Clip/ Swedge angle?

Brian Avila

Brian Avila

Joined
Jan 2, 2011
Messages
1,286
For you guys who make knives with sharp clips and then with false swedges, I was curious about what angle your clips are at?

I have been doing 25 degrees and then tried 15 degrees on a couple recently and I was curious about some thoughts on what the angle should be?

thanks,

-Brian-
 
It depends on the look you are shooting for. I use 25 per side on many smaller knives but may switch to 30 degrees for a big bowie, where I want a less pronounced effect. I have found that if you start with a steeper angle it can always be changed to bring the grind line farther below the spine. If you start to flat its hard to erase what has been ground. I take pics of swedges I like the looks of and mark the angles used on the back of the picture.

Fred
 
But if the clips where sharp wouldn't the degree angle matter?

The "bevel" isn't very long when it comes to clips so what is a good angle for sharp clips?

Fred, it makes sense for what you are saying for swedges that are not sharp and if I only cared for looks.
 
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Absolutely; but if they are precision ground they will be sharp whether there ground at 25 or 30. It depends on how thick the spine is as well as if there is distal taper in the blade. Its a mini scandi grind thats being done, but theres no room for the bevel. If the blade stock is thin the bevel can be flatter.
The gentleman who ordered this wanted it sharp on both edges; it was ground @ 22 degrees per side relative to the blades center line. I lost count of how many times I cut myself before it was delivered.
DSC00667.JPG


Are you grinding these swedges with a Bubble Jig? It makes a huge difference if you want them sharp?
 
Fred - I don't use a bubble jig. I have my hands and a angles table to help get a specific angle.

I was just curious if people really thought about the angle? The blade thickness does make a difference and the angle will have an effect on how the clip cuts.
 
The only time I check an angle Brian, is if I'm switching from one grinder to another in the middle of the process... or if I need to move the tool rest to change the belt.

And then, I am checking the angle of the tool rest to the platen.

A sharp clip is an odd little animal all in and of itself. On some knives, a sharp clip isn't necessarily sharp in the way we think of a "sharp blade." That is, it's ground down to zero (or close) but is very steep. So it won't really cut a whole lot on its own, but it GREATLY adds to the piercing ability of the overall blade.

Now if you want it sharp enough to be a slicing edge all on its own, then it needs to be a pretty steep grind.



You just need to come here and pay me for a week of classes...then you'll be good to go for at least a couple years. ;) :p :D
 
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