An Idiots Guide to Cheap Bevel Grinds

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knifefeller

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Feb 5, 2024
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Grinds are probably the most challenging part of the knife making process for beginners. This is my two cents for any new makers.

File Your Plunge Lines First

Not only will you have clean plunge lines, you will have something to use as a reference while grinding.

Learn to Freehand, But do it Right

Yes, jigs are essy, and are a great option. However, you can get more or less the same effect as a jig by resting the blade on your table (I forget the term for the thing you put your steel on when grinding). If you want to, you can get a cheap jig and set it to the furthest depth you will grind to. Grind the same way you would freehand, but with the blade in the jig. The jig acts as a safety, while you learn the basics of freehand.

Don’t Use The Floppy Part!

As tempting as it may be, DO NOT USE THE FLOPPY PART OF THE BELT unless you want that type of grind. It is not faster, it’s less precise and will ruin your grind.

Trust Yourself

I’ve ruined a dozen or so blades because I kept trying to correct minor errors in the beginning stages of grinding. The uneven bevel lines will work themselves out over time, and worst comes to worst you can file or sand them out.
 
Lot's to learn from this post, gentlemen. Pay attention here.

1. File plunge lines first, don't grind them in, as they are a "reference point".
2. Learn to freehand grind, but do it "correctly".
3. Rest the blade on that "thing you put your steel on".
4. The jig is safer than freehand grinding
5. Do NOT use the "floppy part of the belt", it will ruin your grind
6. Trust yourself!

Thumbs up!
 
Stuart Davenport Knives said:
Lot's to learn from this post, gentlemen. Pay attention here.

1. File plunge lines first, don't grind them in, as they are a "reference point".
2. Learn to freehand grind, but do it "correctly".
3. Rest the blade on that "thing you put your steel on".
4. The jig is safer than freehand grinding
5. Do NOT use the "floppy part of the belt", it will ruin your grind
6. Trust yourself!

Thumbs up!
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Lol.. I do admit this isn’t the place for this- I thought this forum was a bunch of my fellow beginners, and I wanted to give some tips on mistakes I often make. It would appear however that the vast majority of bladesmiths here are a bit beyond the 1x30 and filing jig phase. Apologies for clogging the forum- I can delete if you all would like.
Nice to meet everyone and tons of respect for the makers here.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
Really Needs to be a sticky!
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Glad I could help a beginner like you!

In all seriousness though, I can delete the post if it’s clogging the forum- I didn’t know everyone here was a master smith (I thought it was a bunch of broke beginners like myself).
On the topic of grinds, yours are beautiful. I took a peek at the knives you’ve made and have nothing but respect for you and your blades.
 
Folks of all skill levels here, don't apologize, good on you for contributing something someone will find useful
 
knifefeller said:
Glad I could help a beginner like you!

In all seriousness though, I can delete the post if it’s clogging the forum- I didn’t know everyone here was a master smith (I thought it was a bunch of broke beginners like myself).
On the topic of grinds, yours are beautiful. I took a peek at the knives you’ve made and have nothing but respect for you and your blades.
Click to expand...

Nah, You Are Good!!!

Just Some snarkiness hope It wasn't too much

I myself am learning stuff All the time....that's what makes this fun.

Welcome to BF. You'll fit right in.....this was the perfect place for Your post.

Keep em coming.
 
Where in Virginia are you? We have a lot of makers here. Also, plan on attending the Harrisonburg knife show in April. It is a great show. Family friendly and just knives.

As far as your recommendations, they are valid suggestions. Thanks for starting a discussion on things that help new makers.

We all learn something new every day. Sometimes we learn a new or better way of doing something we thought we knew.
My grandfather was a colleague of Einstein at Princeton. In a conversation with some people someone said to Einstein that he must know everything. Einstein replied, "Only a fool thinks he knows everything."
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Where in Virginia are you? We have a lot of makers here. Also, plan on attending the Harrisonburg knife show in April. It is a great show. Family friendly and just knives.

As far as your recommendations, they are valid suggestions. Thanks for starting a discussion on things that help new makers.

We all learn something new every day. Sometimes we learn a new or better way of doing something we already knew.
My grandfather was a colleague of Einstein at Princeton. In a conversation with some people someone said to Einstein that he must know everything. Einstein replied, "Only a fool thinks he knows everything."
Click to expand...
Close to DC. I don’t know if I can make the show, although I would love to
 
It is Friday and Saturday, April 5&6. Just a short hop over from DC. Ask your dad or an adult friend to take you. I'd love to meet you in person. I regularly give wood and other stuff to Shop Talk folks who drop by. You will also get to meet many great makers and see thousands of custom knives. Pop's used to be there, but the new owners attend a different show that weekend, now. There is still plenty of supplies, especially handle materials.

I encourage the VA/WV/PA/MD makers here in Shop Talk to come. It is family friendly, no-guns, and not noisy. There is a food truck, ATM, and a great silent auction on Saturday.

I bring lots of top-grade handle materials, ivories, other supplies, knives, jewelry and other handmade items, and usually display items from Bill Moran and Ron Frazier.
 
knifefeller said:
Glad I could help a beginner like you!

In all seriousness though, I can delete the post if it’s clogging the forum- I didn’t know everyone here was a master smith (I thought it was a bunch of broke beginners like myself).
On the topic of grinds, yours are beautiful. I took a peek at the knives you’ve made and have nothing but respect for you and your blades.
Click to expand...
I'm certainly not a master smith. My grinding skills definitely fall into the "needs improvement" category. Thanks for the thread.
 
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