Where to get a machete sharpened?

S

srmd22

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Oct 19, 2009
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I am okay about touching up edges on my folding knives and my USMC bowie, but this thing is beyond my skill set:

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Can't find a local place that'll do a machete, so I am prepared to send it off. I found a place in Colorado called EdgeMasters - anyone know about them?

Thanks!
 
It is not difficult to do one up with a single cut mill file, C clamp and a workbench or sturdy table. Though items like the Sharpmaker are not the best choice for larger tools, it can be finished off on any stone etc.

That said, I'm in NY and would be happy to do it for you - sharpening machetes is cathartic. Also, member FortyTwoBlades of Baryonyx is in Maine and pretty sure that's a service he offers. There must be other in your neck of the woods as well, in your shoes I'd be trying to keep my shipping cost down or you'll pay more to sharpen it than it's worth (although it isn't worth much with the factory edge anyway)...:)

Martin
 
There are more than a few of us here that could help you out. Send me an email if you like and we can discuss getting that machete to a useable level.
 
I feel like you might be surprised at just how easy a machete is to sharpen up. It might be worth trying yourself before sending it off. A flat file makes quick work of getting an edge, and then honing is a cinch from there if you want to get it really sharp.
 
When I did my CS Kukri machete I got pretty tired after a while even using a really coarse bastard file. I mean it's certainly doable but it's still a lot of work.
 
I might be able to do a passable job if I had the tools (I don't have any files, just various stones), but it would take me 10x as long to do as someone with a lot of experience, and it would not be as good an outcome. Someday, when (if) I ever get more free time I would like to learn, though. Like I said, I can do a passable job on my little folders with a few grades of stone or my spyderco system.
 
The Work sharp, especially Ken Onion edition, excel at sharpening large knives. I can shave with my Tramontina. By the time you send it off and pay for sharpening a couple of times you could probably pay for it. Also useful for a lot of things like axes, scissors, garden tools and smaller knives. Just watch the tips.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-50264-Adjustable-Manual-Sharpener/dp/B007Y15LD4

This thing works extremely well. The CS machetes are set at 14°. What I usually do is grind the initial bevel on the carbide blade, clean it up a bit with the fine ceramic, and then finish with a 20° micro bevel on the ceramic. This immediately cuts off the nasty ragged burr left by the carbide blade and leaves a clean polished cutting edge. You will probably need about ~100 swipe on the ceramic at 20° but it gets the job done. I also often strop the micro bevel just to be sure the bur is gone, but obviously that isn't necessary considering the use of this knife, a few slice through some hardwood and ultra light ceramic passes will do good enough. From there I just maintain the micro bevel with the ceramic and every so often go back and thin the primary. A file and then the use of the fine ceramics would work extremely well too. Honestly though the fineness of the edge off the carbide vs a mill file isn't much different though. It's also great because these things tend to get damaged by hitting hard things and this quickly repairs it.
 
Sounds like you have some options, but if they don't work out, I can sharpen it for ya. Would have to be mailed though.
 
After you get your edge, you will probably want to use a pocket stone or puck to keep it sharp. A good machete is tough but does lose its edge quickly while in use. Good luck!
 
You need to learn how,,, not hard at all ! Once you see what an easy deal it is you'll be saying "Well I be!!" Why did I ever want to send it off!!!???:D besides! It will need touch ups while you use it and sending it off will be very inconvenient!!!!:eek:
 
Fun stuff! I guess I will beat on the thing after I let Jason B sharpen it up, and maybe learn how to maintain and sharpen it myself this summer, for fun. Great advice, and thanks for the offer ricklee4570!
 
Respectfully


"but it would take me 10x as long"
By the time you package it and send it, that is more than ten times

you will use the machete, and you will send it out every time it needs sharpening?
Which means you will think hard about using it as it might get dull

May I suggest you learn how to maintain and sharpen your own tools
There are so many uTubes available that learning how to do it is not a far goal

What is the worst that can happen if you sharpen it?
You do a 'bad' job
Well that is called learning from your mistakes
so you will sharpen it again till you do a passable job
After sharpening it 5 to 10 times you will know how to do it well
 
Cold steel Machete's come with almost no edge and even with a belt sander I will have my work cut out for me. After the stock removal there will me a maintainable edge that srmd22, will have no problem keeping up with any of the methods stated in this thread.
 
neeman said:
Respectfully


"but it would take me 10x as long"
By the time you package it and send it, that is more than ten times

you will use the machete, and you will send it out every time it needs sharpening?
Which means you will think hard about using it as it might get dull

May I suggest you learn how to maintain and sharpen your own tools
There are so many uTubes available that learning how to do it is not a far goal

What is the worst that can happen if you sharpen it?
You do a 'bad' job
Well that is called learning from your mistakes
so you will sharpen it again till you do a passable job
After sharpening it 5 to 10 times you will know how to do it well
Click to expand...

I don't believe you. I think I can pack it and ship it maybe even more then 10x quicker then I can sharpen it. (I believe you about the other part, that after awhile I will pick it up to a passable extent). I have sharpened a few smaller knives, that already had a bit of an edge, and it took me longer (because I suck). I am slowly getting better, but I don't have too much time to dedicate to the skill at the moment.

Jason B. said:
Cold steel Machete's come with almost no edge and even with a belt sander I will have my work cut out for me. After the stock removal there will me a maintainable edge that srmd22, will have no problem keeping up with any of the methods stated in this thread.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Right now this machete is more of a blunt instrument or baton then a blade, lol. I'm all about learning, but all in good time. For now I am sure Jason B. can do a much better job then me until I get some time to allocate fooling with it for awhile. Until then, I'll be able to enjoy a masterfully imparted edge that I can touch up relatively easily as needed.
 
Pick-up a cheap Harbor Freight belt sander, they cost around $50. Many different grits of belts can be found on online, I believe they are 1"x30". You can achieve a hair popping sharp convex grind with one with a little practice. They are a great little sander that track pretty true if you take the time to adjust the tension on the belt properly. Machetes chip and ding with use, and a two minute touch-up on the sander will give you a new edge. If you plan to use your machete, you should definitely consider picking one up.
 
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Cool idea hwyshredder78, I look forward to experimenting with one. I watched a few youtube vids on those awhile back and have always wondered how hard they were to learn to operate.
 
I think you will find it to be a useful tool to have around the house for many things. The videos will definitely help, but you will truly learn with hands-on practice, just have patience. They are a simple machine to operate, cheap, and give great results once you get your technique down, and are useful for rough handle shaping as well.
 
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