Don't do it I'm very disappointed

I’m a land surveyor and this is by far the best tool I’ve used for cutting lines. I’ve had mine for a little over two years now and can’t recommend it enough. It feels like a hybrid between a machete and a hatchet with a bill hook for grabbing briars and pulling them out of the way. It comes decently sharp, but I’d say it’s worth your time to hit it with a whetstone. I like the longer handle as well since if you need more control, you can grip it higher but if you need more power, you can grip it lower. My only complaints are that after two years of substantial use, the (rubber?) handle is splitting from being picked at by briars and I’ve not been able to find a replacement for it and also I can’t wear it on my hip which changes how I have to carry my field equipment. All in all it’s a fantastic product for the price.

This is a surprisingly effective tool for breaking down brush. After a two full day-equivalents of constant use, say, it will need sharpening, but to be quite frank, this should be fully expected. Regarding one of the comments about the choice of steel used: If the steel were harder it would have certainly preserved the edge longer, BUT, this would come at the trade-off of making re-sharpening more difficult, particularly if it were case-hardened (making re-sharpening harder and the resulting edge less permanent, too.) All cutting tools need routine maintenance using a file or honing stone, & cetera. Some tools--like the hand saw I purchased several years ago from an ACE outlet--are effectively not maintainable because of the case-hardening preserves its initial longevity, but makes it a disposable product. This tool IS fully maintainable but requires a very small percentage of its use-time to keep it in proper shape. I want to add one more thought: A sharp tool is easier to use as designed, and this becomes a safety issue. Depending on how it is used, safety chaps may be advisable, and this is particularly true with attempting to hack aggressively with a blunt tool. So, carry a whetting stone or other sharpening tool, into the field with you for very demanding jobs, or alternatively, purchase a second brush knife, and sharpen them both when you return to base. In summary, this bush knife is more work-effective and more cost-effective than its alternatives. Perhaps Tractor Supply should include a couple of pages on its correct use to ensure that consumer expectations are fully met. This might include information on maintenance and safety, The tool appears to be marketed to professionals who do not need tutoring, but other purchasers will need some guidance.

Bought to clear hunting trail in East Texas with vines, brush, and small trees.The grip is cushioned, but easy to hold onto with sweaty hands or gloves. I like the hooked design of the blade. I like the shorter length. Con: I wish the plastic holder had an easier way to fasten to pack or waist, but I can make it work. When bought the blade it was so dull it couldn't cut butter. The edge had a rolled over appearance. I spent 30 minutes putting a sharp edge. Really inspect the edge before buying or take the time to pt a good edge on it. Overall, once putting an edge on it I'm glad I got this one. The shorter length makes it easy to pack and control. I would buy again.