I prefer the fiskars brush thinner. It has a short handle but the blade is like a small version of a kaiser blade.
As far as machetes go one of the best I had was a Collins with a 23" blade.

The smaller version I mentioned is not much heavier than a machete. The biggest mistake folks make is trying to compare the larger (36" - 40") versions to machete work. They will do different things a machete will not do, but will wear out a person because they are heavy and are two hand operations.

That's the reason I get the 30" version. It can be used one handed for small stuff. Two hands and I can make waste of bigger stuff much faster than a machete (less work). I've put on some clinics (at work days at various clubs) before and sold these things for Council. If they would sponsor me, I would do a field day for all you machete guys with a money back guarantee if I didn't change your mind. But it's like my 7 year old not listening to me on how to hit a baseball. You got to use it correctly also. The hook side on the small one has a more pronounced curve, and it will get work done when you get the hang of it. One or two handed.

Bush hook or brush ax

Just what I was thinking too.

kaiser blade is my tool of choice when working in the woods.

Thanks for the great info, Turkey. I'm looking into one of them Kaiser blades, mmm hmmm.

Bank blade...we've always call it a bush hook, or a bush axe. They're great for anything a machete would be useful for and most things a regular axe would be useful for.

For snakes, I prefer a Ruger SP101 with #9 shot.

Clem You can google them but I found a small bush hook that is about the length of an axe and a lot lighter than a full size one. I never go in the woods during the summer with out it. It's light and I carry it like a walking stick.