Advice on first knife

[polarbrew]

Hello all,

I'm new to the blog and I had a few questions on my first knife. Background: 1095 steel 1/8" thick, going for skinner look.

1. How do I keep my grind from going all the way to the top of the knife? (cant figure out how to post pic) Most knifes I see have the ricasso continue onto the blade in a thin strip. I couldn't get a grind to the leave 1mm blade thickness (before HT) and not continue the grind all the way to the top of the knife. BTW this was done on a jig. I've watched alot of videos and the professionals seem to get a very even grind line and mine was all over the place (with a jig).

2. Drill pin holes before or after HT?

Thanks in advance for advice! I'll probably try a hand grind on my next knife.

 

[PaMtnBkr]

I'm an amateur at best but the bottom line is practice, practice, practice! Try to learn to do your grinding free hand w/out jigs. Practice w/cheap steel from your local hardware store or check w/a local sheet metal fab shop for some scrap 11 ga steel? Make sure you are grinding w/a the edge up so you can watch your gap between the blade and the belt (assuming your using a belt grinder) You really want to be as rock solid as possible while you are grinding. Lock your elbows against your ribs and rock on your legs but keep your upper torso rock solid. Also make sure you are staying flat against the belt when going sideways with the blade. It's really easy to accidently tip the blase left or right as you are grinding which will result in divots and uneven grinds.
You will want to drill any holes prior to heat treat! Good luck and keep working at it, you'll get it! It's a facinating hobby and very rewarding!

 

[ev13wt]

Your angle was to low on the jig. Raise the end and this makes the flat with a steeper angle and if you raise it really far you have a very short grind.

Don't file all over the place, file the entire length of the blade with one smooth sweep with less pressure towards the tip. It also helps to very lightly angle the file pressure toward the ricasso into the plunge when you start your stroke then go flat pressure for the rest of the blade length.

Edit: Did I misunderstand and you are using a belt grinder? Your jig is too close to right angle if your flat grind goes up too far.

Same principles apply though. Smooth pulls with even pressure on the blade where it is being ground, not via the handle.

 

[polarbrew]

Awesome thanks for advice. I think I'm gonna stop by the scrap yard and see if I can't get some steel to practice with! Next blades I'm going to try and free hand.