How to chop with a machete part 1!

Check out Joezilla in our new video with useful tips on how to chop horizontally. The video includes a neat clip showing a Peruvian machete specialist demonstrating great technique.

When cutting woody vegetation, the key is to alternate chops back and forth at a 45 degree angle to remove wedges of wood.



1) Always check to make sure the area within range of your swing is clear and that nobody, or nothing, is standing behind you. Often damage happens when the swing is deflected by an unseen object.

2) For chopping or hacking, you would use the broad, heavy, sweet spot of the machete to generate momentum, aiming to direct force against the object you are trying to chop, much like an ax.

3) To swing your machete:

-Swing down with your whole arm to increase momentum while allowing gravity to aid you.

-Bring your shoulder down so the momentum of your core whips your arm and the tool around to generate added thrust.

-Lead with your elbow.

-Flick the wrist as you make contact at the last second, downward for woody vegetation and upwards for grass and leafy growth.

-If you are tired, rest before continuing. Fatigue produces injuries. Switching hands may be OK, but only if you are decently coordinated with your opposing arm. Try cutting backhand with your weaker arm.

4) Do not hack perpendicularly into the object you are chopping, usually woody vegetation. Hack at a 45 degree angle, alternating between chopping downwards