Convex grind on a Spyderco folder

Ripper

Ripper

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Jul 2, 2000
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This Spyderco folder (I'm not sure which model anymore; it's 6.75" open with no metal liners) has been my EDC for about the last 6 or 7 years. I had previously convexed the edge and though it cut like the dickens, I was never happy with how it looked ( I was pretty aggressive with that sharpening job). I recently decided to just grind the whole thing convex. I'm pretty happy with the results considering this was hollow ground to begin with. It's definitely a cutter.
Regards,
Greg
55m6aw
 
HoB said:
Not bad!!! Not bad at all!! With a slack belt grinder?
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Thanks Guys. I hit it on the platen first to flatten down some edges and then went with the slack belt. Yep, convexed right to the edge:)
Regards,
Greg
 
Looks good.... did you have to grind on the spine side of the tip? It looks indented, or is that the way it was originally (or maybe it just looks it in the photo)
 
GarageBoy said:
So you flattened the original flat ground, then slacked it all the way. whoaa
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Actually it was hollow ground to start with and I flattened the top of that grind some on the platen. It was easier to control how much you remove that way or a least IMO it was:)

cbwx34 said:
Looks good.... did you have to grind on the spine side of the tip? It looks indented, or is that the way it was originally (or maybe it just looks it in the photo)
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Thanks; no grinding on that spine side, the blade already had a swedge there at the tip.

Thanks Keith!

Regards,
Greg
 
Thanks for the quick reply.... if you don't mind answering another... can you give an idea of what belts you used... and how long it took? (In other words... some details of how you did it?) I like your results.
 
cbwx34 said:
Thanks for the quick reply.... if you don't mind answering another... can you give an idea of what belts you used... and how long it took? (In other words... some details of how you did it?) I like your results.
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You are welcome and I don't mind at all.

I used a 60 grit belt with light pressure on the platen to flatten the top of the hollow grind. Once this is flattened out some, I kind of rock the blade from spine to edge as I grind: this starts the convex grind and reduces the hollow ground area. The heavy grit and light pressure help keep the heat from building up. In addition to worrying about heat buildup, you don't want to be to aggressive at this grit as you will need to remove too much material later to clean it up. You could probably start this stage as far up as 120 girt if you are careful about the heat.

I then go to a fresh 220 belt and clean up the grind on the platen first. Working on the platen you can take out most of the hollow grind out by rocking the blade from spine to just above the edge.

I then work slack belt just, above the platen (as it is a little firmer there) to finish up the convex grind. I did this through a fresh 320 belt.

I finished the edge slack belt with finer grit belts (mainly some worn 400 and 600 grit belts). I then strop with a leather belt on the 1"x30" machine.

To finish it up, I take it to a scotchbrite wheel and, being careful not hit the edge, blend all the grinding marks.

Time wise. I think it took a about an hour or so to do. I'm not really sure though, as I was more concerned about not screwing it up. :eek:

Regards,
Greg
 
anyone know what model it used to be?

btw, nice looking blade. all of that grinding talk went right over my head, but I know a nice looking knife when I see one.

Pete
 
I would guess, it used to be a Rookie (small Police). Long discontinued though.
 
Hey, thanks to everyone for the comments/observations :)
I'm really pleased with the way this came out both in regards to form and function.

HoB, I do believe you are correct in that it's a G10 Rookie. This one was a little odd in that it didn't have any liners. I think most of them had a single liner on the clip side.

Regards,
Greg
 
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