Bought my first Machete.

marthinus

marthinus

Joined
Dec 10, 2006
Messages
5,969
Well here it is. Bought it today as my axe is being refurbished and needed to trim some branches.

Before I convexed the edge
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After:
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Time to test it:
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At the end of the expedition:
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Now what I have learned. This takes getting use to. After using an axe so long I know where to hit it. Took a few minutes to get the machete sweet spot.

I can understand why this can be a great survival tool. It really is easy to control, not heavy and one can do a lot. I tried to baton some old wood, but it is not made for that IMO. I struggled and used my own Bushcraft knife that worked much better (not as thin).

All and all I think I will have to get myself a proper one. This was less then $10 and the design impressed me. I will have to get a better quality one in future. I will still use an axe on thicker logs, but the machete has its place now for me as part of my survival tools in order to cut thinner branches to workable size for fire kindling as well as making a bow drill. No pics of that sorry, but it failed anyway. Tomorrow is another day.
 
As for battoning... edge profile can mean alot. I don't have a Lasher machete so I can't speak for you but it appears to be a practical design. There IS a definite sweet spot, and you did right in first priority being finding and getting consistant with it. You're also correct in stating there's a certain technique to each machete-the angle of the swing, edge orientation, how much force, how much swing... I think you've got the entire idea down. There's no one perfect machete-they all have their advantages and disadvantages. I'd recommend picking up a few so you can get a feel for your specific niche. I'd definitely pick up a 6 dollar tramontina 14 inch and Bolo... should give you some more perspective. They are thinner stock and come with thin but not fully ground edges.
 
Lasher Tools makes Cold Steel's machetes, so it's not a bad piece. Not my favorite brand, but quite serviceable.

Keep playing with the machete and get the technique down. It's a relaxed pinched grip with the forefinger and thumb that allows you to make rolling snaps with the forward momentum of the blade. In terms of batoning I actually quite like machetes and other thin blades because while it doesn't explode wood apart, it's much easier to sink the blade deeply into the material. :)
 
Thanks for the tips and advice! I had no idea Lasher made CS machete. I bought it because it is one of the VERY few South African companies (supporting local business) everything else is made in china.....When I get a good hang of it I will contact a custom maker in future and get a proper one made.
 
Hi Marthinus - just bought a Lasher Machete today from Agri.
You put an awesome edge on yours :cool:, how did you do it? Did you get someone to do it for you?
 
Where are you located? That'll affect who would be best to do that sort of work for you.
 
Or go to a farm and ask a field worker! They'll be able to give ya' some tips. :)
 
I have a number of Lasher products:- spades, loppers, shears, seccateurs, steel rakes and fork. They have all outlasted the more expensive imported German Gardenia products. Lasher is made locally (in South Africa), they seem well made and absolutely fine for garden work. I had a look at this particular machete a while back, it's OK for what is available in SA. Definately looking to pick up a Condor or KaBar when I travel to the US next month.
 
As you get to using it you will find there are no end of useful jobs that it works for so learning to sharpen it will become second nature in no time. A good sharp file or a two sided sharpening stone that fits in your pockets are all you need. In my area we have no shortage of field stones that vary from granite to sandstone so if I am out and see a suitable stone in a rock pile on a field edge I try it out with some spit and see if it will work. If it makes the field test I may cart it home or I have left them in spots I go back to so I have it there for next time. Don't be shy about learning by experience, we aren't watching you for mistakes and those can be ground out as you improve your sharpening touch.
 
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