Sharpening a machete for the first time. What do I need?

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krow

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Jan 29, 2014
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Apologies if this is already covered somewhere but I spent a few hours searching and didn't find much. Only brand names were mentioned.

I will be receiving an Ontario 1-18 machete in the mail next week.

So my question is, what are the recommend tools needed to get a sharp edge? I understand a file necessary is but I'm not sure which specific type (link to a product page would be good).

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
Welcome to BFC, krow. Most machetes commercially available today feature relatively low tech, high carbon steels. They generally favor toughness and durability over high hardness and strength. Of the various sharpening profiles available to choose from, fully convexed edges tend to optimize performance and edge holding in these softer steels. I would recommend taking some time here researching sharpening techniques that yield this convex edge geometry. There are many to choose from running the gamut from expensive slack belt grinder set-ups to dirt cheap solutions involving simple sheets of sand paper applied over an old mouse pad. Good luck. :)
 
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That didn't really answer my question. I've looked up many techniques including videos on Youtube but none of them say which type of file, stone, etc. I just want to be careful and not buy the wrong thing.
I've also read about grinders being the easiest method but sadly I don't have the money to invest in one right now.
 
krow said:
That didn't really answer my question. I've looked up many techniques including videos on Youtube but none of them say which type of file, stone, etc. I just want to be careful and not buy the wrong thing.
I've also read about grinders being the easiest method but sadly I don't have the money to invest in one right now.
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At the risk of being redundant, we generally try to get a feel for what type of edge profile a person is trying to achieve before we make specific recommendations on hardware simply because different edge profiles often call for different tools and techniques. It wasn't clear from your initial post that you had settled on a particular profile, so I took the liberty of making a suggestion that I thought would work out well for you based on your blade type. If a convex edge is, in fact, something that interests you, then a file or a bench stone could absolutely be made to work. Then again, so could a variety of other materials. Alternatively, if you decided that an easily touched up, 40 degree V bevel was the way to go, then my hardware recommendations would likely change again.

I apologize if it seems I'm being a bit pedantic. In reality, I'm merely trying to ensure that you end up with 1) an edge profile that best suits your needs and 2) the tools and materials that will maintain that edge most efficiently and most cost effectively. In other words, I'm just trying to make sure you "don't buy the wrong thing". ;)
 
Alright so I chose these belts. Any problems or am I good to go?

(1) 1x30-320 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $2.20 $2.20
(1) 1x30-80 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $1.80 $1.80
(1) 1x30-600 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $2.20 $2.20
(1) 1x30-1200 X16 U254 Norax Aluminum Oxide $3.10 $3.10
 
Unless you're going to be using that machete constantly, or sharpening them for other folks, a belt sander is a bit overkill. A single cut mill file, 8" and a leather glove will take care of any rough work that might need to be done. After that a Norton India stone will work fine. As mentioned, most machetes are fairly low RC and can be done with simple tools. You'll want a method that can be taken with you to some extent for field maintenance. A mill file and you can take your pick of dozens of whetstones.

Here's one I did on my sharpening block, method will work for a combination stone such as an India. Compound on some paper wrapped around the same stone can be used just like the finishing method I use in the video. Results might not be as nice as the Washboard, but plenty good for a machete.

[video=youtube;Uidso_8KJ38]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uidso_8KJ38[/video]
 
HeavyHanded said:
Unless you're going to be using that machete constantly, or sharpening them for other folks, a belt sander is a bit overkill.
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Well I actually already decided on and bought the belt sander only.. If by overkill you mean pricy, then it's not a problem. I plan on using the machete every day.
 
krow said:
Well I actually already decided on and bought the belt sander only.. If by overkill you mean pricy, then it's not a problem. I plan on using the machete every day.
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No, I wasn't talking about price, just about set-up and gear. Once the bevel is set the way you want, most machetes are very easy to maintain with minimal gear. And again, being softer metal the relatively larger job of setting the edge angle can be done with a file in very short order. Smaller single cut files can make a very fine edge and repair larger problems all on their own, and can be taken with you on the trail.

Belt sander is a very useful tool, but I would want something light and portable to bring with me in addition. As mentioned in the video, I sometimes bring at a bare minimum, a small chunk of black compound to apply to a straight branch or similar - can strop right on that. Many options with the lower RC tools.

Martin
 
krow said:
Alright so I chose these belts. Any problems or am I good to go?

(1) 1x30-320 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $2.20 $2.20
(1) 1x30-80 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $1.80 $1.80
(1) 1x30-600 CS310X Aluminum Oxide $2.20 $2.20
(1) 1x30-1200 X16 U254 Norax Aluminum Oxide $3.10 $3.10
Click to expand...

That should do very well.

Some might say that the gap between 80 grit and 320 grit is a bit large, but try it out and see how it works. At the RC numbers you'll be dealing with initially, it may not matter. And if worse comes to worse, you can always add in a 150 belt the next time you're reordering.

Just remember to take your time, always keep the blade moving across the belt and dunk the blade in water frequently as you sharpen.
 
Small suggestion, how about a DMC DiaFold diamond sharpener for the field? It folds up to stick it in your pocket and provides a quick touch up for a well sharpened edge. I have a double sided coarse and fine for maintaining my hatchet and find it perfectly adequate for field sharpening. There are a variety of combinations and the beauty of it that your hardware store probably has it.
 
Good job on the belt sander and belt selection. I would strongly suggest getting a surgi-sharp leather belt for your final strop, bur removal and light touch ups. It is a game changer.
The 80 will remove material very fast so you only want to use that for re profiling and severely damaged blades. You can sharpen with a few passes on the 320, then 600 and go strait to the leather strop for a toothier edge or continue from 600 to to 1200 then strop for a finer edge.
Get some cheap knives to practice on and you will be producing shaving sharp edges in no time.
Good luck and be safe

EDIT: Where did you buy your belts?
 
Ehh. The diafold is $10 cheaper at Amazon. Plus free 2 day prime shipping.

Anyways I'll definitely be buying that soon.
 
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