Make Your Machete High Performance!

Nice job HD! I have a satin 12" one in process with no handles. I plan on putting micarta slabs on and shaping them.

Fun stuff!

B
 
briangandrews said:
Nice job HD! I have a satin 12" one in process with no handles. I plan on putting micarta slabs on and shaping them.

Fun stuff!

B
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Darn, I need a shop! My sun room and back porch are cluttered with sanders and sanding belts. I would love to have the equipment to put some nice wood or micarta scales on it, just to see how much time and money I can put into a cheap machete! :D
 
Bark river does the same thing to ontario machetes, can't remember the price though.
 
tabeeb762 said:
Condor machetes from El Salvador come with a nice convex edge. They're made from 420HC but they should have a few carbon models coming out soon
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The Condors are very nice. They do have beautiful convex edges, too, but they cost about twice as much as the Ontario. Still cheaper than buying a belt sander and doing it yourself. I have done a few machetes and other knives for folks. I just enjoy doing it, I guess.
 
A belt sander is a good investment, though, I use my dads a lot. Unfortunatley you can only get 80 grit wood belts around here.
 
Liam Ryan said:
A belt sander is a good investment, though, I use my dads a lot. Unfortunatley you can only get 80 grit wood belts around here.
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Won't Lee Valley ship to you up there? They have a good selection of belts.

Liam Ryan said:
Bark river does the same thing to ontario machetes, can't remember the price though.
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I like the bark river ones. But, I have been doing other mods to mine, in addition to satin and convex.

Modified Ontario

Modified Ontario Military

B
 
Always enjoy your reviews HDog. Very thorough and you get results that challenge conventional wisdom. Thanks and keep em coming. :thumbup:
 
Horn Dog said:
I need to get busy on the yard, but just for fun, I'm going out back to compare the chopping of the machete to my Battle Mistress. The FBM is heavier, so it has an advantage in chopping, but we will see how the modded machete does. I'll post the pics when I'm done.
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Could you post some pics of how you hold the machete or battle mistress to the belt sander while sanding? Also how much pressure do you apply to the blade while sanding?
 
WVHILLS said:
Could you post some pics of how you hold the machete or battle mistress to the belt sander while sanding? Also how much pressure do you apply to the blade while sanding?
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Well, I'd love to, but I am alone most of the time. I need both hands on the knife. I use light pressure most of the time, but what is "light"? There have been some tutorials posted on BF somewhere, I sure. Maybe next time my girlfriend comes over I can have her take some pics of me sharpening. I have been using the edge leading method on the convex grinds lately, and it is working well for me.
 
Horn Dog said:
Well, I'd love to, but I am alone most of the time. I need both hands on the knife. I use light pressure most of the time, but what is "light"? There have been some tutorials posted on BF somewhere, I sure. Maybe next time my girlfriend comes over I can have her take some pics of me sharpening. I have been using the edge leading method on the convex grinds lately, and it is working well for me.
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My mistake:o, I didn't actually mean take a picture while you were sanding, I meant of the angle you use while sanding. The sander doesn't need to be on. It's just so I can see where the belt is in relation to the blade.
 
WV, I use different pressures, different places on the belt, and different angles, depending on what I'm trying to do. Generally I'll be working about midway between the wheels and about a 15 to 20 degree angle. But if I want less curve in the convex, I'll reduce pressure and work nearer the top wheel for less flex. There is a lot of trial and error and "feel" to doing this. I learned on cheap machetes. In fact, I still doing machetes! But I have used it on expensive knives with good results. Next time I'm out there in day light, I'll get a pic for you.
 
Horn Dog said:
WV, I use different pressures, different places on the belt, and different angles, depending on what I'm trying to do. Generally I'll be working about midway between the wheels and about a 15 to 20 degree angle. But if I want less curve in the convex, I'll reduce pressure and work nearer the top wheel for less flex. There is a lot of trial and error and "feel" to doing this. I learned on cheap machetes. In fact, I still doing machetes! But I have used it on expensive knives with good results. Next time I'm out there in day light, I'll get a pic for you.
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Thanks! I'm thinking of picking up a Harbor Freight belt sander so this topic interests me greatly.
 
I have done a lot with the Harbor Freight. Some folks berate it, but it works much better than the expensive Chipping Away Ultimate sharpener I foolishly bought. The Delta is smooth and heavy duty. I like it a lot.
 
Liam Ryan said:
Bark river does the same thing to ontario machetes, can't remember the price though.
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I have one of those. Mine has the black canvas micarta handle. It is one sweet machete, but mine was about $150. The Bark River was my inspiration. Now if I can get some nice handles on it, I'm almost there. BRKT did a great job on theirs. Great balance and handling.
sheath004.jpg
 
Good write up Vic. :thumbup:

I too was surprised to see how well a properly convexed Ontario Machete would chop.

It’s eye opening, the machete becomes a whole different tool. :cool:
 
I have a good belt sander but often just use files for machetes and tools because I tend to do a better job.

Sorry to hear your new sander did not work out ,damn Canadians!

Yes Lee Valley do ship good belts.

I like the Cold Steel machete's as well.
 
RescueRiley said:
get a cheap machete and send it to siguy
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Or if he is too busy, send it to me. :D It is like a whole different knife with a good convex edge. Long live cheap machetes!

Unsub, I like the Cold Steel machetes, too. Their steel is tough and holds a wicked edge. :thumbup: I haven't given up on the Chipping Away Knife sharpener yet. I'm getting some help on their forum. Darned Canadians are a friendly lot.
 
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