Machete's

[newvrod]

I've been toying with the idea of making a machete. I've recently bought one from cold steel, I was MAJORLY disappointed. The very first swing it bent. A good machete is impossible to find. Any ideas on the best type of steel to use?

 

[J.McDonald Knives]

how much experience do you have with making knives?

 

[J.Marsillo]

Look around for an old sawmill blade.I made a machete out of one and I am impressed with it compared to any other machete I have used.

If you use a thin cutoff wheel and an angle grinder you can cut out a profile without re heat treating.Just make sure you dont heat up the steel too much.
Go super slow when grindng in the bevels make a convex or appleseed edge if you can.

After my camping trip memorial day weekend I had to make another one for my friend.
Here's a pre handle pic. I ended up using some rubber I had from conveyor belt skirting and some furniture bolts.

 

[mdoyle]

Joe,
I thought you died! Where you been? Nice machete!
Newvrod:An old leaf spring will work well also and may be easier to find, though you would need someone to heat treat it for you.
Matt Doyle