machete

[Stew]

trying to figure out what edge and level of sharpness for whacking some globe cedars into shape

[Mark-II]

Into what sort of shape?

It's usually Abstract Expression of Debris Field when I go a swinging

[kennymo]

I try to treat mine like an axe edge. Make too fine of an edge and it dulls and dings quickly, though I can’t say I’ve ever used it as a hedge trimmer. Mostly clearing space and making construction materials for hunting blinds. I have a Cold Steel Kuhkri (spelling?) which is made of thicker material than some of the standard shapes though.

It was kind of fascinating watching the gardeners in the Dominican use a machete for literally everything. Digging holes for potting plants, trimming the hedges, edging the lawn around the walks, repairing divots in the grass. We hung out with them for a bit and brought them a couple beers. There’s a photo of them pushing both our wives around in a wheelbarrow somewhere...

[Justice]

No 'h' in kukri. H's cost more. snicker. A kukri isn't a machete though. It's a big knife. The really big types are ceremonial tools.
Have a W.W. II Brit issue machete(Bolo style, Camillus, I think) that'll take down a 4" oak with 2 whacks. Isn't quite an axe edge(that's 25 degrees) or a knife edge(that's 20 degrees). Never measured it. It's not shaving sharp though. It's more about the quality of the steel than anything else anyway.
Don't think a machete is the right tool for a globe cedar. Those being more bush than tree. Hedge clippers would work better. Depends on the size of the bush though.

[kennymo]

A kukri isn't a machete

https://www.amazon.ca/Cold-Steel-97K...ix=kukr&sr=8-6