Cold Steel All Terrain Chopper Machete 16" Blade, Black 1055 Carbon Steel — Weight-Forward, Full-Tang with Cor‑Ex Sheath

The Cold Steel 97TMSTS All Terrain Chopper is a weight-forward, full-tang machete built to deliver axe-like chopping power in a carry-friendly package.

Designed for heavy-duty outdoor work, the ATC (All Terrain Chopper) combines a wide 1055 carbon steel blade, a durable polypropylene handle, and a protective Cor‑Ex sheath to handle clearing, trail work, and survival tasks. Cold Steel’s field testing showed the ATC excels at chopping and cutting in ways typical machetes don’t, thanks to its balance and thickness. Below you’ll find practical answers to common buyer questions along with concrete specs so you can decide if this tool meets your needs.

How does the ATC perform when chopping thick brush and small trees?

The ATC is purposely weight-forward, so the blade carries momentum into each swing for efficient chopping. Its 16-inch, extra-wide blade and 2.8 mm thickness resist bending when striking vines, saplings, and dense brush.

• 16-inch blade length for longer reach and greater cutting arc
• Weight-forward balance that increases chopping force
• 2.8 mm blade thickness to stand up to repeated impact
• 1055 carbon steel provides tough edge retention under heavy use

What materials and construction make the Cold Steel ATC durable?

The machete is full-tang, meaning the steel runs through the handle for maximum strength under load. The blade is 1055 carbon steel with a black baked-on matte finish that helps resist surface corrosion and wear in the field.

• Full-tang construction increases structural integrity and safety
• Polypropylene handle offers a secure, weather-resistant grip
• Black baked-on finish reduces corrosion and glare
• Cor‑Ex sheath protects blade and simplifies carrying

How comfortable and practical is it to carry the ATC during long outings?

Cold Steel designed the included sheath to distribute weight so the ATC can be slung over a shoulder or worn across the back for extended periods without excessive fatigue. At 22.8 ounces, it balances chopping capability with portability.

• Cor‑Ex sheath with weight-distributing carry option for slung or back wear
• 22.8 oz weight strikes a balance between power and transportability
• 6-inch handle length gives room for secure two-handed or one-handed grips
• Sheath secures the blade for safe movement through brush

What can I realistically expect to use this machete for?

The ATC is versatile for campsite preparation, trail clearing, light limbing, and general bushcraft. Its wide blade and pointed tip also allow for slicing, punching through heavy vegetation, and basic survival tasks when a heavier tool is appropriate.

• Camp and trail clearing—vines, brush, and small trees
• Processing kindling and light limbing around basecamp
• General bushcraft tasks such as notching and cordage work
• Safe field carry with the included Cor‑Ex sheath

Who is this for: The Cold Steel 97TMSTS All Terrain Chopper is aimed at outdoorsmen, trail crews, survivalists, and landowners who need a rugged, chopping-capable tool that’s easier to carry than an axe but more powerful than a standard machete. If you want a full-tang, carbon-steel implement with a weight-forward design for heavy clearing work and dependable field use, the ATC is engineered to meet those needs.