Simple Problem

[unkle spike]

Originally Posted by ThomasPowers

look into "draw filing" best way to file a blade in my opinion.

Draw filing is the only way to keep a surface reasonably flat. It is an uncommon practice that you hardly ever see, but trust me it works.

[Hollon]

I googled draw filing, but didn't find much on it. Is it basically just setting a knife flat, and then pulling the file towards you, as you would with a draw knife (well perhaps not that angle). Pictures would help, but I couldn't find one.

[julian]

if you have the money, invest in a belt grinder. Until then, just use files and/or waterstones.

Google around for draw filing rigs. You just need a vise, piece of wood, and a C clamp. The idea is you clamp the wood into the vise, then clamp the knife to the wood and file it. That way you can put your weight into the file and the knife will hold still.

As for making the bevels flat, that's just where practice comes in. Just make sure you're practicing correctly

[blafen]

i use a 1-1/4 by 1-1/4 inch steel bar, and clamp it in my vise and i then use a c clamp to attach the blade to the steel bar. it makes it much easier to file the sides and edge bevels of the knife.

[Ken Kelley]

Go here Information on making knives Look through the tutorials on the first page and you will find a whole section on filing. Good luck.

Ken

[Hollon]

Well I tried draw filing today, and it seems to be about as fast or faster at smoothing out the blade as the belt sander I have is. Then again the belt sander is something like 5/8 hp with a 1 inch belt.

So thanks to everyone and their suggestions.