Why are factory machete's only 45-48 HRC?

[tallwingedgoat]

Is this the ideal hardness for machetes or something? Several manufacturers have the same stats on their machetes.

 

[Mike Hull]

I dont know about ideal,but it works.A high rockwell hardness,like in custom blades ie:58-62 would not be practical.Hard to sharpen in the field,not to mention what the result to the blade would be from hitting rocks,the ground,and other unsavory surfaces.Machetes are generally inexpensive both to make or buy.people that use them on a daily basis,say in South America,tend to sharpen them on whatever is handy,rocks,w/files etc.,& when they get worn down too much to effectively chop,they use them for kitchen or utility knives.

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MJH

 

[mikeS]

Abuse.

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Sola Fide

 

[Ironhorse]

...Ontario Knives, who supply the Armed Services, are about 56-57RC and are 1095 steel, and I have really abused them in tests and have never!! had one chip on the blade,my S.American matchetes Rockwell one or two degree's lower, some inferior matchetes,(steel used,ex:420j2, low carbon, poor heat treating,) can't be hardened that high easily, thus, no long edge holding ability...Ironhorse...