Using a file -- Heresy??

B

BLM4L

Joined
Jan 19, 2006
Messages
194
I want to get a decent quality machete. When I lived in Hawaii many moons ago I used to use a file. Does anyone know of a brand or type of file which would be suitable for this purpose, and then followed up with a finer stone?
 
any file should do, the cut is going to determine how much metal you remove. www.actiongear.com still has some Martindale files & sheaths, too bad they're out of the machetes.
 
I believe that any Home Improvement/Hardware store will have a selection of files that will include one or more suitable for tool sharpening.

Nicholson is the generally accepted 'best' brand. You will need a 'single cut-bastard' file, 8,10 or 12 inches long. Some files are sold specifically for sharpening. They will also be single cut-bastard, but will likely have a permanently mounted handle.

Good luck..............frank
 
In my day, the Nicholson was tops. You might find some at a garage sale, but any hardware shop worth their salt will have a small selection for you.
 
A little off topic but can anyone recommend some good brands and sources for machetes?
 
I've had good experiences with Tramontina and Barteaux machetes, not so good with Cold Steel and Ontario. YMMV.

Expect to do a little work (filing, sanding, etc) to get the most out of your machete. Good luck!
 
sources for machetes?
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NOT Big 5! Just 2 days ago I was attempting to cut 3 palm culms apart and used a hammer on the handle. Which broke beyond repair on the 3rd hit.

It is stuck in the palm and in the "green waste" container for them to pick up next Tuesday.
 
BLM4L said:
A little off topic but can anyone recommend some good brands and sources for machetes?
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Check ebay for a deal on a one from the phillipines - I've picked up a couple like that they are some of my favorites. A couple I've picked up were around $40 shipped - also have spent more on a couple... And there is Valiant Trading that sells goloks for around $70 - they sell on ebay also - do a search here before pulling the trigger, there was some posts on them a while back.
 
BLM4L, to maintain my machetes, I use files. I use a double cut file to set the edge at the angle i want, then once the edge is brought together and I have raised a bur I swap to a single cut file and remove the bur. I buy Nicholson, or Simonds files, and I buy 10" or 12". Keep your file clean by loading it with soapstone and cleaning with a file card to prevent gouging your edge. It will also extend the life of your file. To finish i sometimes use a piece of a a grinding wheel that is not to course and go from the heel of the blade to the tip in a small circular motion. Hope that helps some, Joe
 
That does help. I picked up a Nicholson today but no Machetes to be found locally. In this area there is a terminal case of Political Correctness combined with a near fatal does of Sheeple thinking.
 
BLM4L, I am glad that helped. As for the machete recommendation I have been using a few Tramontina models for the past few years. They are great for the price I payed about 8$ apiece. The handles are a little clumsy, but a rasp some sanding, steel wool and a little linseed oil can fix that. A lanyard hole is also an easy and worthwhile addition. Joe
 
I agree,the tramontina's are a great buy,easy to sharpen,hard to break! I had a ontario,I used it and it performed very well it would hold a knife like edge,I broke it they replaced it,so I can't reley say anything negative exept In my opinion the steel might be a little hard for real heavy work,

I have a coldsteel kukri,one of the $15 ones and It seems very sturdy and holds a good edge as well.
 
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