General information
A general purpose or agricultural tool, for beneficiary distributions. Forged iron tools, strong and durable.
Local customs and basic tool shapes vary worldwide. Check the appropriateness of the tool’s shape prior to purchasing. The way in which the tool’s head is secured to the handle also varies (e.g., sunken eye, raised eye, spike
Generally, cast iron tools are more fragile than forged tools. Some manufacturers produce very low-quality tools. Test several samples to their breaking point prior to purchasing. Refer to strength testing procedures in Specifications.
- The terms "cast" and "forged" refer to the manufacturing process used to form the head of the tool.
- Casting involves turning metal into its molten liquid state, which is then poured into a mould to form the head of the tool.
- Forging involves pounding or compressing metal, in its solid form (cold or hot red), into the desired tool shape; thereafter, a number of other machining steps are necessary to complete the production.
Handles are often purchased separately from wood suppliers, or can be made locally by the beneficiaries. Where purchased, specify the required minimum length, diameter and type of wood.
Some specifications may vary with national standards and local market conditions. For locally sourced items, check the relevant national standards or specifications. Any important variation from the EIC standard needs to be approved by a specialist.
Specifications
MACHETTE
Curved blade, 405mm or 16″, lacquered. Overall length 55cm
Blade thickness 2.5mm with 3 grooves running the full length of the blade, into which the handle is keyed.
Wooden handle with 3 steel rivets plus washers.
Hot-forged carbon steel, hardened and tempered; hardened throughout the entire blade, but normalized past the first rivet hole.
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Quality: |
No dents on the cutting edge. |
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Rockwell hardness C (HRC): |
45 minimum to 50 maximum near cutting edge. |
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Carbon content: |
0.6% to 0.65% |
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Manganese content: |
0.6% to 0.8% |
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Silicone content: |
0.30% maximum |
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Phosphorus and Sulphur: |
0.03% maximum |
Strength testing:
With the blade inserted in a 10mm-wide slot, up to a depth equal to 1/3 the blade’s length, but not exceeding 150mm, a deflection of 45° in each direction is applied without breakage or a permanent set to the blade.
Handle: Smooth surface. No chips, rough surfaces, knots or holes. Dry strong hardwood.