A machete is a broad blade that can be used like an axe or like a short sword in combat. It is very commonly used to cut through rainforest undergrowth, cutting large foodstuffs (chopping sugar canes, splitting coconuts etc) or performing crude cutting tasks. It is typically characterised by its very long blade mounted on a relatively short handle. Similar looking weapons/tools from other cultures include, seax, kukri, parang and dao.