BK3 Tactool Grind lines, how are they so perfect

Tdhurl1103

Tdhurl1103

Joined
Dec 6, 2012
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So, I was looking at my 3 the other day and reflecting on my total fascination with this blade shape and I wondered.

How are the angles and grind lines done so well? The reason I ask is I've never seen a 3 with grind lines that are off a bit, like you might see on some of the other Beckers. I'm not pointing out imperfection here, just taking note one can tell those blades are hand ground.

Is the Bk3 lines created during the stamping process?

Curious.



If anyone out there has a Bk3 with a less than stellar grind, I'd love to see it.
 
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The BK3 is more a pry bar than a knife. I am not sure if I would call their grind lines perfect. The heat treatment is superb but the knife needs sharpening. I spend lot's of hours on whetstones to reprofile mine. It's one of the two BKT that remains in my stable.

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Perfect grind lines can be achieved by a skilled and seasoned craftsmen, however, production knives such as these are most likely set in jigs or fixtures.
 
I'm not a first responder anymore, per se, so using it in its intended role is not really possible unless I happen along an accident with an entrapped person in a vehicle. It's my truck knife though just in case. But occasionally I will use it in the yard for yard work. Does awesome in this role.

I love this knife.
 
TMHunt said:
Perfect grind lines can be achieved by a skilled and seasoned craftsmen, however, production knives such as these are most likely set in jigs or fixtures.
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Thanks Todd. Yeah, I have seen many knives that had great grind lines that were done by hand. But on a large production scale as is KA-BAR, I suspect they may not have that sort of time to devote to this particular design

After I posted, I was thinking a jig as well.

But I asked about the stamping process because it seems easier to accomplish. If that is even the case.

So, I was thinking more about the actual cuts (at the "belly") to make the angle. I am curious, which cut is made first, second and third?
 
Perhaps I should have posted this over at the KA-BAR sub instead.

Mods. Please move! Thanks.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
More details, please?

Doc
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The blade design is a chisel ground. Unfortunately the one I bought had micro V grind as the flat side was 'over enthusiastically deburred'. So I spend a lot of time to level the flat back on whetstones. The belt hook cutter was poorly ground and not sharp enough. Will have to work on it with a diamond rat tail sharpener. The blade will both slice and chop reasonably well now. I left a micro convex on one side of the blade. I havent encountered any chipping or folding.

I do like the heat treatment and ergo of this knife. It will get better with time going though usage and resharpening.
 
Actually the wire grabber isn't designed to be a belt hook cutter. It was never meant to be sharp Bullosa.
 
bullosa said:
The blade design is a chisel ground. Unfortunately the one I bought had micro V grind as the flat side was 'over enthusiastically deburred'. So I spend a lot of time to level the flat back on whetstones. The belt hook cutter was poorly ground and not sharp enough. Will have to work on it with a diamond rat tail sharpener. The blade will both slice and chop reasonably well now. I left a micro convex on one side of the blade. I havent encountered any chipping or folding.

I do like the heat treatment and ergo of this knife. It will get better with time going though usage and resharpening.
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Thanks Bullosa. I really like the 3 as a rough and ready, jack of all trades, bush tool and anything I can do to improve its chopping ability is welcome. One of these days I'm going to introduce it to my Work Sharp.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Thanks Bullosa. I really like the 3 as a rough and ready, jack of all trades, bush tool and anything I can do to improve its chopping ability is welcome. One of these days I'm going to introduce it to my Work Sharp.
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If you were to do that, would you leave it at a 20 degree edge per side? Or how would you go about that? (Just curious... not that I have my 3 and worksharp in the car or anything...)
 
Chameleonbear said:
If you were to do that, would you leave it at a 20 degree edge per side? Or how would you go about that? (Just curious... not that I have my 3 and worksharp in the car or anything...)
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I'm thinking that I would just do a convex edge on the sharpened side and leave the flat side alone. Although, I'm open to suggestions.

Doc
 
Tdhurl1103 said:
But occasionally I will use it in the yard for yard work. Does awesome in this role.
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When you've got a good edge on it, she does very well at yard work (chopping, digging, etc). Although, I find she's seeing less time for the chopping tasks since I got my 4.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
When you've got a good edge on it, she does very well at yard work (chopping, digging, etc). Although, I find she's seeing less time for the chopping tasks since I got my 4.
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I agree. Although I don't have a 4. Quick chopping jobs with not a whole lot of effort are the tasks my 3 usually gets. If it's any tougher or bigger I just use my axe. Love my axe!!!
 
I'm surprised that someone with the know how hasn't responded with the answer to "how are the grinds done on the 3?"

Really the whole purpose for the thread.
 
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