Machete for general field use??

[jeff_c]

I recently got one. I know that they are primarily for jungle use... but I felt like I just "needed" one.

Now that I have it I think I over bought. I got an 18". I was thinking "bigger must be better" lol.

Any thoughts on a Machete for field use?

(I think I should have gone with a 12"-16"). lol

[Rick]

Search for Picts posts on machetes. He uses them all the time and has covered most of the questions including a unique way of sharpening them.

You might also google for a "corn knife" for field use.

[Ole WV Coot]

Search for Picts posts on machetes. He uses them all the time and has covered most of the questions including a unique way of sharpening them.

You might also google for a "corn knife" for field use.

I had all of mine sharpened but resharpened the way Pict described and found I use it much more. I like the 18" Ontario I have had for 40yrs with little use until I tried his method. For what it's worth I highly recommend Pict's method. I still keep mine on the ATV but find I seem to need it more now.:clap:

[jeff_c]

Was this the gentleman that did the Youtube video? the one that discusses 5 usable surfaces on the tool? I believe he said he was in Brazil but was from Indiana perhaps?


I had all of mine sharpened but resharpened the way Pict described and found I use it much more. I like the 18" Ontario I have had for 40yrs with little use until I tried his method. For what it's worth I highly recommend Pict's method. I still keep mine on the ATV but find I seem to need it more now.:clap:

[crashdive123]

Was this the gentleman that did the Youtube video? the one that discusses 5 usable surfaces on the tool? I believe he said he was in Brazil but was from Indiana perhaps?

Yep, that's the guy. He's currently in the northeast for a spell before he heads back to Brazil.

[Pict]

Jeff,

That is my video your mentioned. What brand 18" did you buy? The longer machetes are real workhorses but the longer they get he more specialized as well. For general wilderness survival and bushcraft use in North America I mainly use the 12 inch Ontario.

The mods I put on the blade just kind of evolved from the variety of tasks I use the machete for. I didn't start out with "modifications" in mind. Every time I would sharpen my machete the base would get thinner and higher and the forward part more and more convex. I was doing it on purpose but not really thinking about it. I found that I preferred my old worn out machetes, the new ones didn't handle as well. I sat down and took a good hard look at the machetes I had been using for a long time and decided to make the new ones look just like them (minus the wear and tear).

Now I mod any machete I buy that I plan to use for bushcraft. The 12 inch Ontario really lends itself to this. I don't bother to mod the long blades (18" and longer) as they are really for specific tasks like clearing land and a convex is good enough. Mac

ETA - I do normally live in Brazil but I'm in PA this year.

[jeff_c]

Hey brother...

I have the 18 inch from Ontario Knife. It has the saw back (ugg).

So what do you think of those Tramontina wood handled tools? Worth the 6.00? I think I would like a 12-14 better. I think I saw on one forum where you mentioned the Bola as a better tool? Can you elaborate?

Finally, A question on the 90 degree flat grind. Can that be done with a file or would I need a bench grinder?

I guess what I am asking the "Machete Guy" :) if you could have only one and money WAS an object (LOL). Whats the best, most useful field machete for North America?

THANKS!


Jeff,

That is my video your mentioned. What brand 18" did you buy? The longer machetes are real workhorses but the longer they get he more specialized as well. For general wilderness survival and bushcraft use in North America I mainly use the 12 inch Ontario.

The mods I put on the blade just kind of evolved from the variety of tasks I use the machete for. I didn't start out with "modifications" in mind. Every time I would sharpen my machete the base would get thinner and higher and the forward part more and more convex. I was doing it on purpose but not really thinking about it. I found that I preferred my old worn out machetes, the new ones didn't handle as well. I sat down and took a good hard look at the machetes I had been using for a long time and decided to make the new ones look just like them (minus the wear and tear).

Now I mod any machete I buy that I plan to use for bushcraft. The 12 inch Ontario really lends itself to this. I don't bother to mod the long blades (18" and longer) as they are really for specific tasks like clearing land and a convex is good enough. Mac

ETA - I do normally live in Brazil but I'm in PA this year.