Re handled Martindale Machete

[warthog1981]

I recently picked up a couple of Martindale Machetes
And I thought Id have a bash at re handling them so I did one and its now got a brown canvas micarta Handle Which is very very comfy in the hand
Here's a few pictures

The top ones got the new handle

Standard handle needs work but still usable

my new one

I,ll mod the other one when I get the time

Cheers Russ

 

[hiho]

very nice

 

[Shewie]

Lovley job Russ, looks grand

 

[Draven]

Nice one, looks much nicer to use now!

 

[pwb]

Looks great .
Nice work.

Have you got a sheath or are you going to make one Russ ?

Cheers,
Pete.

 

[Toddy]

What an improvement Nice one Russ

The other side of the rivets on the original handle were as rough as a badger's situpon. It also had a groove all round where it overhung the metal; guaranteed blisters. Shame too it's a good useful blade and at a very good price.

Much better tool now though

atb,
M

 

[warthog1981]

Hi puub

I,ll be having a go at making a sheath for them to when I find the time

Cheers folks Russ

 

[ForgeCorvus]

Where you get them from? (and how much)
I'm in need of a new weed whacker

That standard handle is just too massive (unless you got hands like shovels), nice job on the mod.....you change the blade profile and outline any?

 

[warthog1981]

Where you get them from? (and how much)
I'm in need of a new weed whacker

That standard handle is just too massive (unless you got hands like shovels), nice job on the mod.....you change the blade profile and outline any?

Try hunting around your local Agricultural supply shops
That's where I picked mine up
And there not expensive Think I paid under a £10 each normally the handles need a bit of work but there a good way to spend a few hours. And you will need to make them a decent sheath to as they normally dont come with one or if they do there not up to much.
I'm planning on putting a few more pictures up when I get around to modding the handle of the other one to let folks see how I do it

I just extended the grind a little down the blade and Tided up the edge a little all done with files doesn't take long. The out lines a little more user friendly now to used a grinder and a flapper disc to do that and shape most of the Micarta handle to

Cheers Russ

 

[Mikey P]

Could I ask, what is micarta? Is it easy to obtain? What are its properties that make it useful for tool handles?

 

[johnnytheboy]

Oh No, I sense another injury looming!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[firecrest]

Good job there, looks much more elegant.

Now....

Lets see you rehandle THIS

I love that picture , you're looking mighty pleased with yourself!

 

[launditch1]

Could I ask, what is micarta? Is it easy to obtain? What are its properties that make it useful for tool handles?

Micarta is lots of layers of material(like canvas,linen..)glued together under pressure.When set it can be cut and polished.

Widely available.

 

[TeeDee]

Mods please remove this if i have broken a rule , ref exteral links or whatever.

Good article on Homegrown Micarta Here.

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21836

 

[warthog1981]

Oh No, I sense another injury looming!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh have a little faith I dont cut myself with all my tools trust me I dont have enough blood in my body for that

Way to many sharps I only have the occasional mishap

 

[warthog1981]

Good job there, looks much more elegant.

Now....

Lets see you rehandle THIS

I love that picture , you're looking mighty pleased with yourself!

Funny you should say that Im picking up some new spear shafts this weekend
It was a lovely pole arm thats in the picture nice solid feel to it

Cheers Russ

 

[warthog1981]

launditch1 Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikey P
Could I ask, what is micarta? Is it easy to obtain? What are its properties that make it useful for tool handles?

Micarta is lots of layers of material(like canvas,linen..)glued together under pressure.When set it can be cut and polished.

Widely available. [/QUOTE]

Exactly what launditch1 said

It give you a really good solid handle which doesn't swell or warp and its nice and grippy if you dont Polish it to much

Cheers Russ

 

[warthog1981]

I just finished its new sheath

Its nothing to fancy but its good and safe and secure

Cheers Russ