Machete - exercise in futility

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
Just for looks!

Not for sale!!!




Sometimes, you just gotta make something for yourself...."just cuz"... I've always been a fan of machetes...and have never really wanted to make one myself...because they can be had for $10. How could I justify charging more?

Well...I couldn't just let the idea go...and decided to see what would be involved in making one.

Not so sure if I want to try this again...:foot:

The machete has to be thin - this one is 1/8" thick. I wanted it to cut well, so I did a full flat grind. Pure torture. Real fun to heat-treat too. All in all, it turned out better than I though it would. The sandblasted G10 handle is pretty nice and feels great (grippy).


Well....enough chat. Whatcha think?

Machete-1.jpg


Machete-2.jpg



Thanks for looking!

:thumbup:

Dan
 
I think you should name it "the decapitator", looks mean as hell.
 
That is by FAR the nicest machete I've seen. You've clearly exceeded your goal.

I'd like to see how effective it turns out to be ... :D
 
Very, very cool. That is an awesome design. Good job!!:thumbup::thumbup:

A2 steel right?? How does it perform?
 
The edge geometry alone has made this knife a cardboard cuttin' demon. :eek:
 
I'll pay you $50 if you add a sheath! lol.....

nice work. 1/8" is about right....
 
Looks awesome!

You ought to try one in 1/4" full flat, bit more heft but still should cut like a lightsaber.

If you do decide to make these, I'm in!

Larry
 
Dan -

How's the balance? Flexibility? And biggest question - did you have to fold it in half to fit it in the heat treat oven??? :D
 
You guys are killin' me....





Since I had no zombies handy...:D....how 'bout some bread?

Machete1.JPG




Here's the balance:

Machete2.JPG



The blade is practically a fillet knife....:D....well, that might be taking it a bit far, but I can easily deflect the tip about 2" either side - springs right back.


That was the other factor in the size of this knife - what is the maximum that can fit in my oven. It was literally from corner to corner, pressed in at both ends. Which was a huge headache trying to keep it straight. I did the HT on this one. If I ever do something like this again...I'll let Paul Bos mess with it. :D



Can't do it in 1/4" - then it wouldn't be a machete!
 
I love it. It looks very clean and simple. Forget those other guys; I'll take it for $50!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top