For field use a lot of people find the classic 'handy file', a file with a simple punched steel handle form stamped into the blank on one end instead of the normal tang. These have a suitable single and double bastard-cut sides. The double cut takes steel off quickly while the single cut is good for sharpening. If you want a really smooth and sharp edge draw-filing with the single-cut side can put a mirror finish on it.

Some cane cutters wear their handy-file in a simple leather belt sheath so it is always close and their machete stays very sharp.

I looked up handy file and found this. Its a lot smaller than my big garage model. Says it weighs 4 oz. and is 8" long without handle. I might just get one and grind off the handle to shorten and lighten it. It would only be used occasionally anyway, the way I use the knife.

The file is a tiny bit heavy for a lightweight hiker but if you are doing trail maintenance, and need to carry tools anyway, it isn't too bad. It is even more doable if you have a small crew as you can get by with one file for every four or six machetes. The file can also be part of a 'crew kit' to keep shovels, axes, McLeods, mattocks and grub hoes sharp and productive. A good file, a small can of oil (I like transmission fluid), and a couple of rags make a nice little field kit.

I have what I believe to be a WW2 US machette. I traded an Alice pack for it while stationed in Hawaii. As I recall it was some Royal Aussie Regiment "Blah blah blah" guy, been too many years now to remember, they were on TDY and staying on our HHC barracks at Ft Shafter. Wood handle, rivetted, stamped "US 1943". I used it while boar hunting on Oahu. It was in it's original oiled scabbard w/ a brass snap over a pocket with a sharpening stone. It has been with me 23 years. under the seat of every truck I have owned along with my Grandad's Norwegian axe. I dunno how o post pics here but suppose should try. Never seen anothe machette like it, kinda standard shape but man does it hold and edge.

Ironwood

@Ironwood:

Pictures! We must have pictures!

I will try to get a picture of it up. As a matter of fact I just used it today to chop thru a 4x4 cribbing timber on my truck. I had a load of reclaimed lumber that I bought off a demo site and the guy didnt have a chainsaw there, and the other wood sticking out we broke off with the forks of his skidsteer, but this one was too stout. looked like a beave r had come by.

Ironwood

I once used a machete to gnaw through a fallen tree that was blocking the road to our campsite. It took a lot longer than it should have, and I was amazed that the owner of our truck carried neither axe nor saw, either of which would have done the job quicker, but the machete did get the job done. Definitely looked like a beaver had been at work...

Come to think of it, I have a couple of machetes with the same markings. No original sheaths, though, and the handles are a hard bakelite-type material. It took some digging, but I found out these were made by the Ontario Knife Company. The "1943" refers to the pattern, not necessarily the year of manufacture. And you're right, when it comes to holding an edge I have yet to see their equal.

That sounds like the machete I had as a kid back in the '60's. One of my fav machete's now is the Ontario Field Machete -- 18" Blade and 1/8" 1095 Carbon Steel Blade.

How do you like the D-style handle? Is it comfortable to use? I've been looking at the short version (Camper, 12 in.) and a knuckle guard seems like a good idea.