I have a pretty decent electric knife sharpener, I may try that, but just curious... whats the best way to sharpen a machete? I never thought about it before but mine is getting a little dull now.
Harbour freight belt sander with 120 grit belts, light pressure, work fast so you don't heat it up, flip it once you get a burr along the entire edge, drag it across a block of wood to pull the burr off. Basically the way I sharpen just about all outdoor edged tools, holds an edge for a long time, is really quick, and gives a nice smooth convex edge without burning it. Grinding wheels heat up quicker, don't leave as smooth of a surface, and grind a concave "hollow" edge that doesn't support the tip as well.
File... Lose weigh, get in shape, free the mind of social issues, build self esteem, conquer your fear of something new, beat your chest, drink a beer, chop something up. Have a nice day.
I use a Dremel tool to sharpen chain saw, mower, and other garden tools. Have used it on the machete with good success. The guide kit that they sell works very well. Good blades are done by hand on an Arkansas stone and strop.
I have a Ken onion worksharp that I use now, but I always used a single bastard file while clamped in a vise, wear leather gloves and work slow, it's easy to take material off and you cant put it back on.
I was gonna say, you could walk into a local machine shop with a 6 pack...
If yer willing to make the investment, I myself use an original Work Sharp belt sander style mini sharpener - pretty idiot proof. I use that for all my knives but before that, it was always machine shops + beer fer me...