Best method to sharpen a machete?

T

Treepointer

Joined
Mar 3, 2008
Messages
1
Hi guys,

I have a Cold Steel machete and I'd like to put a sharp utility edge on it.
What is the best method/technique for this type of blade?

I have a Lansky Puck as well as a regular Lansky set which I use for most blades.
 
The traditional method it to sharpen a machete with a file !
 
I use sandpaper. gives a good convex edge. start with a really low grit.
 
The best way to sharpen a machete, or any other blade, is with a Harbor Freight 1x30" belt grinder and an assortment of belts from Lee Valley!

Total cost for the "system" is around $60, and in minutes you can be putting scary sharp convex edges on anything.

Seriously. :thumbup:
 
A file works very well, like Mete says. The steel in a machete is soft enough that just about anything will work. And because it's relatively soft, there isn't the same advantage to trying to achieve a very high level of sharpness like there is with a knife. Plus using a file or coarse abrasive gives a toothier edge that grabs better and cuts quite well in the typical sweeping-chopping type action used to clear brush or do most work for which a machete is appropriate.
 
With a little practice I'd say a file would be the way to go. I might buy a cheaper machete to "practice" on. But I've played around with sharpening axes/hatchet/broadheads with files. It's amazing what results you can get. (I'm not good enough to have any consistency with a file though...but every now and then I do something right by sheer luck)
 
The number one choice across most of the world is a file, with a chunk of whatever local coarse sandstone is handy being the #2 choice.
 
Definately the file if you EVER want to see it get sharp. Just be sure to sharpen out, AWAY from the edge...trust me...

If you want hit it with a coarse stone after that. But I've found that anything but a file is a waste of time on my CS Panga (save for a power sander).
 
Grampa said:
The best way to sharpen a machete, or any other blade, is with a Harbor Freight 1x30" belt grinder and an assortment of belts from Lee Valley! Total cost for the "system" is around $60, and in minutes you can be putting scary sharp convex edges on anything. Seriously. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Yup, if you like sharp edges save yourself a lot of time and get the sander. With some 40/120/320/500/1000 belts then the leather belt with green compound you can get a razor sharp mirror finish.

Lansky is a great system if all you have is smaller blades. Don't be like me and ruin your wrists using it on larger stuff. Go for the sander.
 
Treepointer said:
I have a Lansky Puck as well as a regular Lansky set which I use for most blades.
Click to expand...

Go with the file for establishing a bevel; then clean up the bevel with the coarse side and finish with the fine side of the puck. You can also use the puck for touch-ups.
I'd never go with a toothy edge on a chopping tool, because polished edges last so much longer when chopping. Polishing the edge should not be hard considering the soft steel.

Ookami
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top