Machete.

[4String.]

After yet another rail delivery where the access road was so overgrown that all I could see in my mirrors were hedges and I had to trust to blind luck , I'm pondering buying a machete or something of the like kind.

If Network Rail would spend an hour or two clearing the way, life would be safer, but it's not likely to happen, so can anyone recommend a suitable implement? I already carry a bow saw and some loppers for thicker stuff, but something in the style of a machete might make make reversing the wagon a touch less fraught.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Two cordless chain saws attached to door mirror frames

 

[sako243]

What sort of size branches?

A machete in the classic style unless razor sharp is better at the thicker stuff. Something like a Fijian cane knife might be better suited to the thinner stuff due to the thinner blade. Also has a handy hook on the end for picking up stuff.

I quite like the balance of a Tramontina machete and they're not particularly dear. My one is very similar to the one in that link but I do find the heel of the handle catches the heel of my hand on larger branches. Still mean to take it to a belt sander and smooth off the kick at the back.

 

[Parm]

I think a range of implements may be required as a machete isn't the best tool for everything, despite what the films show

Id suggest a decent pair of secateurs, a bill hook and a machete - this little lot should get you out of most trouble

 

[Seadog]

I can remember the WWII surplus shop used to have them for 5 bob, complete with sheath. I always wanted one but my dad would never buy me one

 

[stuvy]

Electric hedge cutter as a 2 stroke wouldn’t go down well at 2am

and those mirror casings in steel to save the mirrors getting smashed

 

[mtt.tr]

Id buy an 18v hedge trimmer. Why struggle and mechetes are rubbish on small stuff.

As parm said not like the movies

 

[Lazurus]

Dont forget you would have to be able to justify posession if stopped by plod!
Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 makes the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place an offence.In this section public place includes any highway and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access,

 

[chunkolini]

My favourite song about Machetes.
The best rhyming couplet ever? 'No time for a tet a tete can I borrow your Machete'
I always play it before xmas shopping.

 

[Parm]

I can remember the WWII surplus shop used to have them for 5 bob, complete with sheath. I always wanted one but my dad would never buy me one

Ive got one exactly like that with sheath. Its in immaculate condition.

Picked it up for 3 quid at a car boot sale in Barnstaple

 

[Mick Annick]

One of these, handle about 3/4’

 

[Burdekin]

What sort of size branches?

A machete in the classic style unless razor sharp is better at the thicker stuff. Something like a Fijian cane knife might be better suited to the thinner stuff due to the thinner blade. Also has a handy hook on the end for picking up stuff.

I quite like the balance of a Tramontina machete and they're not particularly dear. My one is very similar to the one in that link but I do find the heel of the handle catches the heel of my hand on larger branches. Still mean to take it to a belt sander and smooth off the kick at the back.

Never heard a cane knife being called a Fijian Cane Knife before. Cane is the main industry from my hometown in Oz and every house would have a cane knife. My grandfather was a cane cutter which was he cut cane by hand before the cane harvesters took over. Darn hard work especially in the heat and humidity of North Queensland. A proper wide cane knife makes easy work of a thick bit of cane.

 

[Shox Dr]

I can remember the WWII surplus shop used to have them for 5 bob, complete with sheath. I always wanted one but my dad would never buy me one

Those are still made in England by Martindale. They do a few difference types for clearing foliage

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Dont forget you would have to be able to justify posession if stopped by plod!
Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 makes the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place an offence.In this section public place includes any highway and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access,

Beat me to it - there's always the chance of a 'job's worth' desperate to meet targets, although most would 'get it' and understand?

 

[Tinbasherdan]

Until you slip and knack yourself. It’s not your duty to be cutting back access, and if it’s that overgrown, refuse to tip until it’s sorted/ they provide a banksman to assist

 

[brightspark]

get one of these or similar don't buy a cheapo one the steels crap . I had one and no way would it take a sharp edge http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eB...tegory=151620&pm=1&ds=0&t=1562686282000&ver=0

 

[JEZGUZ]

I've got one of those machete's as well, not the sort of thing to be walking down the high street with

 

[brightspark]

a mate used to work at the skinyard and get nice big machetes sharp as hell with wooden handles used for cutting all the lugs and bits of the raw skins god the town used to stink in summer thousands of skins outside on pallets minging away

 

[Kayos]

It's a 30 year old truck, just ram it through

 

[Cobbler]

a mate used to work at the skinyard and get nice big machetes sharp as hell with wooden handles used for cutting all the lugs and bits of the raw skins god the town used to stink in summer thousands of skins outside on pallets minging away

I had to visit a skin processor for work years ago, as you say, the place was minging, absolutely revolting. The skins were piled up on pallets, stinking & the ground was covered in a fatty slurry. It nearly put me off my sandwiches!