Why Cutting on Angles Makes a Difference When Using A Knife, Machete or an Axe

There is no secret to this. A lot of us already know that cutting on an angle allows the tools to drive in deeper, but why does it make a difference?

Simply put no matter what you’re cutting, that material has to make room for the thickness of the blade. When a cut is made at an angle to the material, the waste can bend/curl away from the blade into free air creating a temporary kerf (a space for the blade to fit). When cutting perpendicular to the grain, there is very little room for anything to move or compress.

So why is this important information to bushcrafters using knives, machetes and axes? The answer was first shown to me many years ago as a pimply faced apprentice carpenter. My teacher explained that by understanding as much as we can about how our tools perform, we can start to think and solve problems for ourselves before we make a mistake (and bosses love that! It’s the point when you start making money for them!).

When crafting out in the bush, I generally look for the easiest options first. Not because I’m lazy, I just don’t see the point in wearing yourself out on one task when you have many to perform. If a bit of understanding helps plan for safer, easier and quicker cuts, I’m in!

What Gear Is In This Clip!
The Machete is a Tramontina Bolo which we modified with an oversized handle and a very sharp convex edge all the way to the tip. The sheath is one of our own from North Arm Machete Co. The Belt Hung Sheath is our farm favourite as a machete can be drawn and dropped from it readily. More info on these can be found at:

http://northarmmacheteco.com.au/

The knife is one of our own and custom made. We pinched many features from the Woodlore design. It has a thin edge convex grind with a micro chisel style tip (we are testing that at the moment). The scales are shop made burlap micarta with SS tube rivets. We call this a ‘dog bone’ style handle.

I hope this info is helpful! Please feel free to leave a comment or ask questions.

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