Are either of these ideas sensible?

[BushEd]

Got a couple of tools i'm looking to modify, but i really know very little about the process, which is sort of why i want to do it

First: I have a double edged machete which i bought from a Masai, problem obviously is that it is double edged which makes it a pickle to work with and frightening. So i was wondering if, using a bench grinder or something, i could take off one of the edges and change the point - changing it from the curved spear shape it is now to something like the shape of a parang like the mears uses. ?????

Second: Got my first proper knife, guess what...its a Mora clipper!! But the handle is just solid red, which isn't to my own aesthetic tastes (tho it really doesnt matter). So would i be able to paint the plastic? Or would it need dying? Or would neither really work and just leave my hands covered in smudges and the handle even uglier than now. ?????

Thanks.

 

[Shewie]

Not sure about reprofiling the blade but I'm sure it could be done a bench grinder and a bit of patience.

If you really don't like the red handle on your Mora there are plastic paints available which would probably do the job. Plasticote is one which comes to mind, B&Q sell it I think. If you get the keying and priming stages right it's pretty good stuff.

 

[FGYT]

yes you can reprofile the machettee as long as you dont over heat the cutting edge it will be fine best would be a big belt sander and a heavy belt

a bench grinder will be oks have a bucket of water handy to keep it cool f needed

you could probably do it by hand with files and wet n dry but may take a while


Dunno if you can do anything about a plastic handle on the mora other than cut it off and fit a differnt one maybe wrap it in string etc

ATB

Duncan

 

[Black Sheep]

Re: the Mora handle.

You could wrap it in tape (cheap option) but i wouldn't go to the trouble of buying plastic paint, just buy another knife it's cheaper

What sort of Mora is it, you could always re-handle it?

Richard

 

[Shewie]

Re: the Mora handle.

You could wrap it in tape (cheap option) but i wouldn't go to the trouble of buying plastic paint, just buy another knife it's cheaper

Richard

Yeah good point Richard, I think the last time I bought plasticote it was about £6 a tin so it's probably more like £8 or £9 now.

Just by another

 

[BushEd]

thats what i was thinking about the mora: any modification or spiffy-fying is pointless when the knives are so cheap. lol

 

[spamel]

Wrap some green hairy string around the handle. At the end of the day, it's for cutting not looking at but I agree with the aesthetics of things. At least with it being red you aren't going to lose it if you accidentally drop it in long grass!

 

[caliban]

I have a double edged machete which i bought from a Masai

Sounds cool, post a pic. You could probably sell it and buy a new machete and a Woodjewel puukko.

 

[BushEd]

Theres the machete, have just quickly sketched on it how i would reshape it...i think

 

[FGYT]

yep no problem grinding i can see even a bit of colour on the back wont matter its a long way from the edge.

i would cut the tip back with an angle grinder to save a lot of work wearing it off

do it on a wet peice of turf and not to deep at a pass pluss a little water to add etc again a bit of colour wont hurt
you could also use teh angel grinder to take the back down fairly quickly
oh if you dont know what your doing with an angel grinder let some one who does do it

ATB

Duncan

 

[Colin.W]

As mentioned earlier to remedy the knife handle you could whip it. I would choose a colour or colours of your choice in cotton or silk thread then seal it with varnish rather than string as it would add more bulk than thread

 

[BushEd]

they sent me the wrong Mora, so i got a new clipper with the black/green handle, much nicer, and i get to keep the red one two knives for £12.

about the machette, is there anyone out there who would be willing to do the work? if so what sort of price would you be looking for? (i realized...i don't know anyone with a bench grinder lol!)

 

[FGYT]

I would do it but you live in Sheffield im sure there must be one or 2 places that can grind a bit of steel

its gonna cost a bit to post it back and fwds

do you know any builder with an angle grinder ?? then finish with wet n dry

ATB

Duncan

 

[BigShot]

You could try asking on the BritishBlades forum. On a site full of custom knifemakers there's a fair chance you'll be able to find someone who'd help you out for less than a fortune.
http://www.britishblades.com/forums/index.php

 

[Bushwhacker]

If the double edge is an issue just file one side to make it blunt.
I don't see the point in going through the hassle of changing the profile, it's not going to make much difference to the business end.
I suppose it depends whether you want to chop things with it or look at it?

My machete is totally blunt on the curve at the end - it was never sharpened when it was made - for its purpose that part of the blade will never see any action anyway.

 

[dp0001]

Could you wrap the plastic handle with paracord or kite string?