Help me with my machete design

K

kellygoose

Joined
Aug 22, 2015
Messages
20
I'm making a machete out of some 3/32" 3" wide 0-1 steel... I'm trying to land on a design and can't quite decide.. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the different styles...

I like this one...
mqdefault.webp


I have this kitchen knife, and I think the profile along the top(not sure what that's called) would look really good too..\
il_570xN.393868538_kv5d.jpg


Maybe a blend of the two designs? I'm going to do something much more ergonomical with the handle as well.


Thanks
 
Here's some rough sketches... Thoughts? .... wasnt focused on the handle at all yet just the blade shape..

BCyYqbj.jpg
 
The only issues I see is that it might be heavy to swing after a while. You do want a lot of mass on the cutting end of a machete so as to maximize kenitic energy but at the same time you don't want to strain your wrist sliging it around. It is hard to tell just eyeing the drawing.
Worst case if it is too heavy is you get to make another. Also it appears to be a bit narrow at the handle and might flex a lot.
What steel and heat treat method do you plan on using? Machetes are pretty long.
 
Last edited:
With a swell that broad towards the end, I would want a more pronounced bird's head to keep it secure in a swing.

Zieg
 
kellygoose said:
Here's some rough sketches... Thoughts? .... wasnt focused on the handle at all yet just the blade shape..

BCyYqbj.jpg
Click to expand...

This shape is almost identicle to the Sog Cutlass machete. I have one and dont like it. Too heavy on the swing.
I would go for a golok shaped blade myself. Or maybe a standard machete shape so you dont have to bend down as far to chop.
 
Douglas Thor said:
This shape is almost identicle to the Sog Cutlass machete. I have one and dont like it. Too heavy on the swing.
I would go for a golok shaped blade myself. Or maybe a standard machete shape so you dont have to bend down as far to chop.
Click to expand...

Yea I just looked that one up it is quite similar mine may be even bigger! I do like the golok but it seems kind of ..... old fashioned?... for my taste. I'll try again and come up with something a little lighter on the business end.. Thanks for the reply.
 
"....golok....but it seems kind of ..... old fashioned?... ....."

You are trying to make a knife for chopping brush and small limbs.... maybe for defense....occasionally for cooking and trenching.

This has been thought out well over a millennia, and the ones that work well are all "old fashion".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top