Machette mod idea?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
771
Just wanted to run this by you folks before attempting it and get some input.

I use machetes a lot to rough out self bows among other things.So far I like a 14" best because of the lighter weight but some times more heft would be useful.

The other day I was experimenting with the feel of a 18" Tram when held just above the handle on the blade.I'm about to grind and install a longer handle section.In effect making a double handle.I think I could choke up for delicate work and lengthen for a power swing.What do you guys think?

I'm about to get high speed internet so maby some pictures will be possible soon.

Thanks
Randy
 
I do like a slightly longer handle then many machetes have, but then again I also like to use the area right in front of the handle.

Also a really long handle will affect the overall feel and balance of the tool, only trial and error will show what works for you.

If I where to do it, I might try a hand and a half design, not too big to throw off the balance or limit close in work, but enough to choke up on.

Just a little food for thought.




Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream
 
The only possible downside I can think of would be the excess handle weight while you are choking up. But, otherwise, it sounds great.
 
The only possible downside I can think of would be the excess handle weight while you are choking up. But, otherwise, it sounds great.
Click to expand...

I am not sure what extra weight you are talking about? I think he intends to use the unsharpened portion in front of the handle scales and make longer scales. At least that is the way I read it, but I could be wrong. Are you talking about the balance of the knife?

I like the idea of being able to get two hands on a larger knife. Hand and a half is a good idea.
 
valcas1 said:
I am not sure what extra weight you are talking about? I think he intends to use the unsharpened portion in front of the handle scales and make longer scales. At least that is the way I read it, but I could be wrong. Are you talking about the balance of the knife?
Click to expand...

Yea, I got that. My point is that, with the double handle, assume that you are choking up, as in, you have your hand on the front end of the handle (not on the blade), then you will still have about 4 inches or so of handle protruding from the other side. that protruding portion of handle it going to, possibly, throw off the balance. Does that make more sense?
 
The cool thing about machetes is that you can afford to experiment and it won't break the bank. I have a 13 inch Saico machete that has a very long handle and I find myself doing much the same thing when working with it. I hold it all the way down at the end when chopping and choked up when using the base of the edge.

That's why I went with two different edge grinds on my modified machetes. For chopping stuff down I wanted a convex edge out at the sweet spot and when choked up working with the base of the blade I find a scandi grind more useful. With a machete you have lots of room to play with and if you screw it up you can always redo the edge, it's a six dollar tool. Mac
 
I don't have any experience with a machete, unlike Pict.

But, I do really like the "hand and a half" handle. My Bill Siegle Cutlass has that, and it is really nice to be able to have a couple different grips in one handle....

From choked up to way out, and all the positions between.

Marion

PS - Took some pictures, for examples....

Normal Handle....

inhand_c_1024.jpg


Hand and a Half Handle....

inhand2_c_1024.jpg


M
 
Last edited:
I appreciate the input .Going to do a double handle next week and see,as mentioned not too much of an investment.
 
RH..Nice to see you Bud... I recently had a machete modded to include a usable finger choil. Makes it a much more usable for fine workas I can use the choil to choke up.
 
I would also try for the handle and a half idea first. You don't want too much handle that you can't handle it as you would want. However, with the price of most machetes, you could always try and see if you like it, and not be upset if it doesn't work.
 
Over 20 years ago while in high school, I cut the plastic handle off of a Wal-mart 'special' machete and attached part of a sledge-hammer handle to it - of course, this made it a tad longer than hand-and-a-half. For a power stroke, it was great - I was lopping off limbs without any resistance. Never really used it for anything else; had it sitting in a corner until I got my Cold Steel Kukri last month, then I took the picture below:
IMG_0222.jpg


The balance point is located about 1 1/2 inches above the handle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top