Un-Sharpenable Machete's

[IntrepidStu]

Im pretty good with knifes of the carbon steel type, but I cant seem to put anywhere near an edge on 2 new mqachetes I have. Im a bit angry at "Ronnie Sunshines" actualy as they advertised their machete as "very sharp" and it was totaly blunt.

Anyway, Ive tried very course stones (some cheap stones as well as good quality Japanese stones) and the diamond side of my DC4 but it seems that there is not even the begginnings of an edge to sharpen.

I would appreciate ANY suggestions on what to use, and possibly where to buy it, to put at least an angle on the edge so that I can then use the stones to get a razor finish.

What do knife makers use to get the angle??

Cheers folks.
Stu.

 

[Nagual]

Have you contacted "Ronnie Sunshines" to see if he can address the issue? I always try and ask the supplier first to give them a chance at repairing their image. If you have what was his reply?

Nag.

 

[Traper]

If it's that bad try to use a file to create a correct angle.

 

[Graham_S]

coarse grade wet and dry and a mouse mat.
I've sharpened an old machete with a 2mm thick cutting edge to hair popping sharpness with it.
you also could use a metal file to set the edge.

 

[IntrepidStu]

Any particular fineness of file.

I think Ill contact Ronnie Sunshine now.

 

[IntrepidStu]

They say to send it back for a full refund. Nice, Ive used up most of my DC3 and now have to relevel my Axe stone, but hey..Ill at least get the money back I paid for the machete.

Why cant people check the goods before sending them. The website said "very very sharp".....what a load of rubbish. Im now well out of pocket and will have to mess around sending it back. Last time for me with Ronnie I think......

Suggestions still wanted for the other machete though.

 

[Graham_S]

I'd start off with a *******, move up to second cut, then use fine.
file in the same direction (at 45deg from perpendicular to the edge) then switch by 90 deg with each file.
file until you can't see the tool marks from the previous direction.
once you've done the fine file, put it on a mouse mat with wet 'n dry.
I'd use around a 180 grit to start and move up to a 220 then 400 to finish.
remember to strop the blade when you've finished.

*edit* it seems the filter doesn't like the name of a rough file.
b*stard file is a technical term dammit!

 

[IntrepidStu]

I was going to ask what the hell a ****** file was. do tou know where I can get these files from??

Stu.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Files from http://www.axminster.co.uk/ or http://www.cromwell.co.uk/

and for those that don't know it was a "b a s t a r d cut" file

You might find a local hardware store that sells Nicholson files, they are pretty good too. The single cut "Mill Saw" files are really good for near finished sharpening of softer chopping tools. Martindale make such a thing as a Farmers File for working their machetes.

As for Ronny. I still haven't been to look at his place, despite it being between where I live and where I work. I guess I am just put off by some of the stuff he sells and his way of describing stuff.

 

[crazydave]

electric sander and red paper, belt is best but orbital works get the edge then polish it up.

 

[IntrepidStu]

3 swiss flat files ordered from Axminster: B**tard; Second cut; and Smooth.

Cheers for all your help guys, I very nearly bought a bench grinder (you never know, I still might).

Stu

 

[Diligence]

ummm....silly question perhaps, but why on earth are you trying to get a hair popping edge on a machete?...the only ones I've used have been roughly sharpened with a file at a rather abrupt angle. It's simply just more robust that way. Ding it on a rock, resharpen, ding it on whatever you are hacking away at, resharpen...

..regarding the advertising that it was "very sharp"....that's so subjective that I usually ignore statements regarding differing levels of "sharp"...my sharp is not the seller's sharp (usually).

Cheers,
D
PS..glad to hear you got your money back....

 

[IntrepidStu]

ummm....silly question perhaps, but why on earth are you trying to get a hair popping edge on a machete?...the only ones I've used have been roughly sharpened with a file at a rather abrupt angle. It's simply just more robust that way. Ding it on a rock, resharpen, ding it on whatever you are hacking away at, resharpen...

..regarding the advertising that it was "very sharp"....that's so subjective that I usually ignore statements regarding differing levels of "sharp"...my sharp is not the seller's sharp (usually).

Cheers,
D
PS..glad to hear you got your money back....

I do agree that sharp "can" be subjective, but only to a minimum amount. No one would call a spoon sharp, but this machete was duller than this. A machete is a "cutting tool" and so should be sold being sharp enough to cut something....anything. would you be happy buying a totaly blunt (to most peoples standard) knife??

I have already said that it doesnt have to be razor sharp along ALL its length. The part that takes the most punishment should have an edge to cater for this, but up near the handle you can have it "hair shaving" sharp so that jobs such as feathering a stick can be performed.

Im not going to send it back as its too much messing around. Im going to use it to learn how to sharpen the tougher kind of metals and different grinds. I simply wont buy any more sharps from this store.

 

[Schwert]

I don't think I have ever seen a machete for sale that I would consider sharp. Most of them seem only to have some suggestion of edge angle.....and many I have seen it is hard to tell the spine from the edge in many spots along it.

A good session with a file is to be expected....and repeated often as used in my view. I don't think there is much reason to go much beyond a file.

 

[shawn]

you might try the lansky puck sharpener http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=LSPK
using a circular motion, it removes chips and dings quickly, then finish off the burr with a few diagonal strokes, produces a great working edge on my cold steel and tramontina machetes

 

[crazydave]

I often find knives described as sharp but only if you want to whittle mashed potatoes. I've chopped trees down with a spade before so although an edge helps you can beat your way though it if you havent got one.

I'd still do the sander trick even with files as it polishes an edge on it, if you get a bench grinder then look for one with a wet wheel on it.

 

[Graham_S]

I put a heavy convex edge on machetes.
The edge is tough and robust enough to last but will still shave hair off my arm.
A sharp edge is more likely to bite into the wood whereas a blunt edge can bounce or glance off the target.

 

[novembeRain]

I used an angle grinder with sanding pad on mine recently as I had the same problem. To be honest, I didn't go any further than that - it's sharper than it ever was and keeps it's edge so it'll do! I don't use it for much other than bashing vegetation out of the way and it's plenty sharp enough for that.

 

[Diligence]

would you be happy buying a totaly blunt (to most peoples standard) knife??

Just a quick follow-up....well, yes, actually I would buy a knife that is blunt. I have done so in the past, as I just accept the fact that I will be resharpening the blade anyway. Just means more effort in some cases.

Not much call for machetes in Northern Canada, but I have used them for line clearing and willow removal....I much prefer my axe however. Some bill hooks that cut on the pull stroke work well with willows too.

Good luck with the sharpening. I wonder what hardness your machete is? I would reckon it's in the 48-52 Rc range - i.e. pretty soft. I'd be interested to hear how well the sharpened (popping sharp) edge holds up under use.

D

 

[IntrepidStu]

Just a quick follow-up....well, yes, actually I would buy a knife that is blunt. I have done so in the past, as I just accept the fact that I will be resharpening the blade anyway. Just means more effort in some cases.

Not much call for machetes in Northern Canada, but I have used them for line clearing and willow removal....I much prefer my axe however. Some bill hooks that cut on the pull stroke work well with willows too.

Good luck with the sharpening. I wonder what hardness your machete is? I would reckon it's in the 48-52 Rc range - i.e. pretty soft. I'd be interested to hear how well the sharpened (popping sharp) edge holds up under use.

D

It will probably hold up as well as all my other sharps mate, VERY WELL.
Stop trying to be sarcastic. You have contributed nothing toward answering my question that has not already been asked and answered

Sharp doesnt neccesarily mean a flat grind, If you want blunt tools mate then go for it, but personaly I like mine sharp. You obviously know better than everyone else, so ill leave you to it.