Machete advice

[tomongoose]

Hello,

I have made my self a few knives and I want to make a machete now I have an old machine hacksaw blade I am going to use and I will aneal it then cut it out as I have done with the knives. What I need help with is how to temper it. Should I do it the same as a knife ie heat it until its no magnetic then dunk it in oil or will this make it too brittle for a large blade as most machetes seem softer than knifes.

Thanks
Tom

 

[Pict]

I'm a big machete user but that question is beyond my pay grade. I don't make them. A good machete has a good spring temper. I've had them bend out to 25 - 30 degrees batonning through knots and spring back to true. The first time I had it happen my initial thought was "well, that's it for this blade." Didn't even phase it.

 

[tomongoose]

Yeah I am worried if I just temper it the same as knife I will snap it but i will just have a go and see what happens

 

[ged]

Unless it's something I haven't seen before, I fear a machine hacksaw blade might be High Speed Steel and may be too brittle for rough use and probably a bit on the narrow side for a machete. You might be better off with something made with spring steel. A lot of tools of that sort of size (parangs, khukris, machetes) are made from old truck springs. I have a few and they're tough as old boots.

 

[Everything Mac]

Unless it's something I haven't seen before, I fear a machine hacksaw blade might be High Speed Steel and may be too brittle for rough use and probably a bit on the narrow side for a machete. You might be better off with something made with spring steel. A lot of tools of that sort of size (parangs, khukris, machetes) are made from old truck springs. I have a few and they're tough as old boots.

+1

A HSS would be risky IMO. It is fantastic for knives as it takes a wicked edge but I don't know how well it would hold up to rough use.

An old leaf spring would be better.

Andy

 

[tomongoose]

Your right it probably will be hss its plenty big enough for a machete, I might make it anyway not to use just a practice then try and get hold of an old leaf spring

 

[Pict]

I knew an old blacksmith in a village here that would make knives and machetes from old truck springs. He was universally criticized for making the machetes too hard and brittle. I have one of his, totally hammer forged and takes a wicked edge but I can tell it's too hard. I don't use it since he died, it's more of a keepsake.