Why have your videos not went viral? I'm just now finding them and wow amazing vids and knowledge brother. Much love and respect from the Appalachian mountains.
Cheers mate! I'm a fan of making them look pretty as well as still being functional. I do get attached to my tools though. The truth is they don't need to look nice to get the job done.
Thanks for the complement Angry! I personally think they look even better once they are broken in. Scratches, rust and patina tell a story of your adventures with the tool. I do get attached to my tools and the wear marks remind me of the good time out in the bush. All the best, Ben
G'Day Anaconda! Long time no chat mate. I still send people over to your channel when the ask me how to make PVC sheaths as well as using lanyards on big knives and machetes. Cheers for the complement. All the best, Ben
Mate, I'm kind of liking the Bastard Roll! I was in two minds about including the proper file names in the video description. I don't think many people know what Bastard means when it is referring to a file and more. For the record, I'm sure our grandparents did this at some stage. I can't possibly be the only one to have done it.
I think putting a positive grip on a machete is a good idea...i reckon ones hand will adapt over time. Some very good tips mate and the aluminum handle with the cord wrap looks great!...atb...woods
G'Day MT! I think you're on point with that comment. You do get accustomed to your tools and how you set them up. If it's rough, your hands will toughen up. If it's smooth with a good design, your grip will adapt. Thanks for the comment about the Aluminium handle. All the best Woods, Ben
A great video. I stipple wooden gun stocks and knife handles on chef's knives. I find that Birchwood Casey Gun Stock Sealer and Filler does a great job of sealing out moisture.
Thanks for the rolling technique! I'll try this on my Tram Bolo. And I've been using raw flaxseed oil or Walnut oil on my axe handles and they are awesome. Same for my bolo.
Thanks for the great video! Would love to see a precursor video of how you shape your custom handles. I'm really hoping to rehandle mine but don't really know where to start.
How about the file knurl? I was a machinist in another time and that texture reminds me of a knurled application we would use on some parts. Great video, and thanks again for sharing! Steve.
Actually, my first few attempts at knurling brass when I was a kid looked worse! It was a bit before the internet was popular and I did not know you needed to size the material to suit your knurls diameter. Your'e on point, it does look like a poor mans knurl pattern. I got the idea from watching a youtube chap who was rolling in a pattern into thumb screws using a file and roller jig. File Knurl Texturing is a good name mate. All the best Steve, Ben
It seems that the rolled round file technique might work best on softer woods. I made some revolver grips from African Ironwood and it's tough to shape with just hand tools. Nice work on your machetes.
Crash, I know I'm spoilt with this old shed. I do try my best and pay it forward as best I can. I tend to be the drop in workshop for our whole valley (Small valley out in the bush) when someone is missing a bolt or needs to borrow a tool or solve a problem. All good people around me so I am happy to contribute to be honest. Thanks for the complement mate! All the best from OZ, Ben
Nice to have new videos from you! I'm not fan of textured handles or aluminium for that matter. I'd be willing to try cord-wrapped Al. I do like the rolling technique with the round file. It gives a very nice result. I shall keep it in mind if I need more grip on a handle that doesn't have a good shape.
Cheers Hugh. I'm settled on smooth and also timber for handle materials as well. I'm surprised at how nice the heavier aluminum handle feels though. I get a lot of visitors in the workshop for a chat and inevitably, they play with what is on the workbenches. A common reaction to heavier handles is generally a huge smile and a comment of 'That just feels so right'. Light handles are very common these days and I would say, very much the norm. I'm thinking why people like the extra weight is that it's a throwback from old fashioned handmade tools. Maybe it's the nostalgia? Heavier handles on a machete are lovely to work with though. The ally is a bit cold to be honest. Thanks for the comments mate!
Cheers Scott! Really appreciate the info. It was on my 'to test' list but never got around to it. I did do a sandblasted one for a customer a while back and I really liked the results. It added a hint of extra grip. Thanks for sharing mate! All the best from OZ, Ben
Machete Bushcraft Australia no worries mate, I found them a bit slippery in wet weather. After a touch up with a file, they won’t slip ever. I’ve got a bit of arthritis in one hand which doesn’t help.
I read a comment that a US marine posted about paracord. He claims that in the military if you were the paracord and wrap? When it drys it shrinks and tightens around the handle. I use waterproof Elmers glue all. Top vid.🙂👍👍👍
@@dragan3290 You know what they say about assumptions! I'm really good at putting my foot in my mouth when I guess too much. I assumed "Dragan" was a traditional Eastern Bloc name... I was blindly shooting from the hip with that guess though. It's always nice to bump into a fellow Aussie here.
Great to see another upload from you Ben. Making me feel bad now, I had better get off my derriere and make a video too. I see you are doing one on cord wraps. I was thinking of that but what you are doing looks a lot more gucci than what I do so I'll hold off. My cord wrap style is kindergarten level, but I expect to potentially remove it for use, and have done. The chief advantage of a cord wrap from my experience is that it helps deaden a bit of shock. That, and for instance on my folding shovel, it helps give a good grip when super muddy and slippery. A pain to clean though and it retains moisture for a while which isn't too nice in Winter. Quite right though, one bit gets cut and the whole thing will unravel. My lad recently re-did his hatchet handle a little, using some green clothing dye as a stain, then rubbed beeswax into it, then melted it in. Seals the timber well, and the wax gives a degree of grip in and of itself. Cheers!
G'Day mate and thanks for the welcome back. I'm sure we both can appreciate that Dad Duties trump filming youtube clips. I know you're in the same boat. As far as my gucci wrap, you nailed it with that comment. If it takes to long to do, it's not going to get used as intended. I'm guessing my style will be more for display to be honest. I had another chap comment about beeswax adding grip. I did treat the cordwrap with snowseal (wax based leather waterproof treatment) and it does have a similar effect. I'm liking the beeswax idea better to be honest. Good point regarding the improved shock absorbing effect. I had not though of that. when the cord finally breaks, I will get to test it with straight aluminium. My original plan was to use heatshrink for the grip. Looking forward to your next clip mate! All the best, Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia I reckon the gucci wrap is great and I'd gladly use a tool with it. I didn't communicate it well, when I do the quickie kindergarten wrap it is with the expectation that if I really need some string I will happily remove the wrap to use the string. A bit povo I admit. I hadn't thought of waxing a cord wrap. It would certainly help keep the water out of it. We just wax the wood. Soon we're going to collect some extra pine sap. Awesome stuff that we will do a lot of different things with, even lollies! Straight pine sap should seal a wooden tool handle but might be a bit too grippy. Extremely flammable too. Some of the sap we will be mixing with beeswax to make a multipurpose salve. I reckon it might do an even better job on sealing a tool handle. 100% organic! ha ha Heatshrink is great stuff eh? Just recently I had an aluminium water bottle with a lid-chain that got noisy and annoyed me. Slid it through some heatshink, shrunk it and she's all apples! Loved you poking fun at the commies too. But nobody was pointing a gun at your head forcing you to share, to show how compassionate they were.
@@segrientboar5954 I simply could not help myself mate. When we don't learn from our history (both good and dark) we are doomed to make the same mistakes. The rise of communism/socialism that is sweeping across the western world ...shocks me to be honest. We have a comprehensive 250 year record of how it leaves death and destruction in its wake. When I see a young group spruiking its virtues and claiming their version of socialism is somehow going to work this time, that's where the shock comes from. I will step off the soapbox now mate. Heat shrink handles, love them! I had a hammer handle that was a touch too small for me so I wrapped it. I was originally concerned that it would be slippery but It proved to be just fine. I'm pretty sure we were on the same page with the wrap mate. I did not take your initial response as a criticism. I was honestly critiquing my own work. It feels darn nice in the hand, I just value durability more than aesthetics. It is hemp and darn strong, but it will eventually fail and it's guaranteed to happen at the worst possible time. If it was quick to wrap, you're more likely to redo it before a big trip when you know you're relying on the tool.
Cheers Regal Bob! Thanks for the complements mate. They are both Tramontina machetes. The timber handle ones are the 14" Bolo and the aluminium handle one is a 12" Latin.
The file rolling reminds me a bit of the knurling that people do on a lathe - so B'stard Knurl could be a funny name for the technique, based on the file type used - or Roll Knurling? Have you tried it on wood that you have just treated a little with oil? It may open the grain up enough to allow you to put more pressure on and get a deeper & more prominent pattern. I may give this a go on some wood scraps to see what combo works best.
First up, love the name. We had a pair of lovely goats for a while. They are darn good at escaping if you don't give them everything they want. The only two stains that I found gave a natural look on the hardwood handles was Black Japan and Brown Japan from Feast Watson. Danish Oil goes on the top of it just fine. I hope that helps.
Good call HD! To be honest, I never looked into the drying agents used in boiled linseed oil. I remember reading it was 'Japan Dryer' years ago but looked no further into it. I just checked the Diggers brand BLO and it has less than 1% of cobalt naphthenate. I'm going to look into the chems in Danish Oil as well. Thanks for the input mate. All the best, Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia As I understand it linseed oil was boiled or heated back in the day which made the dry faster. Over time this changed and drying agent's where added instead of heating. But the term boil linseed oil was still used which is a bit missleading..Found a safty data sheet for cobalt naphthenate and seem fairly non-toxic ,but I give is a miss all the same.Raw oll just takes longer to dry which is not a big iusee for me..
Mate you're on point. I did get a lot of new calluses while testing this grip out. It did feel a bit raw after the first big test. It does really improve how much grip you have on the handle but I'm thinking this would suit more occasional users rather than all day workers.
Hi, I'm Brazilian and I was curious to know how you personalize your machete. I also modified mine, but I followed the guideline of mech (colhane) the model I use and the tramontina terçado.also liked its sheath. You could make a video teaching how to do here in Brazil it is difficult to find videos talking about machetes and yes more about axe
G'Day Kevin. First up, your English is all good mate. I don't speak a work of Portuguese, other than a few swear words I picked up as a kid. You're doing a lot better than me! I must admit, I'm surprised there are not many good youtubers from Brazil and South America that focus on machetes. You all are the experts. Colhane is probably top of my list of ones to watch. There is another called ANACONDA LR that does some in English but I think most of it is in Spanish. He also has some great youtube clips on PVC sheath making for big knives. Here is a link ruclips.net/video/XIfOPdehT8o/видео.html I hope that was helpful mate. Oh I should add, I really enjoyed watching the Olympics you all hosted there a few years back. I was hoping for some more Vuvuzela action like in the 14' world cup. All the best from OZ, Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia colhane a few years later debuted a series of alone and the winner Dave and the owner of the channel that quoted this model he says to have developed for the Atlantic Forest of 14 inches because it is a great size and the fact that our forests are well closed. in the cup of 2014 I do not remember very well how it was pos at the time I was 14 but I remember the mess that by the way was pretty cool
The mods on that bolo are soooo sweet. Cheap, functional, and beautiful. Just wondering, do you have a trick for getting the gloss finish off a tram bolo blade? I want to do a forced patina. Cheers from Maine, USA.......................
Sorry for the late reply mate. It's been a busy few weeks. If it's a new Tramontina and you want to do a forced patina, paint stripper works best. you can also just use 240grit wet and dry with a cork sanding block. Keep your strokes inline with the handle to tip (match the scratch pattern that is already on the steel). If you're going to do it wet, tape up that handle really well. You're going to run into problems near the handle. I mask 1/4" of the steel and handle at the same time when I wet sand. I then dry sand that last 1/4" so I don't get any water under the handle. I like to keep it bone dry so the hard oil finish soaks in and around the tang. I hope some of that helps James. All the best from OZ mate, Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia Right on!, thank you for the detailed tips. I did a sloppier version of the same thing, sanding etc., but wasn't so careful around the handle. I hit it with mustard, then vinegar, then lime juice in turns, and it certainly looks more vintage and broken in now. I'll do a nicer one soon. These things are an addiction! Peace...................
I'm with you on that mate. Gloves are needed sometimes and I do prefer the extra texture on the handle when using a them. Actually in winter when your hands are really dry, the extra texture helps with grip. Good luck with the crazy thorns mate. All the best from OZ, Ben
G'Day Lee, I made it myself. I was a but frustrated with the timber stitching horse I had so I built this. Totally over the top but I really enjoy using it.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia are you still doing videos? You mentioned the paracord video in this one & I swear I’ve seen it but I don’t see it in your list now. I definitely hope you are doing more vids! I know it’s extra stuff on top of working… but I love your information! I’m putting your advice to work in the machete I’m modifying for myself… the longer handle & making sure that spine is a crisp 90!
G'Day WoodWise. You're not the only one who has asked that. To be honest, it's actually a really simple process. It's just three solid aluminum rivets that hold the handle in place. If you drill out the domes from the inside face (held in the right hand, the side that is facing in), you can punch out the rivets with a nail or a 4mm pin punch. When you drill the rivet, you're only going as deep and the steel washer behind it. All you're trying to do is remove one of the mushroomed ends. If you're not planning on keeping the old handle, you can just punch the old rivets out with a pin punch and hammer. You tend to crack the handle when doing it this way. I hope that is helpful mate. All the best from OZ, Ben
I don't think plastic would respond to this technique as well as timber. I just tested it on some LDPE chopping boards and it does ad a tiny bit of texture. That's a soft plastic. I suspect it would depend on the type of plastic. You can texture a plastic handle with sandpaper (about 80grit). You can stipple some plastic handles with a soldering iron or a Dremel with a tiny burr. I would keep the texture very light. Just enough to add a little extra grip.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia tank you so muts , I will see what I can do , I bought a " Três Listras " manchete her in Brasil were in live , but I can't find out of the Handel is Made of plastic or from cow horn, but tanks for your answer, I will look further to find it out , I like your videos a lat , there is a lot of really good information. Greetings from Brazil 😁
I wrapped a 1mm thick nylon chord around the Bakelite handle of my 1945 US machette 40 years ago and it's still on it... it took me 5min and an invisible marine knot
Glad to see you back, Ben! It's been a while since your last video and I was worried you'd given up. The round file texturing method is brilliant! I'd still really love a video on how you make a PVC 'chete sheath.
They are good for a laugh though mate! I actually enjoy all the comments to be honest. Good and bad are both fun for me. I agree, they are low rent comments and generally from kids... so it pays to be a little civil in response. I never understood why they don't just go watch something else or at the very least, just skip ahead? Thanks for all the comments mate. All the best from OZ, Ben
As in beeswax to stiffen up the cord wrap? I did actually put snowseal (wax based leather care waterproofer) on the handle as it does dry out. It did actually help. I suspect the last few wraps could have been tighter as this was the area I am most concerned about.
![FNAF vs TF2 - Episode 2 [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z5b3V2-VLb0/mqdefault.jpg)
Why have your videos not went viral? I'm just now finding them and wow amazing vids and knowledge brother. Much love and respect from the Appalachian mountains.
Just like knurling!! What a great idea! Thank you for sharing this!
Great job man, very well done. Your tramontina looks nicer than some $70 machetes.
Cheers mate! I'm a fan of making them look pretty as well as still being functional. I do get attached to my tools though. The truth is they don't need to look nice to get the job done.
good to find an Aussie bushcraft channel .
Mate, thanks for the support!
All the best,
Ben
Wow. I really like how you modify your Tramontinas. Almost too pretty to use.
Thanks for the complement Angry! I personally think they look even better once they are broken in. Scratches, rust and patina tell a story of your adventures with the tool. I do get attached to my tools and the wear marks remind me of the good time out in the bush.
All the best,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia I totally agree.
Nice to see you again . Very nice video congrats mate.
G'Day Anaconda! Long time no chat mate. I still send people over to your channel when the ask me how to make PVC sheaths as well as using lanyards on big knives and machetes.
Cheers for the complement.
All the best,
Ben
That's the Bastard Roll. My Great Grand-daddy taught it to me (okay, no he didn't). But hey, it's a name. Great idea man. I'll look into doing this.
Mate, I'm kind of liking the Bastard Roll! I was in two minds about including the proper file names in the video description. I don't think many people know what Bastard means when it is referring to a file and more.
For the record, I'm sure our grandparents did this at some stage. I can't possibly be the only one to have done it.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia Hehe. I have heard that YT has restricted a video that referenced a bastard file but I could be wrong.
@@BradGryphonn your probably not
Glad to see you are putting out videos again. I hope things are going well, and that we can expect to see more uploads.
G'Day Larry! Long time no chat. Thanks for the welcome back mate. All is well, just trying to find time (as usual).
All the best from OZ,
Ben
Woooohoooo! It’s great to see you again!
How nice is that! Thanks for the support Lee. I'm glad I finally got another one done. Cheers mate.
All the best,
Ben
I think putting a positive grip on a machete is a good idea...i reckon ones hand will adapt over time.
Some very good tips mate and the aluminum handle with the cord wrap looks great!...atb...woods
G'Day MT! I think you're on point with that comment. You do get accustomed to your tools and how you set them up. If it's rough, your hands will toughen up. If it's smooth with a good design, your grip will adapt.
Thanks for the comment about the Aluminium handle.
All the best Woods,
Ben
Love the stitching horse - I may have to look online to research that model...! Already use an Aussie made Lucris clicker press....
Have only just come across your channel, great advice and tips. I have 2 machetes so going to give them some tlc. Thanks.
A great video. I stipple wooden gun stocks and knife handles on chef's knives. I find that Birchwood Casey Gun Stock Sealer and Filler does a great job of sealing out moisture.
Another great informative video!
Great to see you back!
Would love to see a paracord video and a mod video for the blades on a machete.
Very interesting technique with the round file. I definitely have one that is rarely used, and my machete has a boring handle.
Thanks for the rolling technique! I'll try this on my Tram Bolo. And I've been using raw flaxseed oil or Walnut oil on my axe handles and they are awesome. Same for my bolo.
Thanks for the great video! Would love to see a precursor video of how you shape your custom handles. I'm really hoping to rehandle mine but don't really know where to start.
G'Day Desmond and thanks for the comment. I will do one some day. I get asked about that quite often.
All the best,
Ben
How about the file knurl? I was a machinist in another time and that texture reminds me of a knurled application we would use on some parts. Great video, and thanks again for sharing!
Steve.
Actually, my first few attempts at knurling brass when I was a kid looked worse! It was a bit before the internet was popular and I did not know you needed to size the material to suit your knurls diameter.
Your'e on point, it does look like a poor mans knurl pattern. I got the idea from watching a youtube chap who was rolling in a pattern into thumb screws using a file and roller jig.
File Knurl Texturing is a good name mate.
All the best Steve,
Ben
It’s been too long bro! Glad your back
Thanks for the welcome back Robert!
All the best mate,
Ben
Love to see videos from you, and here's another good one.
Cheers N English! Thanks for the complement mate.
It seems that the rolled round file technique might work best on softer woods. I made some revolver grips from African Ironwood and it's tough to shape with just hand tools. Nice work on your machetes.
Enjoyed this one very much! Admire your work shop - envy might be more accurate. Keep these videos coming. Thanks
Crash, I know I'm spoilt with this old shed. I do try my best and pay it forward as best I can. I tend to be the drop in workshop for our whole valley (Small valley out in the bush) when someone is missing a bolt or needs to borrow a tool or solve a problem. All good people around me so I am happy to contribute to be honest.
Thanks for the complement mate!
All the best from OZ,
Ben
Nice to have new videos from you! I'm not fan of textured handles or aluminium for that matter. I'd be willing to try cord-wrapped Al. I do like the rolling technique with the round file. It gives a very nice result. I shall keep it in mind if I need more grip on a handle that doesn't have a good shape.
Cheers Hugh. I'm settled on smooth and also timber for handle materials as well. I'm surprised at how nice the heavier aluminum handle feels though. I get a lot of visitors in the workshop for a chat and inevitably, they play with what is on the workbenches. A common reaction to heavier handles is generally a huge smile and a comment of 'That just feels so right'.
Light handles are very common these days and I would say, very much the norm. I'm thinking why people like the extra weight is that it's a throwback from old fashioned handmade tools. Maybe it's the nostalgia? Heavier handles on a machete are lovely to work with though. The ally is a bit cold to be honest.
Thanks for the comments mate!
A most interesting video and all the best .
Thank you for the input SAR Tracking. Cheers mate!
I have filed a couple of micarta scaled knives, very comfortable.
Cheers Scott! Really appreciate the info. It was on my 'to test' list but never got around to it. I did do a sandblasted one for a customer a while back and I really liked the results. It added a hint of extra grip.
Thanks for sharing mate!
All the best from OZ,
Ben
Machete Bushcraft Australia no worries mate, I found them a bit slippery in wet weather. After a touch up with a file, they won’t slip ever. I’ve got a bit of arthritis in one hand which doesn’t help.
I read a comment that a US marine posted about paracord. He claims that in the military if you were the paracord and wrap? When it drys it shrinks and tightens around the handle. I use waterproof Elmers glue all. Top vid.🙂👍👍👍
Thanks for the complement and tip mate! I will give that shrinking paracord wrap a go at some stage.
All the best from OZ,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia sorry mate. I'm from Australia too lol. 😂. I forgot to mention that.
@@dragan3290 You know what they say about assumptions! I'm really good at putting my foot in my mouth when I guess too much. I assumed "Dragan" was a traditional Eastern Bloc name... I was blindly shooting from the hip with that guess though.
It's always nice to bump into a fellow Aussie here.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia it is. But I'm Yugoslav. Born in Australia. All good. Cheers
Great to see another upload from you Ben. Making me feel bad now, I had better get off my derriere and make a video too. I see you are doing one on cord wraps. I was thinking of that but what you are doing looks a lot more gucci than what I do so I'll hold off. My cord wrap style is kindergarten level, but I expect to potentially remove it for use, and have done.
The chief advantage of a cord wrap from my experience is that it helps deaden a bit of shock. That, and for instance on my folding shovel, it helps give a good grip when super muddy and slippery. A pain to clean though and it retains moisture for a while which isn't too nice in Winter.
Quite right though, one bit gets cut and the whole thing will unravel.
My lad recently re-did his hatchet handle a little, using some green clothing dye as a stain, then rubbed beeswax into it, then melted it in. Seals the timber well, and the wax gives a degree of grip in and of itself.
Cheers!
G'Day mate and thanks for the welcome back. I'm sure we both can appreciate that Dad Duties trump filming youtube clips. I know you're in the same boat.
As far as my gucci wrap, you nailed it with that comment. If it takes to long to do, it's not going to get used as intended. I'm guessing my style will be more for display to be honest.
I had another chap comment about beeswax adding grip. I did treat the cordwrap with snowseal (wax based leather waterproof treatment) and it does have a similar effect. I'm liking the beeswax idea better to be honest.
Good point regarding the improved shock absorbing effect. I had not though of that. when the cord finally breaks, I will get to test it with straight aluminium. My original plan was to use heatshrink for the grip.
Looking forward to your next clip mate!
All the best,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia I reckon the gucci wrap is great and I'd gladly use a tool with it. I didn't communicate it well, when I do the quickie kindergarten wrap it is with the expectation that if I really need some string I will happily remove the wrap to use the string. A bit povo I admit.
I hadn't thought of waxing a cord wrap. It would certainly help keep the water out of it. We just wax the wood.
Soon we're going to collect some extra pine sap. Awesome stuff that we will do a lot of different things with, even lollies!
Straight pine sap should seal a wooden tool handle but might be a bit too grippy. Extremely flammable too. Some of the sap we will be mixing with beeswax to make a multipurpose salve. I reckon it might do an even better job on sealing a tool handle. 100% organic! ha ha
Heatshrink is great stuff eh? Just recently I had an aluminium water bottle with a lid-chain that got noisy and annoyed me. Slid it through some heatshink, shrunk it and she's all apples!
Loved you poking fun at the commies too. But nobody was pointing a gun at your head forcing you to share, to show how compassionate they were.
@@segrientboar5954 I simply could not help myself mate. When we don't learn from our history (both good and dark) we are doomed to make the same mistakes. The rise of communism/socialism that is sweeping across the western world ...shocks me to be honest. We have a comprehensive 250 year record of how it leaves death and destruction in its wake. When I see a young group spruiking its virtues and claiming their version of socialism is somehow going to work this time, that's where the shock comes from.
I will step off the soapbox now mate.
Heat shrink handles, love them! I had a hammer handle that was a touch too small for me so I wrapped it. I was originally concerned that it would be slippery but It proved to be just fine.
I'm pretty sure we were on the same page with the wrap mate. I did not take your initial response as a criticism. I was honestly critiquing my own work. It feels darn nice in the hand, I just value durability more than aesthetics. It is hemp and darn strong, but it will eventually fail and it's guaranteed to happen at the worst possible time. If it was quick to wrap, you're more likely to redo it before a big trip when you know you're relying on the tool.
Really nice, would try it right away
I really like your videos fella.. Which two machetes did you showcase here? Beautiful tools.
Cheers Regal Bob! Thanks for the complements mate. They are both Tramontina machetes. The timber handle ones are the 14" Bolo and the aluminium handle one is a 12" Latin.
The file rolling reminds me a bit of the knurling that people do on a lathe - so B'stard Knurl could be a funny name for the technique, based on the file type used - or Roll Knurling?
Have you tried it on wood that you have just treated a little with oil? It may open the grain up enough to allow you to put more pressure on and get a deeper & more prominent pattern. I may give this a go on some wood scraps to see what combo works best.
Great video thank you. What stain do you use on a tramontina handle?
First up, love the name. We had a pair of lovely goats for a while. They are darn good at escaping if you don't give them everything they want.
The only two stains that I found gave a natural look on the hardwood handles was Black Japan and Brown Japan from Feast Watson. Danish Oil goes on the top of it just fine.
I hope that helps.
Subbed Thanks, doing my 18" Tram right now but Im gonna need a bolo sheath. How much for one shipped to the usa?
Good video mate.. I use raw linseed as the boiled has some nasty chemicals added.
Good call HD! To be honest, I never looked into the drying agents used in boiled linseed oil. I remember reading it was 'Japan Dryer' years ago but looked no further into it. I just checked the Diggers brand BLO and it has less than 1% of cobalt naphthenate. I'm going to look into the chems in Danish Oil as well.
Thanks for the input mate.
All the best,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia As I understand it linseed oil was boiled or heated back in the day which made the dry faster. Over time this changed and drying agent's where added instead of heating. But the term boil linseed oil was still used which is a bit missleading..Found a safty data sheet for cobalt naphthenate and seem fairly non-toxic ,but I give is a miss all the same.Raw oll just takes longer to dry which is not a big iusee for me..
I really like some of your videos.
Totally agree that smooth handles are nicer to work with. A rough handle might leave your hand raw after a bit.
Mate you're on point. I did get a lot of new calluses while testing this grip out. It did feel a bit raw after the first big test. It does really improve how much grip you have on the handle but I'm thinking this would suit more occasional users rather than all day workers.
Hi, I'm Brazilian and I was curious to know how you personalize your machete. I also modified mine, but I followed the guideline of mech (colhane) the model I use and the tramontina terçado.also liked its sheath. You could make a video teaching how to do here in Brazil it is difficult to find videos talking about machetes and yes more about axe
G'Day Kevin.
First up, your English is all good mate. I don't speak a work of Portuguese, other than a few swear words I picked up as a kid. You're doing a lot better than me!
I must admit, I'm surprised there are not many good youtubers from Brazil and South America that focus on machetes. You all are the experts.
Colhane is probably top of my list of ones to watch. There is another called ANACONDA LR that does some in English but I think most of it is in Spanish. He also has some great youtube clips on PVC sheath making for big knives. Here is a link ruclips.net/video/XIfOPdehT8o/видео.html
I hope that was helpful mate.
Oh I should add, I really enjoyed watching the Olympics you all hosted there a few years back. I was hoping for some more Vuvuzela action like in the 14' world cup.
All the best from OZ,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia colhane a few years later debuted a series of alone and the winner Dave and the owner of the channel that quoted this model he says to have developed for the Atlantic Forest of 14 inches because it is a great size and the fact that our forests are well closed. in the cup of 2014 I do not remember very well how it was pos at the time I was 14 but I remember the mess that by the way was pretty cool
I swear I saw your paracord video on here! Did it get pulled down?
I hope you are still on here!
The mods on that bolo are soooo sweet. Cheap, functional, and beautiful. Just wondering, do you have a trick for getting the gloss finish off a tram bolo blade? I want to do a forced patina. Cheers from Maine, USA.......................
Sorry for the late reply mate. It's been a busy few weeks.
If it's a new Tramontina and you want to do a forced patina, paint stripper works best. you can also just use 240grit wet and dry with a cork sanding block. Keep your strokes inline with the handle to tip (match the scratch pattern that is already on the steel). If you're going to do it wet, tape up that handle really well.
You're going to run into problems near the handle. I mask 1/4" of the steel and handle at the same time when I wet sand. I then dry sand that last 1/4" so I don't get any water under the handle. I like to keep it bone dry so the hard oil finish soaks in and around the tang.
I hope some of that helps James.
All the best from OZ mate,
Ben
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia Right on!, thank you for the detailed tips. I did a sloppier version of the same thing, sanding etc., but wasn't so careful around the handle. I hit it with mustard, then vinegar, then lime juice in turns, and it certainly looks more vintage and broken in now. I'll do a nicer one soon. These things are an addiction! Peace...................
Very useful for me, most of what I need to cut has thorns out the wazoo so need to wear gloves--- rough texture really helps with grip.
I'm with you on that mate. Gloves are needed sometimes and I do prefer the extra texture on the handle when using a them. Actually in winter when your hands are really dry, the extra texture helps with grip.
Good luck with the crazy thorns mate.
All the best from OZ,
Ben
Where did you get that stitching pony????
G'Day Lee,
I made it myself. I was a but frustrated with the timber stitching horse I had so I built this. Totally over the top but I really enjoy using it.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia are you still doing videos? You mentioned the paracord video in this one & I swear I’ve seen it but I don’t see it in your list now. I definitely hope you are doing more vids! I know it’s extra stuff on top of working… but I love your information! I’m putting your advice to work in the machete I’m modifying for myself… the longer handle & making sure that spine is a crisp 90!
Is there any way you could do a tutorial on handle pin removal?
G'Day WoodWise. You're not the only one who has asked that. To be honest, it's actually a really simple process. It's just three solid aluminum rivets that hold the handle in place.
If you drill out the domes from the inside face (held in the right hand, the side that is facing in), you can punch out the rivets with a nail or a 4mm pin punch.
When you drill the rivet, you're only going as deep and the steel washer behind it. All you're trying to do is remove one of the mushroomed ends.
If you're not planning on keeping the old handle, you can just punch the old rivets out with a pin punch and hammer. You tend to crack the handle when doing it this way.
I hope that is helpful mate.
All the best from OZ,
Ben
G'day mate; the NAMCO KNURL... ya know why.
Mate, I'll pay that!
How do you darken the blade?
That's just a cold bluing solution. Google 'cold blue' or 'cold bluing' a firearm. You should get a lot of info on the process.
All the best mate.
Nice Machete
Can you do this with a plastic Handel?
I don't think plastic would respond to this technique as well as timber.
I just tested it on some LDPE chopping boards and it does ad a tiny bit of texture. That's a soft plastic. I suspect it would depend on the type of plastic.
You can texture a plastic handle with sandpaper (about 80grit). You can stipple some plastic handles with a soldering iron or a Dremel with a tiny burr. I would keep the texture very light. Just enough to add a little extra grip.
@@MacheteBushcraftAustralia tank you so muts , I will see what I can do , I bought a " Três Listras " manchete her in Brasil were in live , but I can't find out of the Handel is Made of plastic or from cow horn, but tanks for your answer, I will look further to find it out , I like your videos a lat , there is a lot of really good information.
Greetings from Brazil 😁
Hello , I find out that the handle is made from cow horn only , so can I do the trick?
I wrapped a 1mm thick nylon chord around the Bakelite handle of my 1945 US machette 40 years ago and it's still on it... it took me 5min and an invisible marine knot
Glad to see you back, Ben! It's been a while since your last video and I was worried you'd given up. The round file texturing method is brilliant! I'd still really love a video on how you make a PVC 'chete sheath.
The only thing I dislike about the Tramontina bolo is that it's a bit to thin. An extra mm of steel would make it perfect for me.
Namco stippling technique
👍🏻👍🏻
Who gives a shit if people don’t like listening to you talk if they don’t like it don’t watch the damn video. People kill me with that shit!
They are good for a laugh though mate! I actually enjoy all the comments to be honest. Good and bad are both fun for me. I agree, they are low rent comments and generally from kids... so it pays to be a little civil in response. I never understood why they don't just go watch something else or at the very least, just skip ahead?
Thanks for all the comments mate.
All the best from OZ,
Ben
L.H.R. Light. Handed. Roll.
Walnut oil is the best for that.
What about beeswax?
As in beeswax to stiffen up the cord wrap? I did actually put snowseal (wax based leather care waterproofer) on the handle as it does dry out. It did actually help. I suspect the last few wraps could have been tighter as this was the area I am most concerned about.
I was actually just thinking of rubbing it into the raw wood or soaking it into the wood with a heat gun
Darn good question Lee. I know some woodwork finishes use bees wax. It would be worthy of a test to be honest!
I have used it to waterproof many things... though it’s not very flexible like Micro Crystalline was.
I do like the texture idea! It’s like a poor mans gun checkering.
Brah
I soak the cord in epoxyd.
I'm sorry, but my English is kind of rustyn
Sounds like communism🤣🤣