I find it incredible how a single tool in my mind can be modified so easily to become a multi-tool with so many practical uses. I read the comments that others left about other cultures changing where some of these modifications occur in order to permit other uses tailored to thier needs. Amazing really. Yet, it all makes such sense. These are the kinds of skills or knowledge that I truly enjoy learning. The more you know, the less you need, right?
I picked up a surplus Ontario 18" machete and plastic cover today at a local military day event. $35. Blade needs TLC. One side of the plastic grip had a crack which I have Gorilla glued closed. Your video has been played multiple times this afternoon and my magic marker has now laid out the "pattern" for tuning this tool. I am so stoked about working on it this week! Thanks foir the inspiration and instruction.
You are the first one I see mentioning sound as an indicator of sharpness. That's how I was taught by a friend in upstate NY agricultural college. Just a week before part one I had received one of those with the Ontario fabric sheath. It's a rather heavy machete, as I'm used to lighter agricultural working machetes here in the Caribbean. For years I lived out of a minivan and ended up staying for several months at the forest property of an Arawak shaman locally known as El Brujo. He used one of those military copies for traversing the jungle and I found it superior because of its sheer strength over a distal tapered bolo. My bolo has the scandi edge already, however one thing I will not do is compromise the machete's weapon aspect with a blunt tip for digging. We have wild vietnamese pigs, escaped monkeys, snakes, mongooses and chupacabras. Yes they exist. The owner of a seafood restaurant told me how one broke his rabbit cage and sucked their blood. Mr. Thomas you are authentic and a very good teacher. Top five in my book. Thanks.
Come on man...chupacabras don't exist. But, Lagahoo and Soucouyant does and I did not get out of bed until the morning. The cross made of chalk on the windows and doors kept them out according to my grandmother. It worked because we never saw one. (HA-HA...LOL). First time I have seen someone reference an Arawak!
Blackie , Another Great Video and Outstanding Information , Thanks For Sharing . You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter Thanks Again for your time .Tim L.
a tip for those that don't have a vise.... to make flattening the spine of your tools (machetes/Mora knives/etc.... ) is to gently tap it into a stump or block of wood.... so it's at a 90degree angle.... then you can use your file and work the spine without possibly injuring yourself. Love all your videos and all the work you do to keep us informed!
I cut timber(bushcraft etc too...) and never go in the woods without my 12" Ontario - It's perfect for most everything I need to do around and about - along with a side knife and ax as I'm cruising. I live in north Georgia, so it's a bit more suited to use here. I recently got a Martindale paratrooper, so I'm looking forward to seeing if it's any better/different use-wise. Kukris, for my "style" of use was a bit too heavy for my likes, even though they're just as capable and excel in certain areas. At any rate, I agree a machete is just as viable as a choice. As you know, it's a tradeoff and what works best for me might be terrible for someone else. Good vid and info
The best setup I have found for working on machetes, axes and any large tool is a Moxon vise. You can make a Moxon vise with two pieces of 2x6 and a $40 hardware kit from Amazon. It is fantastic for sharpening machetes and axes.
I will be watching this machete series along with your kukri series to get some ideas for my Condor Jungolo machete. The Jungolo has a strong Parang style to it, which seems to be a little bit kukri and a little bit latin machete. Always informative and well taught. Thanks Blackie.
Really like how you turned 1 tool into several. That makes alot of sense the way you demonstrated and explained it. Scab at Choir Boyz Cutlery shouted your channel out. Glad he did. Also wanted to say I am sorry for your loss.
I haven't seen a decent US Army surplus machete since the 60's. Where can you get one today? The steel was way better in the real deal, than I've seen in most machetes. I have a shorter 14.5" scimitar shaped machete made by Martindale (UK) a friend brought back from Puerto Rico in the 80's. I'll do some themes you recommend and see its it works better. Thanks
Ontario and Cold Steel makes good machetes I've always thought, but haven't ever held one from the 60's, so I'm not 100 percent sure. If you haven't you should pick up one of them and compare.
@@geico1975 I'll keep my eyes open. The local gun shows only carried garbage. I also got to play with machetes from WW2 and Korean Wars. Nice balance to them
Ontario was AND still is the commissioned official supplier of machetes to the US Military, and to my knowledge their civilian offerings do not differ from their official outputs. Therefore, stands to reason that if you're trying to obtain a machete up to mil spec Ontario is your huckleberry...
Blackie if you get a diamond file it cuts both ways, really easy to do these mods without having to change sides...🙂 Once I sharpen with the file I then have a tiny medium grit cigar stone and give the edge a few passes.
Heck yeah, I was out in the woods today with my Cold Steel Kukri:) I love swinging that thing, it's so light and effective got a lot of thorns out of the way today:) I have a question about files, how long you think they last? I've always thought just about forever, but wanted to ask. The mill file is the best one for working with metals and steels I think.
i will use a file until it quits cutting and thats a feel sort of thing once it does i turn the file into some other tool like a knife or a fire scraper
Your system is complete opposite from the people I have worked with in the tropics. They sharpen the rounded tip and choke up on the blade and use that tip as a butcher knife to peel, slice, skin, dress game, clean fish. Same use of variable blade edges, just reversed. Not wrong, in either case, just different.
I thought you were a kukri man, and your knowledge with a machete was a bit surprising. I believe our opinions are reversed. I love a kukri but find many of my jobs are better suited for a machete. The best way to put it, I love a kukri and prefer to carry one to a machete, but many of my jobs are better done with a machete. I think that I’m about the only one that carries a kukri in my country. I know it’s next to impossible to tell all you know in a video, but a few things I’ll point out. You briefly mentioned digging. Your grip is dangerous as you showed holding the grip from the side, similar to a chopping grip, which will allow the hand to slide onto the blade. Ya, a lanyard properly wrapped would help. The proper method is to place the pommel, if there was one, in the palm of the hand and push. Here’s a video showing the correct method. I was taught to use both hands, the offhand stiffening the blade by grasping it in the middle, he uses one hand. I assume that you don’t speak Spanish so go to mk. 5:23-5:33 and he shows you. th-cam.com/video/jO5UnBXy8uE/w-d-xo.html The traditional way to sharpen a machete is with a file. As the blade is flexible, another way is to clamp the machete to a table or board. I have seen them held down with one hand while sharpening. I use a Work Sharp when possible. I mount a lanyard on all of my machetes that have the hole, not for any of the reasons I see in the videos. When I need the use of both hands, I simply release the machete and with a flick of the wrist the machete is back in my hand. For longer drawn-out jobs the cord acts as a hanging tool.
Multiple edges on a machete - a new piece of information. Thank you. Now I can go out to the backyard shed and sharpen up my machetes.
I find it incredible how a single tool in my mind can be modified so easily to become a multi-tool with so many practical uses. I read the comments that others left about other cultures changing where some of these modifications occur in order to permit other uses tailored to thier needs. Amazing really. Yet, it all makes such sense. These are the kinds of skills or knowledge that I truly enjoy learning. The more you know, the less you need, right?
very true the more you know the less you have to carry
I picked up a surplus Ontario 18" machete and plastic cover today at a local military day event. $35. Blade needs TLC. One side of the plastic grip had a crack which I have Gorilla glued closed. Your video has been played multiple times this afternoon and my magic marker has now laid out the "pattern" for tuning this tool. I am so stoked about working on it this week! Thanks foir the inspiration and instruction.
Said it before I will say it again sir! It is my firm belief you have a Drs Degree in common sense!!! Love the channel Blackie!!
Much appreciated
Excellent Presentation As Always Blackie !! Thank You For Sharing !
Need to do mod on that plastic handle… micarta and shape to fit hand.
You are the first one I see mentioning sound as an indicator of sharpness. That's how I was taught by a friend in upstate NY agricultural college.
Just a week before part one I had received one of those with the Ontario fabric sheath. It's a rather heavy machete, as I'm used to lighter agricultural working machetes here in the Caribbean. For years I lived out of a minivan and ended up staying for several months at the forest property of an Arawak shaman locally known as El Brujo. He used one of those military copies for traversing the jungle and I found it superior because of its sheer strength over a distal tapered bolo. My bolo has the scandi edge already, however one thing I will not do is compromise the machete's weapon aspect with a blunt tip for digging. We have wild vietnamese pigs, escaped monkeys, snakes, mongooses and chupacabras. Yes they exist. The owner of a seafood restaurant told me how one broke his rabbit cage and sucked their blood.
Mr. Thomas you are authentic and a very good teacher. Top five in my book.
Thanks.
Come on man...chupacabras don't exist. But, Lagahoo and Soucouyant does and I did not get out of bed until the morning. The cross made of chalk on the windows and doors kept them out according to my grandmother. It worked because we never saw one. (HA-HA...LOL). First time I have seen someone reference an Arawak!
Blackie , Another Great Video and Outstanding Information , Thanks For Sharing . You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter Thanks Again for your time .Tim L.
Thanks again!
It's interesting to learn the multi bevel grinds. I can imagine you sitting there chipping away at some flint and now filing on steel. Good tips.
You are right!
a tip for those that don't have a vise.... to make flattening the spine of your tools (machetes/Mora knives/etc.... ) is to gently tap it into a stump or block of wood.... so it's at a 90degree angle.... then you can use your file and work the spine without possibly injuring yourself. Love all your videos and all the work you do to keep us informed!
I cut timber(bushcraft etc too...) and never go in the woods without my 12" Ontario - It's perfect for most everything I need to do around and about - along with a side knife and ax as I'm cruising. I live in north Georgia, so it's a bit more suited to use here. I recently got a Martindale paratrooper, so I'm looking forward to seeing if it's any better/different use-wise. Kukris, for my "style" of use was a bit too heavy for my likes, even though they're just as capable and excel in certain areas. At any rate, I agree a machete is just as viable as a choice.
As you know, it's a tradeoff and what works best for me might be terrible for someone else. Good vid and info
Blackie , good instructional video , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Glad you enjoyed it
The best setup I have found for working on machetes, axes and any large tool is a Moxon vise. You can make a Moxon vise with two pieces of 2x6 and a $40 hardware kit from Amazon. It is fantastic for sharpening machetes and axes.
I’ve done these mods to my Martindale Golok No. 2 love it great video!
Excellent detail. Thank you, Blackie.
Glad you liked it!
Good teaching video Blackie, thank you.
Very welcome
Great upgrade
Thanks!
LOL, good vid, just commenting for the logarithm spirits! May you and yours have a great holiday season.
Happy holidays!
I will be watching this machete series along with your kukri series to get some ideas for my Condor Jungolo machete. The Jungolo has a strong Parang style to it, which seems to be a little bit kukri and a little bit latin machete. Always informative and well taught. Thanks Blackie.
Sounds great!
That's really the best machete ever made
Great tutorial about the machete. Some stuff I never thought about. Underrated tool for sure.
It really is!
Thanks for the detailed explanation of modifying the edges, doesn't look hard to do at all. Appreciate it! 👍
No problem 👍
I like your working knowledge of customizing your equipment awesome.
I try
Really like how you turned 1 tool into several. That makes alot of sense the way you demonstrated and explained it. Scab at Choir Boyz Cutlery shouted your channel out. Glad he did. Also wanted to say I am sorry for your loss.
thanks for letting me know safe journeys to you
Thank You, great info,will use it.
Glad it was helpful!
Ontario Knives make the BEST Machetes EVER! Look for the D-ring handle. Don't buy the orange handle ones. Somehow, they are different.
Good to know!
Agree 100 % on the D handle Ontario! Absolutely best buy ever.
If you haven't got a vice try a tabletop and a pair of C clamps or wood working clamps (sash clamps ?)
thats a good idea
I'm going to try this on a machete when I return to Vietnam.
Thanks Blackie for another useful video! ATB Sam Adler from Washington state
Have fun!
That was Awesomenesssss....Thanks
Glad you liked it!
I'd like to hear about the thicker, heavier type of machete used in the Boreal forest if you have any knowledge about those... I'm in Canada ;-)
Noted!
I haven't seen a decent US Army surplus machete since the 60's. Where can you get one today? The steel was way better in the real deal, than I've seen in most machetes. I have a shorter 14.5" scimitar shaped machete made by Martindale (UK) a friend brought back from Puerto Rico in the 80's. I'll do some themes you recommend and see its it works better. Thanks
Ontario and Cold Steel makes good machetes I've always thought, but haven't ever held one from the 60's, so I'm not 100 percent sure. If you haven't you should pick up one of them and compare.
@@geico1975 I'll keep my eyes open. The local gun shows only carried garbage. I also got to play with machetes from WW2 and Korean Wars. Nice balance to them
Ontario was AND still is the commissioned official supplier of machetes to the US Military, and to my knowledge their civilian offerings do not differ from their official outputs. Therefore, stands to reason that if you're trying to obtain a machete up to mil spec Ontario is your huckleberry...
Blackie if you get a diamond file it cuts both ways, really easy to do these mods without having to change sides...🙂 Once I sharpen with the file I then have a tiny medium grit cigar stone and give the edge a few passes.
good idea
Heck yeah, I was out in the woods today with my Cold Steel Kukri:) I love swinging that thing, it's so light and effective got a lot of thorns out of the way today:)
I have a question about files, how long you think they last? I've always thought just about forever, but wanted to ask. The mill file is the best one for working with metals and steels I think.
i will use a file until it quits cutting and thats a feel sort of thing once it does i turn the file into some other tool like a knife or a fire scraper
Are you still doing the cooking videos
yep got some coming very soon
Your system is complete opposite from the people I have worked with in the tropics. They sharpen the rounded tip and choke up on the blade and use that tip as a butcher knife to peel, slice, skin, dress game, clean fish.
Same use of variable blade edges, just reversed. Not wrong, in either case, just different.
true i have seen cuban's use the tip to clean fish all personal choice
I thought you were a kukri man, and your knowledge with a machete was a bit surprising. I believe our opinions are reversed. I love a kukri but find many of my jobs are better suited for a machete. The best way to put it, I love a kukri and prefer to carry one to a machete, but many of my jobs are better done with a machete. I think that I’m about the only one that carries a kukri in my country. I know it’s next to impossible to tell all you know in a video, but a few things I’ll point out. You briefly mentioned digging. Your grip is dangerous as you showed holding the grip from the side, similar to a chopping grip, which will allow the hand to slide onto the blade. Ya, a lanyard properly wrapped would help. The proper method is to place the pommel, if there was one, in the palm of the hand and push. Here’s a video showing the correct method. I was taught to use both hands, the offhand stiffening the blade by grasping it in the middle, he uses one hand. I assume that you don’t speak Spanish so go to mk. 5:23-5:33 and he shows you. th-cam.com/video/jO5UnBXy8uE/w-d-xo.html The traditional way to sharpen a machete is with a file. As the blade is flexible, another way is to clamp the machete to a table or board. I have seen them held down with one hand while sharpening. I use a Work Sharp when possible. I mount a lanyard on all of my machetes that have the hole, not for any of the reasons I see in the videos. When I need the use of both hands, I simply release the machete and with a flick of the wrist the machete is back in my hand. For longer drawn-out jobs the cord acts as a hanging tool.
Why this now !!!!
well in a upcoming video i will be doing stuff with my machete and want to talk of the edges in this to save time on that video