Newbie BK7 Question

[stalbot]

New to the forum and new to Beckers. Just ordered a BK7 that shipped today. I ordered it because I liked the clip point. I'd like to sharpen the top of the swedge. Is this best done with a file, or wheel? In the past I've heard that a grinder can ruin the temper of a blade. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Stuart

[never too sharp]

Welcome to the forums.

Any time you use a power grinder on hardened and tempered steel, you run the risk of heating it too much and ruining the temper. That's not to say it cant be done. If you are not versed with grinders, a file would probably be your best bet, but progress would be s l o w. My suggestion would be to just use the knife and not worry about sharpening the clip. It's a great knife, and maybe my favorite Becker.

[crimsonfalcon07]

Wheel on a variable speed belt grinder on slow would be your best bet. And you'll probably end up ruining it unless you're experienced with grinding in swedges. They're surprisingly hard to do. Also, illegal many places. Make sure you check your local laws before you attempt it.

[TwinStick]

Yeah, check your laws. Hate to "donate it" to a LEO.

[bigghoss]

Assuming it's legal, it might be worth it to have a professional do it. I doubt it would be very expensive.

[Uncle Malice]

Get yourself a Work Sharp sharpener. It's basically just a small handheld belt sander with guides to put a beautiful and super sharp convex edge on blades. I imagine it would make short work of sharpening that swedge, just take your time as to not overheat it.

You'll get a great sharpening system for future use, and have a great convex edge.

[CamH_16]

Unless you hold there blade there for like 10 mins on the grinder you wont ruin the HT...One quick pass then dip in water. As people said, check that its legal. Didnt know sharpened swedges were illegal

[K9-Handler]

Didnt know sharpened swedges were illegal

It's a regional thing. Some States (and cities) it is, some don't care.

[JSMcustoms]

Get yourself a Work Sharp sharpener. It's basically just a small handheld belt sander with guides to put a beautiful and super sharp convex edge on blades. I imagine it would make short work of sharpening that swedge, just take your time as to not overheat it.

You'll get a great sharpening system for future use, and have a great convex edge.

I've heard of these before. Not looked into them though. I've been using a Spyderco Sharpmaker for a good while. It works okay, but I'm looking for something better.

[crimsonfalcon07]

I've heard of these before. Not looked into them though. I've been using a Spyderco Sharpmaker for a good while. It works okay, but I'm looking for something better.

Paper wheels. Pretty cheap, and fairly easy to put an excellent edge on, especially if you have a steady hand.

[dramos1]

I been wanting to get myself a bk7 for a bit, it looks like an awesome knife and I thought I'd sharpen the swedge to, if you make it work lets us know how it comes out, I may sharpen the swedge on my 9 soon