Machetes  
Edge Angles

Guidelines shown below are for Included Angles (α).

This tool is often sharpened using a machinist's hand file or a sharpening puck (aka, a whetstone) whilst holding the bade in the non-dominant hand. Thusly, the angles are shown as a β angle rather than a α angle.

If using a Tormek, the Extended Universal Support (US-430) is highly recommended.

No microbevel is recommended for this tool.

Gardening is a way that humans and nature come together with the intent of creating beauty.

Tina James

General Guidelines
Type β Notes
General Use 20° - 25°

 

Heavy wood cutting 25° - 30°

This gives a more durable edge, particularly when the target may have unknown items buried in it (such as nails in a tree).

Notes & Comments

Information regarding Grindstones

Grind Shape & Experience

The shape of the grind used is a call best made by the tool's use, based on your own experience. Additional notes are available on separate web pages for Grind Profiles, and Micro / Secondary Bevels.

Shaping the edge

New machetes should not needed to be reshaped. However, they may need work if a nick is incurred in the blade.

Ongoing Maintenance

Be sure to remove all caked-on dirt and sap. A wire brush or putty knife can be useful for this. A well-kept tool will last your lifetime, and will still be usable by your children (and maybe your grandkids).

Sap can be removed using a solvent. Acetone works well, but be sure to wear protective clothing as this is not kind to your body, and be sure the area is well ventilated. Isopropyl alcohol also works well, and is less harsh.

Another recommendation is to use Crean Mate which is a small block used for cleaning resin, rust, and other gunk from your tool. A green scrub pad works well for removing many stuck-on materials.

Do NOT use bleach or trisodium phosphate. Both are oxidizers which will cause your tools to rust.


Camellia Oil Spray Bottle

Exposure to Diseased Plants or Soil

If the tool was exposed to any diseased plants or soil which is infected with pests, give it a quick wash with isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to rinse with water and then dry afterwards. Finally, apply a thin coat of camellia oil.

As noted above, the recommendation by some for using bleach or trisodium phosphate is not followed here. Those products can damage the metal in the tool.

Apply a Light Coat of Oil

After using any solvent, be sure to apply a thin coat of camellia oil to the tool. I like the spray bottle of camellia oil sold by Tools for Working Wood.

In lieu of camellia oil, jojoba oil or cedar oil are recommended by some.

Do NOT use boiled linseed oil (BLO). Some advocate using BLO, but BLO often has heavy metals or other bad chemicals added for drying agents, and these are not good for you to handle, nor would they be good for the plants on which you might use this tool.

Tools in Storage

Tools in storage need a thin coating of camellia oil applied the sharpened surface. (Indeed, all unpainted surfaces would benefit from this.)

More Information

Videos & Presentations

About this site
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.