Handle Filler Material for a Condor Machete?

[22-rimfire]

I have the Condor Puerto Rican machete which has wood handles. There is a gap between the tang and the handle that bugs me when I chop with it. What would be a good filler material that I could use to fill in that space and then sand smooth along the edges of the handles? I want something that hopefully will adhere to both the wood and metal and won't just crack and fall out from impacts using the machete. Looks is less important, but it would be nice if the finished product looked good too. Thanks

 

[baldtaco-II]

I'd mask round with Vaseline and then slide in some sawdust mixed with epoxy to make a putty using a razor blade. Wipe off the excess with acetone.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The easiest method is to contact Rick Jones at Condor and have him send you a new one.

If you mean that the scales stick out past the tang then I'd just sand them down rather than filling the gap.

 

[Stubai]

What I might suggest is liquid metal. This stuff is an amazing two component super glue that really does the job. I have heard of emergency radiator repair with the stuff, JB weld in particular. You can buff it out later although it won't match your wooden handles. Another way to tighten the handles is to do a full replacement. I have taken the handles off, cleaned the metal and then used micarta or carbon fiber that is about the same size as the original grips. You can use a variety of glues out there on the market, but the liquid metal has worked for me. Epoxy is another top flight product. The rivets can be replaced with screws or any number of readily avaiable fastening systems.

Condor also makes a machete that has a polymer grip. After a lot of field use, I vote for this type of handle on the 15 inch Condor Bolo. What a knife! With the low price point on these tools, you might just want to pick one up instead of doing the repair on your current model.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Again, a repair isn't necessary. Feel free to do it if you like, but if you just drop Condor a line they'll be happy to replace it.

 

[22-rimfire]

I really don't want to bother Condor. The handles are tight, they are just larger than the tang. It is not a big deal about doing the work for me. I sanded down the handles a little thinner already but there still is a gap. I'm not unhappy with the machete or Condor.

This is the gap at the top and bottom of the handle (narrow edge of the tang), not on the flat side of the tang.