Whether you routinely use a machete or knife in the yard or in the field for processing harvests, there are some things you should never do with these tools. What’s mentioned in this article will either be unsafe for you or for the tool.
Let the Blade Strike Stone or Wood
This one is mostly for those using machetes to clear ground. When you use a machete, avoid letting the blade over strike or strike through the target into stone or wood. This will dull the blade, can roll or chip the edge, and will generally shorten the lifespan of the tool.
A little incidental contact with wood is going to happen when you use a machete knife for clearing brush, but less is more. Use it mostly for vegetative, not woody, material and the edge will last longer.
Stick the Blade in the Ground
Regardless of whatever you use a machete or knife for, do not stick the blade in the ground. This is bad on multiple fronts.
First, there are rocks, sand and bits of other abrasive material in the ground. This will scratch the finish of your machete or knife, but worse, contact with them will dull the edge.
Beyond that, however, there is moisture in the ground, and there are other corrosive influences in soil, too, like salts that will accelerate corrosion of the blade. So let this be one thing you never do with a machete or knife.
Put It Away Dirty
When you use a machete and it’s covered in sap or liquid from vegetation, or you use a hunting knife and it’s covered in grease or blood, the last thing you want to do is put it away with the blade dirty.
A cursory cleaning is not good enough, either. Leaving any of that residue on the blade is likely to cause rust or other forms of corrosion. In either case, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry, then oil the blade before you store it.
Throw It
Machetes are generally made with softer steels and more generous tempers than knives, because they must be able to withstand chopping and other stresses to which knives are rarely if ever subjected. But still, neither should be thrown, in any case.
Throwing knives have a special temper that enables them to withstand the impulse and other forces of impact. This is not the case for machetes or most knives. Chances are you will bend or snap the blade, chip the tip, or worse. Use them for what they’re designed for and save the throwing knives or ninja stars for throwing.
Store It in the Garage
Lastly, don’t store machetes or knives in the garage or shed. It makes sense to do so since that’s where people often store their tools, but sheds, garages, and other similar spaces are subjected to wide temperature swings through the seasons, and worse, often experience elevated humidity in the summer and sometimes even in the winter.
Humidity is a killer of electronics and gas-powered tools, too, not just of steel, but it certainly is no good for steel tools like machetes, knives, and other yard tools, too. Keep them indoors if you can spare the space.
Where to Get a New Machete or Knife?
If your old machete or knife is caked with rust and you’re here for a new one, get it online at BUDK. They carry a massive inventory of knives and tools (including machetes) and other cool stuff for the home and garage. Check them out online and get in touch with them if you have any questions.
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For more information about Rapier and Crossbows Please visit: BudK Worldwide Inc.
