How to sharpen a Machete.....need info

[smithnwesson]

I just use a straight file, but the key is to sharpen one side and in one direction. I just get a C clamp and clamp it to a 2x4 or 4x4... takes about 5 min and you will be set!

[smithnwesson]

you have to be careful using a grinder because you can put a lot of heat in the blade or take to much meat out...

[ThePap]

you have to be careful using a grinder because you can put a lot of heat in the blade or take to much meat out...

exactly what I was thinkn, I don't want the bench grinder effecting the temper of the steel.

[ThePap]

now I don't need to it be razor sharp, I just like to trim up shooting lanes at the lease.

[smithnwesson]

exactly what I was thinkn, I don't want the bench grinder effecting the temper of the steel.

I have always used a file, easy to use and will keep you from over working yourself haha. Just keep in mind to only sharpen one side and go in one direction. The only time you put the file to the other side is just to knock off any burrs or keep it from rolling which happens on the cheaper blades.

[smithnwesson]

now I don't need to it be razor sharp, I just like to trim up shooting lanes at the lease.

I always "borrow" my Wife's hedger clearing lanes and machete for the bigger stuff.

[flywise]

now I don't need to it be razor sharp, I just like to trim up shooting lanes at the lease.

Well a file is the best option
Hardware store and about 10 bucks
Keep file in your truck to quickly put an edge on it when needed
But if you must have a belt sander i bought a 1" belt sander from harbor freight for i think $35 and belts at hardware store for a couple bucks.
Sharpen my kitchen knives and my ax and mower blades

[ThePap]

I have always used a file, easy to use and will keep you from over working yourself haha. Just keep in mind to only sharpen one side and go in one direction. The only time you put the file to the other side is just to knock off any burrs or keep it from rolling which happens on the cheaper blades.

so basically a file is a file, there is not a coarse or fine file?

[smithnwesson]

so basically a file is a file, there is not a coarse or fine file?

There are 2 sides on a file. I think its called a single and a double, not sure on proper terms but one side is more aggressive than the other. you can get them in different sizes as well.

[smithnwesson]

like this

.

[ThePap]

There are 2 sides on a file. I think its called a single and a double, not sure on proper terms but one side is more aggressive than the other. you can get them in different sizes as well.

so I take it use the double first and single second?

[ThePap]

haha look at us, talkn about sharpening a machete @ 0300!!! rednecks!

[smithnwesson]

so I take it use the double first and single second?

Yes sir, I tried to upload a pic but this computer doesn't like me rite now.

[smithnwesson]

haha look at us, talkn about sharpening a machete @ 0300!!! rednecks!

Rite! I love my Job!

[ThePap]

I love shiftwork!