sharpening a machete

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
5,944
got any tips...on hoe sharp it should be and how to get there??? I know it shouldn't be overly sharp (being a chopper) but I'd like to have at least zombie killing sharp....Thanks.
 
I use a file, then maybe a rough ceramic. That usually gets it sharp enough for wood and brush work.
 
Theres no reason for a chopper to not be sharp, but there is reason for it not to have a very acute angle edge.
If its like most.. relatively soft, and very dull, start with a good metal file then move to a medium diamond stone or similar, aiming for something in the 40 degree (total) range, possibly go slightly broader angle if its going to be used more on wood than vines & similar.
Shouldnt be necessary to go past a medium stone.
 
Use a file. mill or smooth. easiest way is to clamp the blade on a board and file from one side. flip and do do other side. then take it out and use the file like a butchers steel and lap the edge.
There are stones available that have handles that are great on big blades, use like a butcher-steel.
Machetes are not as hard as your other knives so you can use a lot of different methods for sharpening. Sand-paper works you can even use a cement sidewalk.
use a steeper angle than you normally do.
 
I forgot, I also use a lawn mower blade shapener. These are cheap and really excell with machetes.
 
I'm sure I'll get yelled at for this , but I just clamp it down and use my belt sander on the single bevel , turn it over and stone or file the back side flat.

Phil
 
I use one of those sharpeners made of tungson and has a Vee shape to it.
Just run it along the blade, it takes all the guess work out of sharpening.
I think Smiths makes them and you can buy them at Wamart.
 
I clamp mine to the edge of my workbench and use a mill file and then finish on a medium diamond stone.

I do like about two inches of super sharp,"scandi" edge down at the base of the blade, I find it very useful to have the blade scary sharp there as it never gets beat up and that is a great place to have sharp for making shavings or for use as a drawknife. I file this in and then use sandpaper to 600 grit and a strop on that part. Mac
 
for my own personal one , it got my home made grinder , then a medium stone , then a fine stone , if Im bored Ill make it shaving sharp .. go thru the stones and strop ... its usually that sharp any way ...

for the ones the kids use , grind em , medium stone , and let the kids run amok ... grind the dents out when they are done .
 
I just use a file, I don't even bother with the coarse stone. About a 35-40 degree angle.

Although, I like 1894's idea.
 
My fav tool for my eastman camp axe and my machete is the Lansky puck sharpener
http://www.knivesplus.com/LK-LPUCK-Lansky-Puck.html
fits the hand well course and medium side (with a little work the medium side will put on a pretty nice edge...now its not shaving sharp but nice for a chopping tool; and if you do want to splt whatever hairs are left on the zombie's head after your done with the course and medium side of the puck just whip out your trusty pocket stone and hone away.
 
oh P.S.
Don't listen to this site I used for referance (they just had a good photo) they are pretty easy to find I got mine at my local Bass pro for like $10. althought this site has a killer price for it I have never heard of them nor ordered from them so I can not speak of there reliability or trust worthiness.
 
most of the guys I work with that use them for line-cutting just use a file ...
 
Run a dremel sanding drum over the edge and then strop it. Shaving sharp in minutes.

Skam
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top