I do hate the "one-knife-selection" threads as you're absolutely right that there is no magic tool that will do everything...every knife should cut; some will do some tasks better than others and vice versa.
Your selection CPL_BS_88 will handle about any chore you would need with a blade...that's what people need to be looking at is what
selection is best for XYZ location, season or scenario. Skill with those tools is more important as it will maximize the use of what you do have and make your required tasks much more efficient.
Well, I too a few pictures of some of my choppers:
Here are the blades in question:
Now I have a 15" HI AK; pretty standard, but a stout chopper!
D-handled Woodsman Pal
Ontario 12" machete (modified edge that is both Scandi and convex ground)
Here's a shot of the spines:
HI AK is on the far left and is almost 1/2"
The Cold Steel Gurka Kuk right beside it is 5/16"...still pretty massive.
The Woodsman Pal and Ontario (BRKT Mod) are on the far end and quite thin in comparison.
I think it really depends on where you are located, season, what type of vegetation in your immediate AO, what you plan on doing and what you expect to accomplish.
I like the thick blades, but if you're trying to hack your way through very thick/leafy vegetation, you're going to wear your self out. If you have hardwoods/vines that Khukurie or thicker chopper will make a big difference.
Also, most of the machetes are pretty soft...including the Woodsman Pal. Some of the heavier duty choppers have been heat treated for a tougher edge to deal with hard wood and maintain its edge longer.
I have one of Cold Steel's Barong machetes. I must admit for the price it's actually a really good tool. Thicker than a Ontario/Tramontina machete, great edge and sold tang. I'm not big on rubber handles, but they are pretty comfortable but extended use would have to be done with a glove to avoid blisters. I really like it.
Although not typical pointed choppers, Goloks have their place as well and are often good for light or heavy vegetation depending on their design. The Martindale is pretty thin, but the Valiant Golok and Bark River's renditions are pretty thick but have excellent convexed edges that will give hatchets a run for their money on chopping.
I know the Woodsman Pal looks similar to a Khukurie, but the performance isn't even close. The Woodsman Pal really only excels at chopping briar and vines at the base...even into the dirt to chop into the root. Great at clearing, but that's about the limit IMHO.
ROCK6