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Do you have a machete? Is it rusted or getting blunt? Want that it gets new again? Then you should do its care. There are different ways and methods that you can apply to your machete to give it a new and refreshing feel. It is good to keep in a safe place and moisture free area to prolong the life of the machete. To keep your weapon in tip-top form follow some of the guidelines according to its parts.
01. Blade Care
The blade is the core element of the machete. If it is damaged or rusted then it is useless. It is very important to keep the blade covered and don’t use the things that reduce the sharpness of the blade. There are different types of blades and each one requires own care method. Have a look at blade type and its care.
Carbon Steel Blade Care
It gets corroded due to moisture intact. To avoid this always clean with a dry cloth and then cover it. It is good to apply the layer of the oil on the knife. In this way, oil form an impermeable layer that prevents moisture from contacting to blade. In order to retain back the carbon steel shine, rub the vinegar damped cloth on both sides and let it sit for five minutes.
Now rinse it with water and thoroughly dry it. Repeat this procedure two to three times. this will give the greyish blue shine to your blade and it will look new. Once you complete this procedure, apply the layer of the baby oil or the non-detergent oil and cover it. This will not allow to corrode or damage the blade.
Stainless Steel Blade Care
The stainless-steel blade is easy to maintain and clean. It does not get corroded easily but it loses its sharpness. To prevent any damage, it is good to apply the layer of oil all the time on it. Although oiling is not essential yet it provides shine and gives it a new look. Add the vinegar on the cloth and then apply on the blade. Let it dry. Now apply the layer of the olive oil on it. The vinegar will remove any staining present on it while the oil will bring back its shine and polish.
You can use the club soda directly on the blade. Apply one the knife and wipe in the direction of the grain. This will remove the fingerprints from it and give it the shine just like the new one.
To remove the fingerprints, you can also apply the glass cleaner of a good brand. Spray it on the surface and then wipe with the dry muslin cloth. It will remove the fingerprints and give it a new shiny look.
High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade Care
In such blades, there is the high content of the carbon. Therefore, they can be rusted easily, in order to prevent the corrosion, first always keep the blade covered. This is because if you keep them naked, the humidity from the air can also corrode them. along with keeping in cover apply the layer of the oil on it so that no moisture can remain in contact with the blade.
Even you can drop the few drops of the oil in the sheath. In this way, it will form a complete preventive layer thus preventing the blade from getting corroded.
In case you find the rust spots on it, don’t worry. Use the steel wool and lightly rub over the spots. It will immediately remove the rust. If it does not work then use the wet and dry emery paper. First, use the 400 grit and then 800 in order to completely remove the spots. Clear the rust particles, wipe the blade with vinegar, dry it and apply the layer of oil to prevent from further corrosion.
02. Handle Care
The machetes come with different types of handles. Each one needs special care and maintenance. To avoid any crack, damage or rupturing it is good to keep your machete at some high levels. Hang it in the firm place where there is no chance that it will fall down. Especially it is made of plastic. To care about the handle of your weapon, have a look at each handle type maintenance guide given below.
Wood Handle Care
The machete with the wood handles needs more care as compared to the steel handle. This is because the wood is the natural material and it is suspected to splintering, rotting, and breakage if not cared properly. The machete comes with any of the two types of handles. One is the stabilized form while the other is the non-stabilized form. The former one contains the holes or pores that are filled with the resin. Thus, it is durable and is less likely to wrap. While the other one does not have such filling so less durable.
No matter what type of wood handle your machete have you must take care in both cases. Do not expose the weapon to the moisture, as it will spoil the wood and the handle will start degrading.
When you apply the layer of the oil on blade apply on the handle also so that it does not come in touch with the moisture. Keep in a cool and dry area. Don’t expose too much in heat as it will dry the wood and it may start cracking.
Molded Plastic Handle Care
The molded plastic handle is easy to care and maintain. This is because they are synthetic and does not spoil with the extra moisture content. You can use the damp cloth to remove the dust, debris or oil from the handle. To avoid the slippery effect from such handles, remove the oil layer from it. When you grease the blade try to avoid dropping off the oil on the handle as it creates a slippery effect and creates difficulties for you to handle the machete properly. Keep in the safe sheath. This is because it may break if fallen from a high surface. Therefore, keep inside the cupboard or place in a safe place.
Rubber Handle Care
Rubber handles are good to grip as they do not create any slippery effect like stainless steel or the plastic type. These are long-lasting and easy to maintain. If you got some stains or dust embedded on the handle, you can clean it with eh detergent. Make the detergent solution and then rub on the surface. After that apply the wet cloth to remove the detergent particles. Now let it dry. In this way, it will look new. Keep in mind while cleaning the handle wrap the blade so that the moisture do not hurt the blade sharpness or appearance. It is good to dry the whole machete at the end of the rubber cleaning session.
The rubber may break down with the passage of the time. You may cover it with some plastic sheet if not in use. This will prevent the penetration of the dust particle on its surface and prolong the shelf life of the handle.
Stainless Steel Handle Care
You can take care of stainless-steel handle just like the blade. Although these are slippery in nature they have the longest shelf life as compared to other handles This is because the steel does not break, splinter, rotten or even corroded. In order to maintain its shine and give it a new look. Use the vinegar damped cloth and rub on the surface. After that wash with the water. Let it dry or use the muslin cloth to wipe out the watermarks.
You can also apply the furniture polish, glass cleaner or the baby oil to protect the handle from moisture and give it a shiny appearance. Although this makes the handle slippery. When you have to use it, remove the oil from the handle so that you can easily grip your machete.
Leather Handle Care
Maintenance of the leather is the tricky tasks. This is because if you use any hard material on it, this will get scratches on it. Just like leather clothes, it is good to take care of the leather handle. You can brush polish over it to give it a shine. Try to use the polish especially made for the leather cleaning. Along with never use the detergent and direct water contact to clean it as it may damage the handle.
In order to prevent the leather from drying, apply the special leather crema or gel over it. Do not use any other moisturizer as it will damage the appearance of your leather. If there are present the dust particles, then use the damp cloth to remove them. Don’t use the detergent chemical to clean leather as it causes the abrasion, cracks or creates dryness in the handle.
Micarta Handle Care
Micarta is the thermosetting type of plastic that contains carbon, fiber, paper, canvas, and linen. It is easy to maintain. You can clean it directly with water or soap. If you find any debris or stains on it, use the sponge and rub detergent on the surface of the handle. After that clean with a wet cloth and then let it dry, I will give it a new refreshing look. Micarta handles get darken with time but there is no need to worry, you can still use it and grip it firmly. If you are concerned of darkening of the handle then you can send you machete to the knife cleaning store. They have special sand treatments that will refresh your micarta handle and make it just like a new one.
03. Sheath Care
Just like the machete sheath care is also important. because if the protective layer gets damaged then there are chances that the lifespan of the machete also reduce. Therefore it is good to take care of the sheath. Do not place in high humidity zone, dusty place or in too much rain. All these factors may create cracks or holes in it. That will in return damage the machete. The care of the sheath according to the nature of the material is described below.
Nylon Sheath Care
Nylon sheaths are easy to maintain. You can use the detergent solution in order to remove the stain and dust particles from the sheath. First, use the dry cloth and remove all the dust particle.s after that use the sponge dipped in detergent to clean the surface. Now use water damped cloth to remove the detergent from it. This will give back you a new nylon sheath. Place it in sunlight in order to remove any smell if previously present.
Leather Sheath Care
No matter what type of leather is you have to take care of and prevent from abrasion. Don’t use the detergent for cleaning leather. Just use the brush to remove all the dust or you can use the light wet cloth to remove the stains from the sheath. Even you can use the good quality leather cleaner to clean the sheath and make it new.
Kydex Sheath Care
Kydex is the thermoplastic vinyl chloride material se din variety of things. These are widely used for making the sheaths for the Machete. To clean the Kydex just use the dry cloth. To remove the stain, you can use the wet cloth and after that use the air compressor to remove all the dust from the surface. Even you can place under the water to clean it. Make sure to remove all extra water and use the hair dryer to dry the moisture. This is important because any moisture inside the sheath can create smell as well as may corrode the machete. Therefore, be careful because any moisture content can damage your weapon.
04. Storing Your Machete
Machete is the weapon and can be dangerous if not stored properly. It is important to keep inside the sheath in the dry place. Before you place, the machete in the sheath spread an oil layer over it so that if there is humidity it will not able to touch the blade. The machete with the wood handle must also be placed in the cool but dry place.
As this is the weapon and playing with it can be dangerous. Therefore, place in the locked cupboard or at a high place to keep it out of reach of the children. Whenever you use it, don’t be in a hassle and never leave naked on the table. Rather you must pack it in the sheath, place in the cupboard and then leave the remove. Remember the proper storage is important otherwise you have to bear the negative consequences.
05. How To Clean Your Blade
Cleaning the blade is not a difficult task. You first have to understand the nature of the blade and then use the particular cleaning agent to clean the blade. For all three types that are stainless steel, carbon steel, or carbon stainless steel you can use the vinegar to clean the surface. To remove the corrosion, use the steel wool dipped in the vinegar and then remove the rust spots from the machete.
06. How To Restore Dead Machete
It is very simple to store back your favorite machete. You need a bottle of the vinegar, tub to dip it, sandpaper, steel wool. And wood or other oil. First, take out the machete from the sheath and put in the tub having the vinegar. Make sure your weapon dip inside it. Leave it for 24 hours. Next day bring out of the vinegar and take the sandpaper to remove the rust. After that use the steel wool to clear all the debris from the machete. Now use the electric sand machine and rub to bring the shine back. If you have electric sharpener then you can use it to sharpen the blade, this is important the rusted blade with the passage of time lose the sharpness and become blunt. Therefore, to get back your refresh machete doesn’t forget to sharpen the blade and try on the tree. If it chops instantly then it’s mean your dead machete is restored back.
If the handle is ruptured fill the glue on the whole side. Now use the Danish or wood oil to clean the surface of the sheath. In order to give the shininess to the machete use any oil or furniture shiner. At the end use the paint to renew the look of the handle especially if it is made of the wood or plastic.
In the end, you will see your machete will all clean and there will be no sign of the old marks.
07. How to Clean a Machete Rusty Blade?
You can use the vinegar method as described above or use the following method to clean the rusty blade.
You can sprinkle the salt on the blades and let it sit for a few minutes. After that cut the lemon and start rubbing on the surface. The acid in the lemon will react will salt and extract all the rust from the blade. Now rinse the blade with warm water and clean it with the dry cloth. Be careful don’t let the lemon juice to be on the bade for more than a few minutes as it may damage the blade.
The second method is the use of baking soda. Take the bowl of baking soda and add a little water to make the paste. Now apply this paste on the blade and let it sit for two to three hours. Make sure the paste is thick enough to stay on and get dried like the lumps. After that scratch all the paste with the help of the steel wool. Now rise in under the water to remove all the spots. After that dry the blade with a clean cloth and done. Apply the layer of oil to prevent corrosion in the future.
08. How to Unrust a Machete?
It is very simple to Unrust the blade. You have to keep it in the bowl of the vinegar for 24 hours. The acid in the vinegar will extract all the iron particles from the blade and make it clear. Then use the steel wool or the sandpaper and rub on the blade in order to remove the remaining particle. At the end wash the blade thoroughly with water. Let it sit so that it gets completely dried. At the end apply the layer of the olive or linseed oil and place inside the sheath.
09. Tips for Maintaining Your Machete
In order to keep the machete clean and rust free, it is important to follow the guidelines given below
- Keep in the cool and dry place
- Keep the machete dry and remove all moisture before placing in the sheath.
- Apply the oil layer to prevent moisture contact.
- Before placing in the sheath make sure the sheath is dry.
- Don’t use the detergent for cleaning the leather sheath as it may create abrasion and cracks.
- Don’t use the water for cleaning the wood handle a sit may create swelling of the wood handle.
- Keep the machete out of reach of children to avoid any accident.
- Keep in a high place or the cabinet to avoid falling down of the weapon.