Tramontina mods, making it work.

Md 25v

Md 25v

Joined
Jun 11, 2008
Messages
1,409
Let me start by saying that I love Tramontina machetes. You can get just about any style for $6 and they are made of of very decent carbon steel. I look at the Tram as a blank canvas, to be turned into whatever machete you can envision. I recently made an order from Smokey Mountain and I always throw a Tram or two in the cart before I finish out the order. This time I got the standard pattern 14 in machete because I wanted one that I could make into a short golok type knife. When it arrived it was in the usual Tramontina quality, squared splintery handles, a dull uneven grind that doesn't even go all the way to the end, etc... But then what do you expect for $6.

Here is an overview of the machete as I received it.

calvertcliffs003.jpg


Here is the uneven poor fitting handle

calvertcliffs004.jpg


And here is the grind that stops over an inch from the end leaving no edge or bevel. This part was already planned to be cut off for my golok design.

calvertcliffs007.jpg


This is the handle after I rounded it out, smoothed it down to the spine, and burned it for some character.

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The convexed edge.

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And here is my finished Tram golok.

Tram-postmod002.jpg


I have modded a couple dozen Trams over the years but they never last long. Not because they wear out, they actually have strong, flexible blades with good carbon steel. I can't hold onto them because I end up giving them away. Everyone that uses them thinks they are the best bang for buck machete out there, as long a your willing to do a little work when you get it.
 
Looks Great! I agree. Trams are fun to Mod, and very nice when complete. You did a great job!
 
Thanks, I think half the reason I'm so willing to give them away is because it gives me an excuse to buy and mod some more.
 
Forgot to add. The patina is surface discoloration form doing light limbing on a cherry tree and slashing green briar. I don't clean my machetes for the first couple uses unless they get wet so they get a natural patina.
 
If you want a real interesting purple :eek: one try cutting some red maple branches! :D
 
Nice job, Md 25v.

I used to spray paint my machete blades with Trem Clad (a rust proof paint).

It would wear off in places that saw use, but these areas stayed clear of rust because of the use.

Doc
 
That looks like a useful blade.

I did a similar mod to a an 18 inch heavy birds beak handle Tramontina.

img3332hq8.jpg

This is what I started with...

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This is what I made out of it. I haven't used it yet much because I'm being lazy about making a sheath for it. I'm not satisfied with the cord wrap in the middle. It came with a wire wrap but that wasn't tight enough for me. I really like the shape and balance of this one though. Mac
 
I usually just make a flat sheath out of PVC for the cheaper machetes. But then again I'm lazy.

Tram-postmod001.jpg
 
Nice mods to the Tram. I am placing a SMKW order soon, definitely getting another one.
 
Nice golok! I love to mess with Tramontinas. Usually I am content to put a nice convex edge on them and smooth the handle some. They are the Moras of chopperdom. You can't go wrong with a Tram machete. They are light and fast. And cheap!
 
Awesome work! :cool:

I've modded a few machetes before- mostly Ontarios- and I have an armload of old, mostly military, machetes awaiting refurbishment/restoration. Once I get set up to do some work again, I'm planning on messing around with some Trams, and tinkering with a few PVC sheath ideas.

Again, cool mod! :thumbup:
 
Those PVC sheaths are fun. That what i have my tram in. I covered it in some olive drab fabric and lashed a pilots survival knife to mine, it is quite a rig.
 
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