More Modified Machetes - Ontario Military

Brian Andrews

Brian Andrews

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
1,659
I promise....I will stop posted pictures of modified machetes. I just thought this was too cool.

I had such good luck modifying the 12" Ontario machete, that I also wanted to try the 18" military version.

This one might be too big to be carried as easy......but it is one bad dude.

IMG_1388.jpg


Same stuff as before. Square spine:

IMG_1384.jpg


Rounded top edge near the end.

IMG_1385.jpg


Convex everywhere.

IMG_1386.jpg


Finally, the scandi grind. I made it 5" long on this version.

IMG_1387.jpg


I was playing with it in my little yard, but I would like to get the two versions out together for a good comparision.

B
 
i asked this last time buti dont think i phraised the question properly. what causes the change in blade coating about 4 inches from the handle? it was the same pattern on the last one, so is it a result of somthing you did or is it just how ontario makes them?
 
Another really nice job. You don't have to stop posting the pictures, it is good to see what other folks are doing. Let us know how the 12" and 18" compare. I was thinking of getting the 18" machete.
 
BarberFobic1992 said:
i asked this last time buti dont think i phraised the question properly. what causes the change in blade coating about 4 inches from the handle? it was the same pattern on the last one, so is it a result of somthing you did or is it just how ontario makes them?
Click to expand...

It is a combination of both. The primary grind that Ontario puts on these is a full flat grind. But, you can see the line where that flat grind stops. When I come in and do a grind with a consistent angle (like the scandi) the part where there is no grind (by Ontario) causes the grind to go deeper in to the metal.

I am not sure if that made sense the way I explained it or not.

On this military version, the blade is plenty long enough that I could have pushed the scandi grind out futher, and kept it even. However, due to the length and balance of this thing, I thought it important to keep the "knife" section as close to the handle as possible. Everything is a trade off, I guess.

Either way, the grind is so sharp, and so narrow (the angle I sharpened at) that you don't really feel any difference when transitioning from one area to the other.

Not sure I explained that well :confused:

B
 
That is one sharp lookin machete. Job well done :thumbup:
 
Amazing job on that machete. I definitely have to get grinder or belt sander and start modding all sorts of cutting instruments.
 
Great job on that machete, Brian. I see that you are getting some good use out of that nice grinder. :thumbup:
 
Lookin' sweet. 18 inches of blade at that thickness is one heavy machete. They look very professional. My scandi edges don't come out looking that good doing them by hand, no way, no how. Mac
 
briangandrews said:
I promise....I will stop posted pictures of modified machetes
Click to expand...

Don't you dare! Then I'd have to drool over things that cost a lot more! :p

Great work on that machete! I really like the idea of having a Scandi grind then convex. How controllable is the 'knife edge' for fine work? Could it be safely and easily used to make fuzz sticks if needed, for instance?
 
Kyp Degal said:
How controllable is the 'knife edge' for fine work? Could it be safely and easily used to make fuzz sticks if needed, for instance?
Click to expand...

Sorry it took so long for me to get back on this.

It is controllable to do that, but it does take some getting used to. It is different then using a 4" knife.

However, an EASY way to do it is hold the machete stationary, and move the stick. It is real easy once you see it.

I was going to make a video on that, but have run out of time. I will try later today.

B
 
How thick are these Ontarios?
Anybody do this to any of the Cold Steel machetes?
I'm thinking of getting one of those 12" Cold Steel machete bowies to mesh around with.
 
tholiver said:
How thick are these Ontarios?
Anybody do this to any of the Cold Steel machetes?
I'm thinking of getting one of those 12" Cold Steel machete bowies to mesh around with.
Click to expand...

I was going to send an Ontario 12" to Brian, but noticed it was a lot thinner than my Ontario beaver tail machete. I contacted Brian about it and he recommended the thicker variety (the ones he carries)...I too could see this given the required thickness to take advantage of the convex grind. Needless to say, Brian has a modified 12" Ontario headed my way:D

ROCK6
 
Both the Camp and Trail Ontario (CT1) and this Military version are .125" thick.

The Cold Steels vary in thickness by the model.

For example, the Panga and Heavy machete is 2mm = .08"

The bolo is 5/64" (which is real close to 2mm. Not sure why they specify them different), etc. That is about how thick most of them look to be. That is about the thickness of the thinner Ontario's too.

Thin is good too. Just depends what you are after.

B
 
briangandrews said:
Sorry it took so long for me to get back on this.

It is controllable to do that, but it does take some getting used to. It is different then using a 4" knife.

However, an EASY way to do it is hold the machete stationary, and move the stick. It is real easy once you see it.

I was going to make a video on that, but have run out of time. I will try later today.

B
Click to expand...

No problem, thanks. Yeah, I can kinda imagine what you mean about moving the stick.

briangandrews said:
Both the Camp and Trail Ontario (CT1) and this Military version are .125" thick.

The Cold Steels vary in thickness by the model.

For example, the Panga and Heavy machete is 2mm = .08"

The bolo is 5/64" (which is real close to 2mm. Not sure why they specify them different), etc. That is about how thick most of them look to be. That is about the thickness of the thinner Ontario's too.

Thin is good too. Just depends what you are after.

B
Click to expand...

Hmm, I've got an old no-name machete (of the hardware store variety) with about a 20"-22" blade that's right around 2mm thick I think. I started re-profiling it with files some time ago, got interrupted and never finished. I need to get that finished. I keep meaning to pick up an 18" Ontario, too. Might have to get one and send it your way one of these days, Brian. ;)
 
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