How to Care for and Maintain Your Newly Purchased Machete
Machete maintenance goes a long way towards increasing the lifespan of your survival machete, as well as that of every individual part that makes it up. Just like you’d take care of a broom or a brush by caring for its individual elements, it’s the very same with a machete. The only difference is that machetes are essentially very sharp blades, so you’ll have to take extra care to prevent improper maintenance practices from damaging your machete.
Machete Blade Maintenance
So, you just bought a machete or a brand new blade, and you want to know how to take care of it. For that purpose, you will always have to address the blade first, since it’s the most important functional part of your new machete.
Aside from choosing the right machete blade, you also have to know how to clean and take proper care of your blade. How you do that will depend on the composition and material of the blade, since each individual blade is different:
- Stainless steel is one of the most common materials that works well when it comes to machete blades. However, even if oil isn’t a main priority, basic stainless steel blades will have to be re-sharpened as often as possible.
- Carbon steel blades are among the most affordable and efficient blades available at a relatively low cost. To take proper care of them, you have to be aware of the fact that they tend to rust easily, so keep them away from moisture. Fortunately, oiling will only be limited, since the blade holds its edge for a long time.
- The same is true with the enhanced, high carbon stainless steel blade. This blade will require even less maintenance, being rust-resistant, but it’s also capable of lasting longer than most blades.
Caring for the Handle
As with the blade, taking care of the handle of a machete will depend a lot on the material that the handle was made from. You can opt for a huge variety of ergonomic handles in this regard, including plastic, wood, rubber, leather and more.
Plastic and wood are known as the two most popular types of handle materials most people tend to select. While wood looks great, it’s also less ergonomic, and it requires more maintenance. It will be more prone to cracking, warping and even rotting – especially when exposed to moisture.
A plastic handle is a better choice, although not the most durable one. Molded plastic, however, can offer an impressive appearance, and it can also last longer than other handles. Rubber and micarta handles are both more durable than most types of plastic, and they will require only minimal maintenance. Just make sure you keep them clean and avoid abusing them excessively.
Sheath Care
The sheath is very important when it comes to keeping your machete in a safe and secluded place as well as away from any moisture or other unwanted influencing factors that could lead to a diminished lifespan.
While most machetes come with a ready made sheath made from leather, plastic or some other material, this protective layer will also require protecting. So, make sure you don’t leave the sheath out in the rain too long and that you draw your machete out of the sheath carefully each time – in order to prevent an overly sharpened machete from damaging it. Finally, use a damp cloth to clean your sheath, and avoid applying any additional solvents.
