Bartholomew Roberts
Member
Yes, I've got the Machax myself. I was tempted to sharpen the top of it; but it does make a handy draw knife. It isn't great for hacking through vines necessarily but it is hell on waxleaf and crepe myrtles
http://catalog.mooremaker.com/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=701544
Blade's a little thicker than the Ontario GI machete. Heavier, more than just a brush slasher. Good steel.
Maybe look up some kukuri knives, they usually have the strength and usability you are after.
Not sure where Martindale is made but a friend likes his.
I believe Esee makes US machetes.
I have an RTAC-2. It does have about the mass of a machete, in a slightly shorter package.
"Those are rebadged OKCs."
I've got one of each. They ain't.
It might not be a "Moore Maker" but that don't mean it's OKC. I'm not convinced.