Bevels and Finished Edge Question(s)

g33kfu

g33kfu

Joined
May 16, 2007
Messages
112
I should preface with that I'm working on a flat grind with 1080 and hand tools for a hunter. After searching around the consensus for edge thickness and process seems to be:

1.) Before heat treat get edge to .030 to .040
2.) After heat treat get edge to .010
3.) Sharpen

These are of course simplified. Questions:

1.) So am I going to need to start out at 80 grit again after the heat treat in order to remove enough material to get the bevels down from .030 to .010? 2.) How hard will this be with hand sanding?
3.) Lastly, will sandpaper be the best way to put the sharp edge on without a grinder?

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.
Dustin
 
Those "guidelines" are assuming you have an efficient mean to remove hard steel (grinder), which I don't. Personnally, I get my edge to the final thickness before heat treat, and the whole blade to 400 or 600 grit (if it's stainless).

As for the final edge, I use the Lansky.
 
80 grit should be satisfactory but it sure sounds like a lot of work. I start with 60 grit, move to 120 grit and finish with 220 grit but I'm using a JL belt grinder. You might think about using a tool and die makers stone as your first step. Stones would help you get the material removed quicker then sand paper and be more cost effective.

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNPDFF?PMPAGE=964
 
Thanks guys. Stone recommendations? So pretty much everyone just uses a belt grinder to do the finish after HT? Would it warp if I went down to .010 before HT?
 
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