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 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 second video 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.

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[trextrextrex]

First of all how the heck did you get to Brazil?

Secondly I didnt see the 16" version for sale 14" and 18"

[Colhane]

@trextrextrex I am a Baptist missionary here. The Latin pattern Tramontina is made from 10 to 20+ inches in two inch increments. For some reason the 16 inch is hard to find in the US. If you really have to have that length you could always cut an 18 to the same profile.

[RnW93]

i have a 10 inch khukuri with a convex edge all the way along the blade, and it's a bastard to sharpen, but thanks to your video, you've saved me a huge amount of trouble, thanks sir!

[Colhane]

@RnW93 What method are you using to sharpen it?

[darkelf0172]

where did you buy the leather and what is the brand of the sharpninh stone you use

[Colhane]

@darkelf0172 I live in Brazil and buy my leather locally. The sharpening stones are a Smith's Tri-Hone and a EZ-Lap diamond stone IIRC

[Verolasz]

parebéns mac!

[trextrextrex]

@Colhane Thanks so much. I was buying 16" based on your rec. I live in Tennessee so maybe a heavier one would be best but for that price I would like to try your mods anyway. I will look around for the 16" and if not will go with 18"

[tganzrussell]

Love you Machete Modifications Tutorial videos. Great quality and so informative. Great job.

[victorenois]

muito bom seu tutorial entendi mais ou menos pois sou brasileiro e não falo nada de inglês por favor se der pra fazer um em português eu ficaria muito grato!!! obrigado amigo!!!

[RnW93]

@Colhane i was using course grit sandpaper on a flat surface, then grinding it in a circular motion, then after i feel it's at a good working edge, i switch to finer grit, then i hone it on soft leather, then oil it, but the blade is pretty hard, and takes a while to sharpen, not sure what grade carbon it is, but it's made from a leaf spring.

[gustavopaivacm]

Ola Mac.Poderia fazer um vídeo igual esse mas em português, ensinando modificações no facão e técnicas de amolar.Mesmo não entendendo nada adorei esse vídeo e seus tantos outros.

Valeu.