankly, I don't know what Mr. Bump is talking about I used this for a couple of hours the other day and I can say very easily that this is one of, if not, the best machete I've ever had the pleasure of using. As to the Stamped steel remark, what matters is the quality of the steel and it's edge holding ability. I sliced through stuff other machetes would take several whacks to get through, in one stroke. I was really impressed. And the edge held up through the entire time and was pretty much just as sharp at the end as it was when I started. The sticker as mentioned by someone else here or in another Tramontina Machete review is easily removed with WD-40. How you can give this thing 2 stars is beyond me. I'd disregard that review. As to the handle I've used many "cheap" machetes with plastic handle. This one gave me no issues and I never felt as though it was going to break at any time I used it. I bought this one and the Tramontina Machete Wood Handle 26621/018 machete at the same time. I actually like this one better for clearing brush because of the long blade. You have a much greater mechanical advantage. This might not work for smaller people, but I liked it. I almost always wear thick heavy leather gloves when using a machete. Unless you wield one daily they can leave some serious blisters. That said the wood-handled version will probably need a lot of sanding to even be workable with gloves. But the beauty of that is you can make that one actually fit "your" hand. This one seemed perfect right out of the box. It is front heavy make no mistake. But for clearing heavy brush it was perfect for me.Update: 12/7/15I recently bought the 24" model of this and I can't say I'm overly impressed with it. It appears to be made the same way, but it just doesn't seem to work for me. I'm a big guy 6' 1" 250 lbs but this thing just feels too heavy and I found myself going back to using the 22" the model I reviewed above. I'm still just as impressed with it. I'm kind of disappointed about the 24" model. But I plan to give it another go between now and next summer. I have a lot of brush that needs clearing so they both will get a workout.The most impressive thing with these blades is the edge holding ability. I bought a Cold steel 97MKM Magnum Kukri last year and just about destroyed the blade already. I've used the 22" one about as much and you can barely tell I've used it. No nicks, I haven't even had to sharpen it. The Cold Steel blade needs a total regrind with a more ax-like edge. Which I hope toughens it some. It's almost useless at the moment with all the nicks and broken out parts of the edge. I like the shape of its blade but the steel was a big disappointment. It has a lot of great reviews which I don't get?Update 12/619I just wanted to add 4 years later still a great Machete. I have nothing interesting to add to the review and that is a good thing for a knife. It is still just as useful as the day I bought it no chips or rolling of the blade. It gets a workout every year. Don't even think twice just buy this Machete you won't regret it.

These are some excellent machetes. For the price, its pretty much impossible to beat a Tramontina. I like this model because of the 22 inch blade. I can cut plants near the ground without hunching over due to the longer than usual blade. Only downside is it is harder to transport this machete around. Its too long to put in any of my backpacks so for longer hikes I usually bring a shorter machete. Be aware, it does not come with a sheath, but amazon has some 22 inch sheaths that you can order.It is worth noting that my machete arrived nice and sharp and was ready to be used right out of the box. In fact, while attempting to remove the stubborn sticker that was stuck to the blade I slipped and cut my finger pretty good. D'oh.

great machete have put to hard use holding up very well

I have 3 Tramontina machetes now, and they all perform wonderfully.This is the longest, but not the heaviest, so it is actually easier for me to wield than I expected. It is lighter than the slightly shorter but thicker wood-handled one.It has an edge out of the box, but not a very sharp one. As with most machetes, you are expected to sharpen it at least a little beforehand, and of course periodically during use.I got this on sale for around $15. Can't beat it!It's a solid well made tool, from people who know all about real machete use.