garden jungle.. help!

[ann_h]

Does anyone know where I can get a small machete or similar to clear the extraordinary overgrowth in my back garden? I have tried googling but predictably not helpful!

[KARL]

My first reaction is suspicion that today's overprotective attitudes may make these things virtually unobtainable and probably illegal in Blair's UK (assuming that is where you are). However, if you have also unsuccessfully tried eBay then a reasonably competent blacksmith should be able to make you one in about an hour (short piece of grip sized pipe welded onto a strip og steel sheet fashioned into a blade and sharpened). Alternatively you could ask a traveller from Kenya to bring you a Panga - probably all of �3 in Nairobi - that's where mine came from and is very useful about once a year on average (strictly on vegetation).

[raysparx]

Hi ann, the quickest solution would be to hire a brush cutter for the day, a machette or scythe are hard work if there is a lot to do you would ache in places you didn't know you had, but If yoy want to do it by hand a small scythe would be the beat,you should be able to get one in B& Q or a garden centre, Dont chop your head off, take care, Ray

[Clanad]

Alternately, Google a Nobori Gama Sickle... I've had one for years and it serves many purposes, especially the one you describe...
Here's one source:
http://store.emerysgarden.com/tl433.html

A short handled one is also avialable...

[Thunderbird+]

I checked out Clanads Nobori gama sickle, which looks the 'bees knees' and should beat any machete hands down, especially if you have tough weeds like bramble to contend with. Folks in the UK have been using tools similar to this for yonks, which are usually termed as 'slashers' and as far as i'm aware companies like spear & jackson or bull dog tools are still making them. You can get formidable double handed swing with the long handled version but make sure nobody is standing near-by. Good Luck.

[ann_h]

Yes, it looks pretty good - also like the smithy idea (have horses round here, so might be a local one)

thanks, everyone