Living just outside Asheville, North Carolina, means dealing with fast-growing brush and stubborn vines almost all year. I used to switch between heavy loppers and dull blades every weekend. It got old—fast.
So, I started looking for something better. Something that could really keep up with my yard work.
That’s when I found the Fiskars 24–Inch Machete.
At first, I didn’t think it could do much more than light cutting. But after using it for two full seasons, I was surprised—and not just by the blade.
If you’re thinking about getting one, here’s my full Fiskars 24 Inch Machete review. It’s based on real use, and I’ll tell you exactly what you need to know before you buy.
Table of Contents
Quick Look: Fiskars 24-Inch Machete
- Name: Fiskars 24-Inch Machete
- Type: Curved machete with an easy-grip handle
- Best For: Cutting vines, brush, and soft plants
- Price: $35 to $45 (varies by store)
If you live in a place like the Southeast or Pacific Northwest, this tool makes sense. Plants grow fast and thick in these areas. This isn’t a survival tool or a one-size-fits-all blade. But for yard work and trail cleanup, it gets the job done.
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Why I Picked the Fiskars 24-Inch Machete
Before I bought it, I looked at a few classic machetes—even some built for survival. But this one stood out. Not just because of the name. Here’s what caught my eye:
Blade Shape and Finish
I didn’t just want a sharp blade. I needed one that wouldn’t stick in thick plants. The curved edge and rust-free coating looked like a good fit. It promised clean cuts through green growth. That’s exactly what my yard needed.
Handle Comfort
At first, the handle looked weird. But I kept reading about the multi-grip design. Most machetes I’ve used were rough or slippery. This one claimed to be safe, comfy, and easy to hold. The Softgrip® handle made it feel more like a yard tool than a weapon—and that’s what I wanted.
Weight and Balance
Heavy tools wear me out fast. I liked that this one seemed well-balanced. Not too front-heavy. Not too light. At around 2.2 pounds, it looked strong enough to cut—but still easy to swing for a while.
Sheath Included
Lots of machetes in this price range don’t include a case. Or they come with one that’s cheap. Fiskars gives you a nylon sheath with a plastic liner. It felt like a nice extra. I liked the safe storage and easy carry.
What Could Be Better
The Fiskars 24-Inch Machete gets a lot right—but it’s not perfect. A few things stood out after using it:
Dull Out of the Box
The biggest letdown? It came dull. Not just a little—it could barely cut grass. I had to sharpen it before using it on vines. If you don’t have a file or sharpener, this might be a pain.
Not for Thick Wood
It cuts through weeds and vines with no problem. But thick branches? Not great. I tried it on limbs about 1.5 inches wide, and it struggled. For that kind of job, I use a hatchet or a saw instead.
Handle Can’t Be Replaced
The handle feels nice and comfy. But it’s molded to the blade. If it breaks—or if you don’t like it—you can’t swap it out. Some people may want a tool with a handle they can change or fix.
Sheath Could Be Stronger
The sheath is okay for the price. But the belt loop feels weak. I wouldn’t use it for long hikes or hard use. It works fine for short walks or keeping it in the shed, but it’s not super tough.
My Personal Gardening Experience
One spring afternoon, I went after a mess of blackberry vines near the back fence. They had taken over fast. I grabbed the Fiskars 24-Inch Machete—and it cut through them way faster than my old loppers. I used wide, easy swings and felt like I was finally in control. The curved blade didn’t get stuck or drag. That really surprised me.
Another time, I cleared a path at the edge of our woods after a storm. Branches and vines were everywhere. I brought the machete and a small saw, just in case. But for anything soft or under an inch thick, the machete did the job. I never had to use the saw.
Now it’s part of my weekend routine. I use it to cut back kudzu near the shed. I also clear grass and small saplings by the creek. It saves me time and effort. Yard work feels less like a chore and more like real progress.
Who Should Buy This?
If you deal with brush, vines, or soft plants, the Fiskars 24-Inch Machete is a great choice. It’s perfect for light yard work—especially in places like the Southeast, where plants grow fast. It also works well for trails, campsites, or clearing paths near the woods.
This machete is made for people who want a tool that’s easy to use but still strong. You don’t need to be super strong or have a lot of skill. The handle feels more like a garden tool than a weapon. That’s a big plus if you don’t want a scary-looking blade.
But it’s not right for everyone. If you need to cut thick wood or want a survival tool, look elsewhere. This one works best on soft growth—not firewood or big limbs. Also, keep in mind: it comes dull. You’ll need to sharpen it before using it.
Alternative Option to Fiskars 24 Inch Machete
I’ve tried a few machetes over the years—some with great handles, others with better edges. One that stood out as a close contender was the Gerber Gear Gator Machete 25″. It’s different in design and feel, but worth looking at if you want options.
Quick Comparison: Fiskars 24″ vs Gerber Gator 25″
| Feature | Fiskars 24″ Machete | Gerber Gator Machete 25″ |
| Blade Length | 15″ curved cutting edge | 18″ straight blade with sawback |
| Overall Length | 24 inches | 25.7 inches |
| Weight | ~2.2 lbs | 1.1 lbs (18 oz) |
| Blade Material | Hardened steel (unspecified) | High carbon stainless steel |
| Handle Material | Softgrip® over hard plastic | Gator Grip rubber |
| Tang Type | Partial or hidden tang | Likely full tang |
| Sheath Included | Nylon with plastic liner | Standard nylon sheath |
| Cutting Style | Sweeping cuts through brush and vines | Straight cuts + light sawing |
| Best Use | Thick vines, soft brush, garden work | Campsites, light trail work |
| Price Range | $35–$45 | $25–$35 |
My Take on Both
The Fiskars 24-Inch Machete feels like a true yard tool. It’s great for fast-growing vines and heavy green growth. It shines in places like North Carolina or the Pacific Northwest.
The Gerber Gator Machete is more of a do-it-all blade. I’ve used it while camping or clearing light brush. The sawback looks cool, but it’s only useful for small, soft branches. It struggles with thick or dry wood.
If you want long, clean swings and a grip that won’t wear you out, go with the Fiskars. If you want something lighter and more flexible—and you’re okay with sharpening—Gerber is a solid budget pick.
Read More: Fiskars X14 Review
Final Thoughts
The Fiskars 24-Inch Machete isn’t perfect. But it has made my yard work a lot easier. If you deal with fast-growing vines or brush—especially in the Southeast—it’s a smart tool to have. Just make sure to sharpen it before your first use.
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FAQs: Fiskars 24 Inch Machete Review
Is the Fiskars 24-Inch Machete good for yard work?
Yes. It’s great for cutting vines, brush, and soft plants. The curved blade and comfy handle make it easy to use.
Does it come sharp out of the box?
No. Most people say it comes dull. You’ll need to sharpen it before using it on thick vines or brush.
Can it cut small branches or wood?
It works well on soft growth and thin saplings. For thick wood, use a hatchet or saw instead.
What is the handle made of? Can you replace it?
The handle is made of Softgrip® over plastic. It feels nice in the hand but can’t be replaced if it breaks.
How does it compare to other machetes?
It feels better in your hand than most cheap machetes. But it trades sharpness and custom parts for grip and balance.
