Bevels by hand (files)

onebagnomad · Oct 1, 2009

I'm about to start work on my second knife with a new approach (my first attempt resulted in something so horrible that I don't have words to describe it). I'm setting aside the power tools (I don't have the means to purchase proper equipment at the moment) and need some ideas on ways to file a consistant bevel, especially the belly of the blade. I've been playing around with some jigs but can't come up with anything to help me with on the curve. Anyone have some wisdom they can share?

stephanfowler · Oct 1, 2009

I would do it free hand via draw filing

takes a little technique and getting used to it but it goes very quickly if you use good sharp files

Jason Fry · Oct 1, 2009

+1 on the draw filing. I made my first 15 knives by hand with files. A good sharp file certainly helps, and gloves, as you'll get blisters.

Keith_H · Oct 1, 2009

Draw filing does a nice job, but this is how I did it on my recent knife (second) http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6007536#post6007536
It might look like a mess of metal, but it is really just 2 points- the knife clamped to a piece of angle iron (Nick Wheeler's tip) and a bar clamp that can adjust up and down. The grey metal is an extension of the file.

knifekid13 · Oct 1, 2009

Check out greenpetes knifemaking vid on you tube. One of the video parts has a filing jig in it.

JasonSCarter · Oct 1, 2009

knifekid13 said:
Check out greenpetes knifemaking vid on you tube. One of the video parts has a filing jig in it.

+1 on the green pete file jig. Draw filing is great for accuracy but takes to long to do the whole thing for. also HF or other disscount tool stores will have a angle grinders for 20.00 or less. great for beveling. then clean up with draw filing and sand paper.

Jason

onebagnomad · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks for all of the replies so far. If I shape the bevels completely by hand is there any reason I shouldn't use a double cut (cross cut) file to do a large portion of the stock removal? One of the file threads here had someone say to use strictly single cut files but when asked why, never responded.

Robert_Phelps · Oct 1, 2009

Practice, is a big help :thumbup: Also, try keeping your elbows/arms steady and moving your body more, rather than trying to move the file with just your arms.

3_hard_boiled_eggs · Oct 1, 2009

Robert_Phelps said:
Practice, is a big help :thumbup: Also, try keeping your elbows/arms steady and moving your body more, rather than trying to move the file with just your arms.

a lot of people will lock their arms to the side of their body to minimize the movement of their arms. sorta like a jig support that lets you move your waist keeping your hands locked into your body.