Basically finished...
I'm basically finished with the "Orc Machete" project, except for a sheath. I still plan to use either Kydex or trash can plastic, with homemade copper eyelets (a piece of soft copper tubing from the plumbing dept. of the hardware store). It's probably going to be a Rubbermaid trash can for plastic, so I have to wait for when I'm a bit more flush in terms of cash.
I've sharpened it, including the leading corner. I know that it's likely that the very edge of many machetes was "burned" in the manufacturing process, so I just sharpen them and use them. At some point, the machete starts holding an edge better. I just don't have time to try to sharpen past the burn, right at the start.
The same rule applies to the finish. As you can see, I started to sand it off, but then I decided that the finish is so fragile, it will take care of the removal for me as I start to use the machete. Once it's mostly gone, I'll finish the job with fine sandpaper, then I'll probably use some vinegar for a nice, gray patina.
It may not be "pretty," but it's worlds ahead of the machete that came out of the box this summer. The original was heavy for its length (too slow!), and the hilt was terrible: slick and too big for my hand. Now it's much quicker, and I have much more control over it, thanks to the smaller hilt with a guard and butt to help keep the tool in place in my hand.
I recommend the shortening and hilt reduction to others, although the hook is probably not for most people. I plan to use it as a belt machete for tree work and brush clearing, in addition to other tools. I usually have a machete nearby when working in the yard, thanks to many, many brushes with violence in my life, including one in my own front yard with a big guy on some kind of uppers. The orc machete will be kept close by, as much for comfort as for its usefulness as a tool.
Here it is:
All my best,
Dirty Bob