BEST Folder Grinds: hollow or flat

[Rob Simonich]

I prefer a flat grind for a couple reasons. They are easier for me to hand rub, and they dont bind in some materials as a deep hollow grind. Now that said if you hollow grind with a 10" or bigger wheel like kit says its almost flat anyway. Hollow grinding is much easier for me to do, start the groove and let er rip! Flat grinding takes much more concentration, it is hard for me to bring the grind up to the top without breaking the spine and causing a stress riser.

 

[Muskydog]

I like the Flat grind, or slightly convex, for strength.
Ron Appleton

 

[Dirk]

I think I know why Darrel is asking. He let me in on some things he has in mind to improve his knives. That ain't going to be easy. I don't know if it is a secret, so I'll just keep it to myself.

Almost forgot. In general, I prefer flat. Everyone has listed the reasons. I think a flat grind all the way to the spine, done well, has it's own asthetic qualities.

 

[EQUALIZER]

I honestly don't know why there aren't more flat grinds out there all the way to the spine. Most knives aren't going to be used in such a way that they need all that extra meat in the spine. I say, take it to the top my friend.

That said, I AM a fan of the hollow grind, but it must be a very high grind IMHO, to be of MUCH use.

Best regards,

eq

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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18

 

[Paracelsus]

It's very interesting how predominant the preference is for full flat grinds in this thread

Paracelsus

 

[Darrel Ralph]

Para
I agree and disagree with the flat grind vs hollow grind.
I have used both. I like both.
I have been flat grinding for a long time.
To make a conclusion at this point would be tough.
Heres what Im thinking.

A hollow grind done with a larger wheel (like kit and tom) would be good on folders.

So I have just changed over my burr king to a 14 in hollow grinding wheel.
This wheel allows me to get a high grind line hollow that is closer to flat.

This will give me the best of both worlds i feel.

Im happy with this configuration at this point.

More later.



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Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
Happy Holidays!

 

[matthew rapaport]

I'll have to weigh in with the dominant opinion. My favorite shape in a small (folder) blade is wide and thin with a high flat grind to the spine. The thin blade coupled with the width makes it an agressive cutter, while the flat grind allows the most strength possible for the blade thickness.

Ideally, 1/16" should be enough with a 1" wide blade. With a really good steel, you could go down to 3/64" thick and still have more than enough strength for a folder.. These sharpen very easily.

 

[Hoodoo]

Nice article in the latest issue of Blade on convex vs flat vs hollow grinds. Nice to know that the experts disagree.

I'm thinking it would take some really sophisticated cutting tests to tell which is really the "best." For instance, a hollow grind from an 8" wheel is not the same as a hollow grind from a 14" wheel (as Kit has already pointed out and is discussed in the article). And like so many things, when you compare the best with the best, the actual difference is inconsequential. But...I still like a full flat grind on a heavy user.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM