Lite machete shaving sharp

eloreno

eloreno

Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
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I just had great success sharpening my ESEE Lite machete, so I figured I would post this little how to...


I found this technique very easy, and very effective,

This is what you will need:

1 ESEE Lite Machete:


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Some wet dry sandpaper, I used 600, 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit, and it worked like a charm :)


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1 regular old mouse pad:


DSC_1692.jpg



Now you want to place the sandpaper on the mouse pad, and the machete on the sandpaper just like this:


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With the machete flat on the sandpaper, lift it up until the edge just touches the sandpaper like this:


DSC_1689.jpg



Keeping that angle move the machete in a circular motion, while moving up and down the edge of the machete. You do not want to put any pressure on the machete, use only the weight of the blade. You will also have to adjust the angle slightly for the tip area.

The result: :thumbup:


DSC_1696.jpg



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I hope this helps somebody...
 
This makes sharpening a machete seem like a much less daunting task, thanks for the post. I've never managed to get a shave sharp edge with 2000grit sandpaper, I've always had to take it to the strop, guess I just need practice.
 
Thanks for this great tutorial, I really have to try this with my one machete. How much sandpaper did you actually need?
 
Thanks for the info, so there's hope I won't be spending all my hard-earned money on sandpaper^^
 
I did the same thing but used 180, 320, 400, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500. I had to go low grit as it didn't arrive with an edge. I tried up to 2000 but it seemed to somehow get duller than when it came off the 1500, so I put it back on the 1500 and left it. I wish I'd read about your circular movement technique before, as I rounded the edge on mine a few times by just going straight across with edge-trailing strokes. I obviously used too much pressure, but it didn't feel like it as I was sharpening:confused:. I eventually got it up to snuff, shaving, in fact, but it took me MUCH longer than your 20 minutes. Add an hour... at least:o. But, like I said, it was a butter knife when it arrived, so I don't feel too bad. It is a great feeling of accomplishment, isn't it? Thanks for the pics and advice.
 
Great idea, im gonna go do that with my cold steel machete.

I just cut off branches and processed two giant pine trees in my yard. I sharpened it with a file but i plan on getting it really sharp now!

Also, the Cold steel latin machete is a great deal. It performs well and I bought it for 9 dollars at yourcornerstore.com.The sheath was about 6 dollars, also +shipping. I plan on some day getting the ESEE lite machete though.
 
I would like to try this. Am too cheap to spend the -$15 on sand paper :P

Why do you need 4 types of sand paper? Do you do step number "Keeping that angle move the machete in a circular motion, while moving up and down the edge of the machete. You do not want to put any pressure on the machete, use only the weight of the blade. You will also have to adjust the angle slightly for the tip area." with each type of sand paper?

Thanks
 
Awesome. A very big, shaving sharp knife is just cool. My Junglas is like that. I should get a Lite Machete someday, but I'm holding out for the Survival Spork, toothbrush, shovel, and hatchet that Mike and Jeff promised all of us they would be making...
 
I'm so glad you did that. And took the pic of the angle of the edge. So many PPL need gagets, when all you need is an eye for the edge like you just have shown. Great way for a big blade. And the pics will help out new stone users as well. Very well done. Thanks edgy :thumbup:
 
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