Machete Modifications Tutorial Part One
Machete Modifications Tutorial Part One
Machete Modifications Tutorial Part Two
A few years ago I realized that I hated new machetes and much preferred my old worn out ones. I sat down and took a good hard look at my blades to figure out why and discovered that I had been transforming the blades to have a high, flat, sharp edge at the base and a robust convex forward of that. I also had squared off the spine of the machete to make tinder shavings and rounded off the forward portion of the spine because it was tearing up my hand. Ever since I started modifying my new machetes to that configuration from the start I never looked back. This is the process I put my new machetes through, feel free to use it if you think it would work for you. Just remember where you got it.
A little over a year ago I posted my first machete modification video. Since then I have had numerous requests as to how I put the modifications on the blades and how I sharpen a machete. The first part of this two part video shows how to take a new Tramontina 16 inch machete and do the basic file work necessary to put a scandi edge at the base of the blade, convex the forward portion, and create both square and round sections on the spine.
The only tools needed for these mods are a large single cut mill file, two "C" clamps, sandpaper and a work bench. Of course the actual process takes much longer than the video, I eliminated much of the repetitive filing from the video but left in all the steps of the process.
Safety Warning: You do this at your own risk. The process demonstrated involves filing a machete blade towards the edge. That is inherently dangerous, as are machetes, files, and workshops in general. Never leave a machete blade clamped to the edge of a workbench, you run the risk of someone bumping into it. Whenever you stop working, remove the blade from the clamp and place it in a safe location.
The second video (I'll upload it later this week) shows how I correct the grinds and sharpen using a Smith's Tri-Hone. I have found this simple sharpening system to be very useful. The final result is a machete that is sharp along its entire length and gives me a variety of edges to work with in the bush. It is also an edge that I can maintain simply in the bush with a small diamond rod.
Mac
