It is obvious in hindsight, but starting with a really sharp machete left me much less tired at the end of the day. And probably safer, too. I used to sharpen mine with a file and that was good enough. Last time, though, I took it to the next level with a guide-rod sharpener, like I would a regular knife. The difference was amazing. I was mainly cutting saw-briars, blackberry vines, and small limbs along a property line.

Mine's an old unit I've had since I was about 12, typical of what you can get at a military surplus store, but I don't know if it is actual military issue. Medium length, medium hardness steel. I haven't found anything I like better.

I'm thinking about giving it a dual-bevel edge next time I use it...

Steve