building a knife??????

matt matney · September 11, 2007, 10:30:00 PM

How are you guys getting the bevel on the blade even? I'm using a disk/belt sader and i'm trying to free hand it and I can't get even. Help please. I'm using 1/8" stainless steel stock.

geno · September 11, 2007, 10:33:00 PM

I start with a bench grinder and then go to a file. Takes a while. I think alot of guys use the belt sander.

matt matney · September 11, 2007, 10:42:00 PM

geno,
Are you using some type of jig or free handing it

robtattoo · September 12, 2007, 04:12:00 AM

I use a 1" vertical belt sander & a LOT of patience! :D

It probably took me 50 blades worth of bad grinds before it started to come together properly.

It really is a case of practice makes perfect (& even now I'll still get the occasional bad 'un)

NativeArcher · September 12, 2007, 05:30:00 AM

Im going to watch this thread for tips. I just started trying my hand at making knives and was wondering the same thing. So far the one I did was by hand with a file, thank goodness it was a short blade. just go slow and be careful....matty

beyondmyken · September 12, 2007, 06:10:00 AM

Try a scandanavian grind. It is basically a v shaped wedge for a bevel. Then if you want to make it convex, use a slack belt. Use a rough grit to get the basic shape, ie 80 or 120. Mark the edge of your blade with a majic marker, this makes it easy to see where you are sanding. I don't have any experience with hollow grinds.

RGK · September 12, 2007, 06:34:00 AM

It really is a practice makes perfect issue. I freehand all my grinds. A one inch vertical belt sander is a good way to go.

tippit · September 12, 2007, 07:11:00 AM

I use a 2" belt grinder with 72" long belts, but I started with a belt sander. Mine are all freehand...practice, practice, practice

Doc

OconeeDan · September 12, 2007, 07:52:00 AM

I have hollow ground a couple using a standard 6" bench grinder. Takes a lot of patience and go slow to get it even. Then remove grinding marks with progressively finer wet/dry sandpaper, then polish. Then put on edge.

robtattoo · September 12, 2007, 08:07:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by tippit:
I use a 2" belt grinder with 72" long belts, but I started with a belt sander. Mine are all freehand...practice, practice, practice Doc

Curse you and your beautiful, wonderful, good Lord I want one, KMG grinder! :D :D

matt matney · September 12, 2007, 08:31:00 AM

Thanks guys this is my first try at it and it is whipping my tail. By the time i get it right theres not going to be a blade left.

Tom Krein · September 12, 2007, 08:34:00 AM

I would like to recommend a very good book to you guys starting out. The book is How to make Knives by Loveless, Barney and Moran. You can get it at Amazon pretty cheaply.

This is a great book and shows three different ways to make knives. Stock removal, forging and without power tools. The last will help you guys the most. Lots of good information in this book!!

I would also suggest you guys use good steel. You can get a bar of 1/8" X 1 1/2 X 36" surface ground O-1 pretty dang cheap and it will save you a LOT of head ache.

Once you can make a knife using files and sandpaper you will be ready to start using the power machines. They are not better, just a little faster. They can also mess up your stuff pretty fast.

Feel free to ask IF I can help.

Tom

geno · September 12, 2007, 09:08:00 AM

I agree with tom on a book. I dont know that one,but Loyd Let me borrow me one at Mojam and I refer to it often. Tom what town do you live in?
G

Tom Krein · September 12, 2007, 09:29:00 AM

I live in Gentry, Arkansas. Very close to the border of Oklahoma (about 6 miles) and about 25-30 south of Missouri.

If any of you are in the area feel free to stop by the shop. I am here Sunday-Friday most weeks.

Call ahead to make sure I will be here.

Tom

479-233-0508 (cell)

matt matney · September 12, 2007, 09:47:00 AM

Tom, Thank you for the info on the book.

Jeremy · September 12, 2007, 11:21:00 AM

I do mine freehand. My first couple were with a file, then I went to a 5" disk sander, then a 1x30" belt grinder I picked up cheap (the one from Harbor Freight is even cheaper and my father loves his).
Lots of practice, that's all.

I want to be like Doc when I grow up though. KMG grinder... I'd be in heaven!

NativeArcher · September 12, 2007, 12:16:00 PM

Tom you stated:
"I would also suggest you guys use good steel. You can get a bar of 1/8" X 1 1/2 X 36" surface ground O-1 pretty dang cheap and it will save you a LOT of head ache."
just a question how good is O1 and where abouts would one get some... and sorry if hijacking thread, (didnt want to start multiple knife threads for the sake of the moderators), but if anyone had any pointers or tips for using water bufallo scales for handle materials it would be greatly appreciated.. thanks ....matty