I liked your list, especially these two:

Quote:

- cutting up people in movies (I guess you can do it in real life).
- waving in the air during a revolt or government overthrow



<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I about spilled my coffee on my keyboard when I read that..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />


Seriously, I have a machete that's filed to a very keen edge, I thought would make a good and quick trail maintainer. They just don't have enough mass to cut through the really woody vines and brush and instead, glance off and try to kill me.
I've found them pretty useless. Long handled loppers do a much more accurate job up to 1" branches. Past that, a Sierra Saw, or folding Fiskers bow saw makes short work of baseball bat size limbs. Heck, those little saws in Swiss Army knives and Leatherman tools will cut through just about anything including a 2x4 if you take your time. I've got rough cut Sawzall blades that mount in a homemade file handle that work well too....very light weight and also cheap to buy.
I never cut anything when camping. If I do make a fire, there is plenty of deadfall around that crunches right up.
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paul, texas KD5IVP