How To Sharpen a Machete

[@possumkingproductionsmike8089]

Smartest words I've heard in ages about sharpening axes, hatchets, and machetes. Thanks. Well done.

[@MacheteSpecialists]

Possum King Productions thanks for the awesome feedback Possum King.

[@catmandont100]

Pretty much what I had to say...Good advice.

[@อรรถพงษ์ฉายวิไล]

​@@MacheteSpecialists😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😊😅😅😅😊😅

[@cellerfeller1474]

I really helps if you sit in low light and let the sun or a light shine over your shoulder. Imagine the knife is a violin and the file the bow. Look for a line of light along the edge of the blade. File the light off. For the wire edge you can flip your file and use the steel handle to gently rub the edge to take the wire off. Tip comes from a third generation axe handle maker who could carve a pole axe handle from start to finish in 6 minutes! He used a tough working edge not a razor edge. This really works.

[@aviark]

Wise common sense. I'm grateful to have found this video, and it equips the listeners to give a sound answer to questions they might encounter.

[@CrabDaddy78]

I sharpened one how you did in this video then cleared out so much you'd think a bush hog did it. It stayed sharp for 2 months... been giving it h3ll too. You know what you're talking about. Great instructions and tips. Thanks!

[@dakotabussell4990]

Thanks for the video!! My father and grandfather both died when I was very young so I missed out on a lot of things. Thanks for being a good teacher

[@griffgaming6391]

From all the machete guys I've seen in this search you seem the most normal

[@MacheteSpecialists]

Thanks man. Pretty normal guy, just trying to share information.

[@Mr71paul71]

Yes most of the machete videos are loons in their mother gardens hacking up sheets of paper or their mothers prize rosebushes !!! Its a shame this amazing tool attracts so many crazies

[@LouWeZee.]

That's funny Haha

[@LouWeZee.]

That's funny Haha

[@claytonbigsby6975]

lol

[@jorgefernandez6407]

EXCELLENT video for a novice like me! Just started knife collecting and have acquired a few sword-chete's. I have an old machete to practice with and I'll certainly be watching your videos!!!

[@JBKNL]

Thanks for explaining. Last time I sharpened some machetes was years ago. In my home country we don't really use them. Recently my brother gifted an old used one. Really needs some sharpening. You explain it greatly and very calmly. Nicely done friend!

[@bryanblais7416]

Excellent video. Well structured and organized. This was the first video I watched after googling machete sharpening and the only one I watched . No need to view any other videos, this one covered it all. Thanks for video.

[@JohnnyD3223]

After all the excessively hyperbolic vids I've watched, this one is the most common sense. I appreciate that.

[@carmensolamanga8829]

Absolutely agreed! 🙂 Think for what you use your tool and sharpen it according your needs! I always carry a file to sharpen my machete in the field. Using a machete is: tough work, you're tired, its hot, sharpen it the smart way.

[@SpeedXcosmO]

Higly helpful, on point and very good knowledge! Thanks alot, feel like I got flying past 10yrs of trial and error and saved my first blade from needless abuse! Thank you!🙏🇪🇪

[@BKeithAbyss]

This was SO much more informative than I anticipated. Great job. Liked and subscribed.

[@Jay_Hendrix]

Just bought my first machete, this video has been a huge help ❤️‍🔥

[@skwidfingaz]

This is the best video I have found for sharpening my Machete. Thank you

[@fakasi]

I just received my Ontario and these tips will be helpful for sure, thank you!

[@unitedstatesdale]

Excellent post. Consider owning 2 machetes One for specific duty work and one for self defense. The latter sharpened for slashing thru heavy material such as leather jackets etc.

[@scouttrooperhh-1487]

So over 30° angle?

[@koejoe]

So what angle for slashing thru leather ?

[@swayback7375]

My pro tip after several generations of farming, keep a small file in your back pocket and ever so often give your tool a couple licks with it, it’ll help maintain the edge much better, but mainly it means you’re always working with a tool that’s stays sharper so you work less… every motion adds up to a long day, so staying sharp keeps you in better shape too! Also it decreases chances for error, since your tool stays sharp instead of starting sharp and getting fuller and harder to use as the day goes on

[@daviddc7906]

This video taught me a lot thank you so much!

[@allahgod298]

Great advice,weakens the knife line, vulnerable to chips and gouges 👌💯

[@RickReedPhD]

I've got three old machetes used for brush clearing. What do I need to restore/sharpen them? I saw the mill file and the canoe file. Do I also need the Smith's sharpener?

[@rene1000]

Just came across this video. Im from central america we own a farm and machetes are a daily tool. Campesinos use them for almost everything, everybody likes them sharp. Ive never in my life seen someone hold a machete like that to sharpen it tho lol. Also that thing you call a canoe file is what we normally use to break in a new machete and give it a start during the very first sharpening. After that m a triangle file is used to resharpen and maintain. Once or twice ive seen mill files used but only when nothing else is available.

[@davidmt23]

Interesting comment, thanks for more info

[@bava01]

I've used machetes for service work, bushcraft, and even simple yard clearing and depending on the task the machete a use has the appropriate edge. There are a ton of videos, most giving poor information, out there but this is very accurate. I use files and pucks in shop or field.

[@ranedae]

Thank you! I am learning about sharpening blades and have an old machete I will restore and give to my son. Having detailed information on degrees based on application is exactly what I needed! No 12 yo really needs a razor sharp machete!

[@adriancatoe5276]

Thank you. Seven years late, but this was a great video. Thank you so so much.

[@Bill-wr9om]

Recommendations for sharpening a machete strictly for opening coconuts? 32°? Med coarse file?

[@ryanearl5191]

Thank you so much this is the best guide I have found for sharpening machetes

[@paddlermikebus]

Excellent information. Thanks for the detail. I have just ordered my first machete to use for brush and saplings around my property. I have, however, been using a couple of European soft steel scythes for several years. For bench sharpening, I peen the scythe blade (strike the edge with a peening hammer), both to shape and temper it. In the field, however, I use a stone that looks like the canoe file stone in your video. I use it about every 10 minutes while scything (mostly tall swamp grass). The stones come in textures from fine to course depending on how sharp you want to go and what type of blade you are using. I carry the stone in a metal sheath attached to my belt that holds water and keeps it wet. I am wondering if my scything stones will work as a canoe file stone -- or if they are, in fact, the same thing? I generally use the narrower edges of the stone for sharpening rather then the broader front and back. Any comments? I'd love to hear your response. I'm a 76 year old newcomer to machetes.

[@FortyTwoBlades]

Peening the scythe doesn't temper it, but rather work hardens it. This does increase edge stability, making it less prone to rolling (it increases its resistance to plastic deformation) but it does not improve its resistance to abrasive wear. What is referred to as a "canoe file stone" here is a conventional synthetic scythe stone. The Carborundum company called it a No. 198 pattern, though in the USA many scythe stones have a flattened oval cross section in a bar-like format, and the canoe-shaped variety was often called an "all purpose" stone or a "lawn and garden" stone, though ultimately it is still one of several patterns of scythe stone.

[@Hyperborea1618033988]

by far the best sharpening tutorial out there... thanks for sharing all this information!!!

[@pinkfluffypottato2866]

Thanks, this really helped out cause my machete got real dull over heavy usage. Ima try have about 34° angle.

[@MacFyrestone]

This is definitely some great advice because I had no idea about angles, I just knew I was going to use my Good machete for cutting stuff where i know it's just weeds, small twigs, and briers and a cheaper, harbor freight machete just for chopping near the ground or where im unsure of what's hidden in the brush. Knowing about angles makes how to sharpen an easier task

[@PRDreams]

Thanks. I use my machete almost every week to clear the jungle grass which is taller than me in some areas. Thick grass, so the machete is constantly getting dull. I will adjust the angle when sharpening it today to see if that resolves the issue. I know it will take time to get it over 30°, but it will be worth it.

[@theheadidiot]

Very helpful video and most instructive. Not just how but also why. Thank you!

[@Jbach1612]

Extremely helpful information, conveyed intelligently. Thank you!

[@willweaver8903]

@logan Paul

[@MASHkicksass]

Thank you!!! This answered all my questions plus taught me more then I realized I needed to know!

[@redpost2380]

Your explanations take the mystery out of sharpening blades. Not common in USA but definitely in a league of their own and worth owning are the underrated "Pennato Monterotondo". For certain agricultural applications they surpass the Machete. It's the curved blade and weight distribution that makes them very versatile and easy to use if you know how to keep them, sharp. Thank you for the excellent video

[@ETC_Rohaly_USCG]

I’ve been overthinking this. Thank you for the lesson and demonstration

[@carnivorecaveman]

Thank you very much, this is a very infoprmative video! However, I have a question. Where I can buy a good Golok, made from AUS8 steel?

[@nyx_jupiter-trash]

Is it possible to do a “compound angle”? Something with a tighter angle towards the base and a broader angle farther up. Im looking for multi purpose so i can cut small brush and medium vines and ferns.

[@lelandsmith2320]

First sharpening on Imacasas that come blunt is with a flapper disk on an angle grinder. 40 grit, then 60 or 80. Put knife in vice and pay attention to not overheat steel. Then a "machete file" sold in Central America hardware stores is used to touch it up. I also like the imacasa stone followed up by a smoother stone. I don't sharpen first 3 inches and last 4 inches-- its a waste of time only sharpen the working edge. Many men use a very thin sharp edge to cut down major trees because they have a light touch. They are cutting the wood, not beating it into submission. They carry a file for touch up.

[@TroyMountain]

Perfect! Thank you. Had utterly forgotten _angles_ appropriate to various purposes. You've spared me the disappointment of a blade too sharp (I'd thought to use my round kitchen knife steel) for the work I intend.

[@rikkic7000]

Thanks for this video buddy, I am a big fan of the machete For me it’s the best all rounder You guys provide common sense easy to understand techniques I’ve subscribed

[@user-gw6gj3is1j]

I'm late coming to the party but I sure appreciate the explanation of the blade angles. Very nice thank you very much.

[@davidrogers182]

Very useful information! I just ordered six pack of tramontina machete kit! I’m looking forward to using highly recommended tools.

[@randallgervell7663]

I use my machete to clear brush, thorns, etc. under fences. I do cutting and chopping with it. It is a Stanley machete with a curved chopping blade on other side and a saw! What is the best degree angle for that blade?

[@jan27jay]

How do I adjust your instructions to create an edge on a brand new machete with a mill file?

[@Marty48034]

Very helpful. I just ordered a couple of things at your recommendation. Appreciated.

[@Zed_1322]

A lot of info. Great tips. Steps. Visual example. Perfect.

[@mfreeman313]

Excellent presentation that covers all the essential stuff you need to know. I can sharpen knives fine but this is different enough that your doing and explaining it well is extremely helpful. Thank you. And hmm, a file or canoe stone might be a good first step on those big honkin' butcher knives. Thanks again.

[@Mrs.T.Rusch25]

I just purchased a machete for the first time. I have a lot of vines, small woody weeds, and other brush on my property that I need to clear and trying to use a chainsaw on it is cumbersome. I purchased a Condor, it came duller than a butter knife. The seller said that I have to sharpen it myself (wrong attitude). I need it to be sharp enough to go through the woody stems of thick weeds. Would you recommend a sharper edge than 30° ? Also, I'm terrified of knives in general, but I'm a recent widow and have to do things myself now. What cutting gloves would you recommend?

[@amirsharif6003]

Thank you. Question. Why not change hand when sharpening the other side? Is there a reason why not? since it looks unsafe, to point the blade at the body.

[@johnshields3681]

Dropped knowledge. Taught me why to do it and how to do it, great presentation

[@ivanmartinez1334]

really good tutorial. I'm happy because I sharpened a legitimus- Collins & CO. 16" machete, in an almost similar way. nice! 🤡🤔🥐🎋

[@cooltechnician]

Use to work with all kinds of machetes in the jungle and farms in Costa Rica.. have some different machetes now. But I disagree with the techniques used in this video.. but it probably work for some people.. Thanks for the video and the tips. Cheers

[@SketchyDUDE-e8i]

What degree of sharpness would you recommend for Flesh and Bones, hunting

[@wanting2sailssw256]

Thanks Josh, me and son going camping tonight here in Southern VA, I have a machete/limb saw (all-in-one) that I need to sharpen. You done a fine job of passing that knowledge along in my opinion and I appreciate it. I have one question, How can I sharpen the saw teeth on the back of my machete?

[@thechronicsurroncouple6912]

I just went to buy some Machetes from your site. I bought around 20 or more over the years. Sad to say OUT OF STOCK is currently the norm at your place. Hopefully this changes.

[@warriorpoet193]

Every time I found something to buy,OUT OF STOCK.Maybe he's a OUT OF STOCK specialist.

[@Infinite.Worldz]

Just got a brand new barebones machete should I sharpen or can make sharper out the box. Any help would be appreciated.

[@alfredoperez3980]

What do you think about using a electric grinder.

[@RapidAndSappen]

thank you bro my brother has been real annoying lately gonna teach him a lesson 🙏🙏

[@RapidAndSappen]

this comment is a joke.

[@elizabethwaitington6984]

This is a great video thanks for going through the different angles!

[@Marty48034]

Just to clarify---When you say 30 degrees, does this mean 30 on each side of straight, so 60? or 30 degrees total (15 on each side)? Thanks!

[@carloscastellano8617]

30 ea side

[@Marty48034]

@@carloscastellano8617 Thanks. That sounds so blunt. (really total of 60.) Thanks.

[@Mister_Ess]

Thanks! I'll try this method next time I sharpen my machete.

[@Johngottisentme]

Dude,this video is incredibly informative. Thanks.

[@dene1196]

Very well done video!

[@JohnJhnbongiorno]

Do you have any help using some flat stones to sharpen knives or machetes? Thank you for your time

[@MantisVonPresley]

I recently bought a machete and was surprised to find that out was ridiculously dull. I could run my thumb asking the edge while pressing fairly hard and nothing at all. Is this common? Also, would the amateur sharpener described first in the video work for the amount of sharpening needed in this case?

[@ApocGuy]

strange. i bought quite few machetes (from coldsteel to condor) and never had problems with dull edge from box. and yes, it would work, but it will take more than just few sweeps.

[@John3one7]

when you flipped the blade, point in youre chest, you didn't sharpen near the tip? This is the section that usually comes in contact with whatever it is being cut no?

[@meatCKR]

You Guys are awesome! Love your website. I'll be ordering a 14 inch tramontina soon for a camp machete. Thanks for pointing out the fact of sharpening for the purpose of the machete - spot on! Happy New Year!

[@MacheteSpecialists]

Thanks for the comment. Hope you love the Tramontina when you get it. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

[@thecarolinablacksmith3077]

meatCKR hey I was thinking of getting the 5 tanmontina machete pack I thought I would be pretty cool plus I'm a big fan of machete specialist

[@MacheteSpecialists]

The Carolina Black Smith the 5 pack is an awesome value. You get good blades, that function really well and that you aren't afraid to actually use.

[@MacheteSpecialists]

The Carolina Black Smith if you haven't already check out our first "On the Chopping Block" video where I do a quick review of the 14" Tramontina Bolo; it is in that 5 pack you're thinking of getting.

[@takyamtali4631]

I'm from India ,I also want to order 4 items from this website.

[@edgatza6166]

Excellent presentation, Josh. Thank you

[@dragan3290]

I prefer durability but sharp enough to cut through branches easily. Cheers from Australia just subbed.nice work love it! Oh btw. In the past whenever I honed an engine after boring for a rebiuld. I would use kerosene because it's oily but Clemson the stones. Done and dusted! Diesel fuel is the best and cheapest! Great for decreasing engine as well.

[@YanDaOne_QC]

well explained. You and I have the same 23" Tramontina machete

[@barrywise2773]

Thanks for the straight up info.Really well done video.will keep watching your videos

[@Anythingforfreedom]

Why didn't you use water or oil as you were demonstrating? Is it optional?

[@joannenascimento9213]

I have a 3sided Michelson file.Can I use this to sharpen the machete, using your method?

[@happystar1000]

Great video. I would not point the tip of a machete on my chest though. I hold the handle, and lay the machete on one of my thigh, while sitting. Then I'll find my angle and file it. Then holding the handle I just flip the machete over and do the other side.

[@frodar48]

So when you say 30 degrees, do you mean 30 each side or 30 degrees total.? ie 15 degrees each side? Nobody really explaines that.

[@JAM-yj4tb]

30 degrees on each side

[@aliteralfawkinghorse4149]

Thanks man...my machete has been dull for awhile now but it can cut throu trees again

[@alexmoore9720]

Hey what kind of metal is that machete? I've got a black metal machete with a few silver chips out of it with a silver sharp edge, just wondering if investing in a file or two as you said would be the best for this type. The handle does say "made In china" if that gives you any indication of the kind of metal I'm working with. Thanks!

[@samnottheotherone4363]

Could be 440 or 1045

[@charlesperez4857]

Thank you Josh

[@sin1st3r1]

Is there a specific way to hold the mill file to sharpen a machette, being the file grooves are at an angle?

[@gunterbecker8528]

Well said Sir, excellent teaching!

[@joelcampbell4296]

Awesome and informative thank you!

[@ginac733]

Thank you! I just got my dad's 1944 WW2 True temper machete today, finally. He died a while ago, and I had no clue where it was. I want it to protect me, so I need to sharpen it. I appreciate you! 🙋‍♀️💜✝️🇺🇸

[@sleephourofmotivatwakeupas6512]

Thank you sir. It was pretty informative

[@themadscientest]

A file and a pocket stone, all you need. Get a fine grit stone for doing touchup, you don't need heavy material removal to fix an edge. Touch up frequently, a sharp tool is a safe tool.

[@WoodsmanHobo777]

I bought 2 18" tramontinas and both are only tempered the last 6 inches of the blade, it will only take a edge the last 6" of the blade. Is that how tramontina machetes are made, or are all Latin machetes tempered that way?

[@dragon0037]

Great video! Thank you it was very educational. One correction would be alternating hands and keeping the handle on your chest when sharpening.

[@7storm776]

NIIICE... A channel after my own heart...

[@samwayne8961]

Bought a 28inch spear point Imacasa. It says to use water? Like running water?

[@MacheteSpecialists]

I'm guessing you are asking about using water when sharpening. You don't have to use running water, what they mean is to simply wet the blade, or even better wet the stone or puck that you are using to sharpen it. Some people use water, while others prefer oil, diesel or even saliva when in a pinch. Whatever the fluid you are really using it as a lubricant of sorts. What happens when you wet sharpen is that all of the tiny little flakes or metal you create when sharpening are carried away by the lubricant and out of the way. So essentially you aren't grinding those small slivers into your blade. When I am really sharpening I will typically use a puck that I keep in a coffee can of diesel. When I am in the field I will often just spit onto my stone or puck to get a little bit of lubrication. Hope that helps. Thanks a ton for you comment. Please subscribe to our channel if you haven't already.

[@Metalhead-4life]

Do you happen to know what the factory angle is on the tramontina machete 18"?

[@chronicawareness9986]

Its acute

[@angmohnize-to-atasify]

Great video and know-how until at 13:00, where he pushed the blade against his own body to sharpen the other side of the blade. You should never do that with any blade, even a dull one. Its a bad habit just like pointing an unloaded gun at yourself. One fine day, you may forget the gun was loaded or fall on your knife. Further, you should sharpen both ways in the same direction, preferably from tip towards the blade handle. If you sharpen one side 1 direction and the other side the other way, the burs on the cutting edge will run counter to each other and reduce the cutting efficiency. Typically, I stick the machete in a stump with the knife edge pointing skywards and angled slightly to the right or left and sit at the handle side, hold one handle end and then pull the sharpener upwards and towards myself. Twist the blade for the other side and repeat; that way you minimize accidents and can file both sides in the same direction.

[@Moostery]

I keep my pocket knives at about 18 dps tbh. I just keep them stropped and touch up the micro bevel every once in a while. Takes like 3 strokes per side on the finest stone I have to repair the micro bevel.

[@DavieMcGuire1990]

Does a brand new machete need sharpening as it it quite heavy tho not very sharp or should should i say not the sharpest.

[@JAM-yj4tb]

No oil for canoe file? Mine says to use with honing oil

[@jamesadams5386]

Out of curiosity, from an old man that started in 1964 clearing seismograph survey lines 20+ miles long to later laying out 300mile pipelines and all other types of survey work, what is the credentials that make a person a specialist in machetes? I am sure that a man with 10+ years of carpentry work would be a hammer specialist and a saw specialist and tape measure specialist also. What line of work were you in before you started selling machetes?

[@scott1lori282]

I use a file then a Laskey puck. If you need for shaving hair then get a "Speedy Sharp" type tungsten scraper. I don't post for "Speedy Sharp". The Corona is just as good.

[@navikarma4476]

bit late but hey, you seem to the point and a good guy, here supporting you.

[@oreally8605]

I have the same Machete - I got it from Home Depot, which is a great price too. Those tiny trees growing in my backyard don't have a chance, thanks Josh! Subscribed.

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Thanks for Sharing