Hollon Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 This is really a beginners question, but here it is. I was wondering what the best way to put an angle on a blade, since most of mine (I've only made four knives) seems to just kind of curve down to the edge rather than straight angles. Part of the problem is probably the grinder I'm using which some 50 year old homemade one, that I'm using a plow sharpening wheel I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 I am not quite sure what you are asking..maybe a drawing would help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easilyconfused Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 If I was to wager a guess, you're meaning a convex grind? Like this? (). If you're using a round grinding stone, it's a common problem, although it is a good grind for heavy chopping, and I don't have an answer other than practice and experiment with your stone. Possibly grind along the wheel instead of perpendicular to it to maximize the width of contact. Make sure the tip is pointing towards the rotation though so it doesn't grab and turn the knife into a projectile as that can be very very painful . You might also be able to use it for rough grinding and then switch to files and hand stones/sandpaper and hand work it for a flat grind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rravan Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 In my opinion an angle grinder works the best fot a flat grind and can be brought for arount $60.00 AUS, at bunnings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooseRidge Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 One of the problems in using grinders for edges it keeping the angle constant. Usually results in a wavy bevel along the edge. The best thing is to use the grinders to get the blade close, then use a knive-sharpener vise and hones to get the blade set correctly.... a little pricey to buy, but you can make one.... just look at pictures of ones on-line, then make your own.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Sells Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Funny how every one is missing the simplest and cheapest way to get a flat edge. Files have been used for centuries, they didn't have Bader B-3 back then, and I didn't have one till a month ago. Even so I still love my files. I can file things and shapes I would never try to get with a power tool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooseRidge Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Use them all the time, but still not expert in filing the blade edges.... guess I need more practice.... LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 look into "draw filing" best way to file a blade in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollon Posted April 11, 2008 Author Share Posted April 11, 2008 Yes, it was a convex grind that I meant. But the general consensus is use a grinder to rough it out, then use files? I also getting a new grinder that uses a completely circular shaped grinding wheel soon, so that may work better. Also, would a belt sand work in place of files, since thats what I use to get rid of grinding marks anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 I yse a belt sander-4 X 36" 100$ from Lowes. and it has a 6" disc that i thought would be worthless, but, I was wrong- all i need now is to find finer grits-but i started out with a 3 x 18 b&d that i put in a vise that worked for awhile- hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unkle spike Posted April 11, 2008 Share Posted April 11, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollon Posted April 12, 2008 Author Share Posted April 12, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julian Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 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 :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blafen Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Kelley Posted April 12, 2008 Share Posted April 12, 2008 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollon Posted April 13, 2008 Author Share Posted April 13, 2008 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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