Faulty machete or faulty operator?

[DGray]

Hello. I am new to this site but I think Im in the right place to ask this question. I recently bought a new Hibben IV machete. It didn't come with an edge that was sharp enough for my liking so I've been trying to reshape it with a mill file. I have had success sharpening my axe and knife with a file and whetstone while in the field, but I'm running into some complications with this machete. I admit that I have next to no real expert experience in the realm of blade sharpening. The problem is the file isn't removing ANYTHING in certain areas along the edge of the blade. Its getting really sharp in some areas and in others its barely making a scratch! It is very frustrating! It seems as though the steel is harder in these hard-to-sharpen areas, but there again I have to admit my ignorance in metallurgy. So I don't know if there could be some fault in the tempering of the steel, or if the fault is in my lack of knowledge on machete maintenance. I mean, for my intended purpose the thing doesn't have to be super razor sharp, but it does need to at least be better than the factory edge it came with. I would greatly appreciate any guidance on this. I'm 36 and already balding so I can't really afford to pull any more hair from my head! Which is why I decided to just put it down and ask for some help before I ruin a perfectly cheap but good machete or go completely bald ahead of schedule...or both! Thanks. D. Gray

 

[Razorsharp-Travis]

try the stone, its harder than the file. there is the chance the machete may not have an even temper and may be harder than the file in some spots.

 

[richard j]

i have sharpened a few and i remember one i was sent that had a really good heat treat that a file would not touch when i tested it. you need a belt sander to sharpen it or some sandpaper. if you want some help sharpening it i'll be glad to give you a call if you email me your number. rje196021@gmail.com