How To Sharpen a Machete

Sharpening a machete is not just about getting it razor sharp; it is about creating an edge that will work best for how you plan to use your machete.
Whenever you sharpen a blade you must choose a balance between sharpness and durability. In this video I talk about blade angles and I explain what I believe to be the best all-around sharpening angle for machetes and discuss other sharpening angles for other types of blades and their uses.
I also demonstrate how I typically sharpen a machete to a sharp but durable edge using two very inexpensive tools.

Products Featured:
Smiths Machete Sharpener:

Marbles Puck Coarse/Medium Puck

Imacasa Canoe File

Mercer Workshop Mill File

[possumkingproductionsmike]

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

[cellerfeller]

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.

[CrabDaddy]

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!

[bryanblais]

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.

[jorgefernandez]

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!!!

[dakotabussell]

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

[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!

[griffgaming]

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

[fakasi]

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

[BKeithAbyss]

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

[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!🙏🇪🇪

[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.

[skwidfingaz]

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

[Jay_Hendrix]

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

[theheadidiot]

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

[ryanearl]

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

[daviddc]

This video taught me a lot thank you so much!

[JohnnyD]

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

[adriancatoe]

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