Sharpening a Machete

[MonkeyDude]

Hey guys I just ordered my first machete. Its a 14" Tramontina Bolo.

I had a few questions regarding what I would need to buy in order to sharpen/maintain it?

Would I be best off ordering a flat mill bastard file, and getting rid of the factory edge?...then just getting something like a diamond rod to hone and maintain it?...or do I have to invest in a whole sharping stone kit?

I haven't sharpened many knives...so I need all the help and advice I can get form you guys

Thank you all very much!

 

[wintermute]

The bastard file will make short work reprofiling a Tram bolo. You're going to see that you need to work a lot more near the heavy end of the blade than the straight section - mine didn't even have any sort of grind in this section. Otherwise I use a cheap lawnmower/axe/machete sharpening puck to sharpen it. They have a coarse side and a fine side. Make sure you use oil. No need to go crazy with diamond hones - Trams are made out of soft steel (which is good for a machete).

Also, you'll find out that the handle can be painful to hold. 15 minutes with some sandpaper to reshape it and it'll be great. a little linseed or tung oil and you're good to go.

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

The Tram is a great little tool. A file is fine for reprofiling. And then maybe a quick go with a stone if you want. I don't go for a shaving edge on my big blades. Oh, and welcome.

Frank

 

[R.H.Clark]

IMHO a flat file is all you will ever need to use on your Tram.

 

[clearytja]

Just to throw this out there...I like to take a scrap of one inch wide wood and staple a strip of leather to it and then use different sheets of sandpaper for a convex style edge. Not the prettiest or most accurate but I can get them pretty sharp!
TC
ps Lately I been loving machetes. Cut a thicker long one down to a nine inch blade. A lot of fun.

 

[GWashington1732]

I use a chef's steel on mine. Keeps them nice and sharp
Plus it makes a nice satisfying "shwwwing!" every time you run it over the edge.

 

[Ankerson]

Just get a Lansky Puck and sharpen it.

Costs $8.00.

 

[MonkeyDude]

That puck looks like a pretty cheap simple way of going about it

So far, this is what I'm thinking of buying to get a really nice edge:

http://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-21862-8-Inch-Bastard-without/dp/B00002N5M9

http://www.amazon.com/Norton-IM100-6-inch-Sharpening-System/dp/B000XK4NG4

and maybe a steel and ceramic rod to hone and straighten the edge?

I'd like to have a really sharp edge...

let me know what you guys think

Thanks!

 

[cziv]

They sell those Nicholsons at Ace Hardware, I use a 6" and then use an old botcher knife steel rod to flatten the mess out. It works for me.

 

[udtjim]

I use the belt sander and Only the belt sander, it is just to easy and effective. Less than one minute per side.

 

[MonkeyDude]

Man...I could make this either really complicated and expensive or simple and cheap

I should do some thinking on this before I make the order...you guys have given me a good starting point though.

Thank you all very much!

 

[Halvis]

Ditto on the beltsander when one is available, flat file in the field.

 

[cb4life_30]

+1 on the puck, thats what I use on my cold steel kukri and it works great.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I use a Nicholson Handy File for initial sharpening, and a DMT Diafold in the field--though with good technique and careful aim you won't often have to touch it up.

I fin that Tramontinas have softer steel than I care for in a machete. Imacasas and Hansas have MUCH better edge retention, and are still easy to sharpen. YMMV.

P.S.--I still think Trams are GREAT for the money. I just prefer other brands.:thumbup:

 

[nc527]

I know I might be a little late, but if you havent ordered anything yet, why not get a 1" beltsander from harbour freight and buy a couple belts? I belive Jantz supply carries them, and the beltsander itself is only about $30.