Machete

The Machete is a large cleaver-like cutting tool often used as a weapon. It was the Close-Range weapon of the Medellin Cartel. The Bolo Knife, Cane Knife and Kukri  are machetes of different designs.

Description

The Machete has a long metal blade attached to an often wooden handle. The blade is usually straight with a single cutting edge.

A Medellin Cartel thug with his machete

Use

In many tropical nations, it is used for cutting through undergrowth or for agricultural purposes, and may be used for a variety of oddjobs. Because it is common, it is often associated with uprisings and criminal organizations.

Many cartels mutilate the corpses of their victims as psychological warfare. The "Colombian Necktie" involves the victim having their neck cut open and their tongue pulled through the wound.

Trivia

The nation of Angola has a machete on its national flag.