Philippine Carabao machete repair & sheath

[moabblade]

I have an old Philippine Carabao handled machete. I got this thing back in the 80's in JEST school (jungle environmental survival training USMC). The Carabao handle is starting to crack. Partly I think from it's original construction and partly from the bone drying out. I need to find out what if anything can be done to repair the handle? Could it be taken apart and glued back together and then re-riveted? Is there anything I can put on the bone to prevent further damage?

And I need a kydex or leather sheath made for it. Unless someone knows a ready made sheath that will fit it. I'd like something that can be attached to MOLLE II gear. On the outside of a pack. The blade (minus the handle) is 12".

Patrick

 

[hatchetjack]

I'd try squirting some epoxy or Gorilla Glue in the cracks then sand with fine sand paper. Nice blade. I have one myself.

 

[me2]

If its full tang, which it appears to be, it wouldn't be much trouble to just take off the old handles and put new ones on in the material of your choice. They can be drilled and pinned using the existing holes in the tang. Knife makers rivets are available on line for a reasonable cost, but you get a bunch. Threaded fasteners of various types are also available, but are more expensive. You can also use smooth rods of brass or stainless steel and peen them or epoxy them in place through the handles. If you use epoxy, score the surface with sandpaper around the pins first. Of course, if you have no tools to speak of, or no place to work, it will be somewhat more difficult. Are you deployed? There are quite a few fine sheath makers here, or you could try it yourself.

 

[hank_rearden]

is it me or does that handle look like painted wood? sorry, i've never seen buffalo horn crack (it's not bone, BTW.)