[BamaDOC]

from what I understand.. most quality machetes are made with high carbon steel (spring steel) , to enable them some flexibility so they aren't brittle...
that makes them softer than some of the newer fancier knife steels (cpm 3v, m390, m4)
but that makes them easier to sharpen...
from what I understand... they take edges nicely with a file, and a dual sided course stone, (try one of those axe hockey pucks)
and oil it afterwards since high carbon steels can rust.

any comments from our blade expert @The Tourist ?

here is the link for the hockey puck

Lansky Puck - Dual Grit Multi-Purpose Sharpener - Blade & Tool Sharpener

Buy Lansky Puck - Dual Grit Multi-Purpose Sharpener - Blade & Tool Sharpener at Amazon. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision!

www.amazon.com

 

[BamaDOC]

ohh and here is a link on steels from bladehq

Knife Steel Guide - Knife Life

In its most basic form, steel is just iron and carbon, but people have been studying, experimenting with, and perfecting steel with other elements for specific applications for millennia. The study of steel is now so complex and nuanced that one can acquire a graduate degree in the subject and...

www.bladehq.com