I have used a lot of different machetes and I will not address those. But I was very impressed with this one. I bought it to leave at our little hide away campsite in the woods. After using it to do some trail clearing through heavy brush, I suddenly realized I like this better than my rather expensive BucknBear machete. It feel comfortable in the hand and even with wet gloves or bare hands you can still maintain a good grip. It arrived very sharp (for a machete). I have used it slice through 1.75" green limbs in a single pass.After working with it for two days...and cutting a lot of stuff it did require a little touch up on the edge...but this is to be expected. There were no bends, chips or rolled edges...just slightly dull in the last 6" of the blade (the part that did most of the cutting...including roots in the dirt!). A few strokes with a quality flat file and a few passes with a stone to smooth the raw edge left by the file, things were back to normal. I also like the fact that this is a "full tang" machete (the metal part of the blade extends all the way through the handle...much stronger and safer!). Actually...I can find no negatives with this tool.The sheath is adequate but I don't like the fact that one must snap two snaps on the sheath to hold the blade in place. This is because of the curve of the blade. While it's not a deal breaker, access and stowing is bit cumbersome. Thankfully, I usually walk with my machete in my hand so this is not a big deal..but is worthy of noting.As an FYI... I never carry my machete in the "working" position while walking a trail. In the normal position...should you trip and fall that puts the blade in front of and under you. I have found the safest way is to carry it backwards (swap ends). There is an area at the beginning of the blade that is not sharp (look at the stock picture between the handle and shiny part of the blade). I hold it there rather than on the hand grip(also provides better balance...less tiring to carry like this). Basically the blade end is exiting my hand towards my little finger (rather than thumb and first finger...the working position) and that puts the blade pointed outward and to your side (rather than in front of and under you). This provides a much better "balance" for carrying and should you trip and fall the blade will be pointed away from you (towards the side) as you naturally reach for the ground. This is a much safer way to carry it while walking. When it's time to use it, just roll it around to the proper position and begin your cutting duties.Several friends are now using these machete's as well...all are very happy. Be aware there are reviews here with pictures talking about the poor quality of this tool. However, the picture they provided is NOT this machete. Thanks for taking time to read my review. I hope you enjoy this machete as much as I have.UPDATE 07/07/17Several weeks back after returning to my vehicle from a hike through the woods...I laid my machete down. Then drove off and left it! It was a sad day when I realized it was no longer there. OK...time to order another working machete. So, what did I do? I ordered another Elk River machete. That's right...I was happy right up until I lost it! Now I am happy again because I was able to use my new one this past weekend. ...Still happy!