Modified Ontario Machete - Lots of Pics

Brian Andrews

Brian Andrews

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
1,659
Based on some of Picts older posts on modifying a machete, I have been dying to give it a try. Well, I finally got a round to it :D

First, the final result.

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Now the details. These are the mods that I did.

I made sure that the spine was nice and square. For firesteel striking and shredding tinder.

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I made the area close to the tip nice and rounded for comfortable grip when using as a draw knife.

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I convexed the entire edge.

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Finally, I put a sharp, scandi section one the blade close to the handle. There is a slight dip, but that is due to the grind that was originally on it. I did this at 10 degrees per side, and it is very sharp.

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To be continued.....
 
I actually took pics doing the mods.

The first step I did was squaring the back against the flat platen.

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I removed the platen for some slack convex grinding.

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On the back too.

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Finally, the most time consuming part....the scandi grind. I titled my platen head forward 10 degrees. I have a high tech "block of wood" that helps me get a good grind :D The blade against the wood eliminates any hand "wobble" and makes for a real nice scandi grind.

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I took all edges all the way down to 9 micron, and then a leather belt with polish compound.

Overall, I am very happy with the way it came out. The next ones I do may be slightly different, but I am okay with this for now.

Any ideas for anything different? Do you like it, not like it?

Brian
 
After seeing pict's youtube video I was impressed! I think that this is a good modification to the machete for versitility. However I admittedly am not very good at sharpening knives convex etc. The way I got my machete sharp was strictly rough file work. I can't think of a way to improve on the modification you did. I think your project came out real good! I bet that sucker bites into wood good now!
 
Very cool shots of the process Brian, I love the finished product. You could make do with just that! I would put it in the trunk and call it you car blade. Gene
 
WOW Thats awesome. You should charge people to do theres like that. Id send mine in :)
 
Thanks guys for the comments.

Diamond Dog said:
I can't think of a way to improve on the modification you did.
Click to expand...

I was debating weather or not I removed all the paint/coating. I will have to think on it a bit more.

sicily02 said:
is that a KMG grinder you got there?

Bryan
Click to expand...

Yup. KMG. I have a 4" wheel, an 8" wheel, and then the platen, which can be used for flat or slack grinding. It is a pretty slick setup.
 
WILLIAM.M said:
As Would I!!!!!
Click to expand...

What kind of machetes do you guys have? The reason I picked the CT1 for modifying is that it is a bit thicker than most, allowing for a more convex edge. Although, this can be done with any.....but I am just curious.

B
 
Dude, I know what my next project is gonna be. That's sweet. Oh, and I want that grinder.
 
You did a very good job on that. If you ever want to do a tram, let me know.
 
Thats sweet as all get out Brian! Loved seeing the pics of your scandi process. Please show more of your stuff. If you have a KMG, you've got to be pretty serious about this stuff. Very cool. How new is it?

Get a platten liner. It'll make your belts last longer and protect your platten from getting worn. Ellis knifeworks is the spot to go to. What kind of belt is that? Looks like a woodworking belt. Pop's knife supply is the best spot for belts. Get 3M 977 cubitron belts for steel work. They'll last a LOT longer.

Are you going to change out the handle?
 
Hey Andy,

Thanks for the tips. The KMG is pretty new. It was only a few weeks ago I was asking a certain custom knife maker about grinders :D

Axes were my driving reason for getting it, which I hope to show some stuff of soon.

I just checked out Ellis. I will get a platen liner ASAP.

As far as belts, I have always bought my stuff from Pops. I have lots of belts. The ones on the machine in the pics are Klingsphor CS 310's from Pops.

I have no idea what options there are for the handle, but I don't have an issue with it as is. What's up with a new handle?

My scandi fixture is pretty high tech, eh? I have practiced doing them free hand, and can get away with it. But, it requires much more concentration, and this way is almost hard to mess one up.

Thanks again,
Brian
 
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