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Convex grinds

sharpstick

sharpstick

Joined
Jan 28, 2003
Messages
261
Help me... As a new maker I have a hard time getting straight grinds on my hollow grinds. My flat grinds need work too.
What I want to know is there anything wrong with a convex grind. It's a lot easier for me to do with my limited experience.
 
Keep practicing flat and hollow grinds. Everybody has problems with grinding at first. If you give in to the dark side, and take the easy way out, by convex grinding;), It will be that much longer till you are a credible maker. :D. Just keep trying. You'll get there.
One inexpensive way to practice is, get some lathing, or lattice strips from the lumber yard. Lay out your patterns, and profile, and bevel grind them just like they were steel. You dont have to go past the rough grit, IE; 40-60. The belt will last forever, and it is valuable practice for very little $$ outlay. Good Luck. :eek:
 
Ditto on what Mike said. Grinding is a B%@!ch when you first start. But after a while, grinding becomes the easy part. I have only been making for a little over a year and only do hollow grinding at this point, but it has become easier. I am not an expert by any means, but I worry more now about fit and finish, flow, combinations of materials, and overall presentation.

Like they all told me; practice, practice, practice! I know, it sucks, but there is one thing that is a given. There is not an easy way out in knife making. Well, at least i haven't found one.

Have fun and enjoy the journey.
 
On flat grinds, make sure you have good belts, and invest in good platen material, either pyroceram or one of the graphite liners. Both make a very noticable difference, at least in my experience. i haven't tried hollow grinds yet. But I know with flat grinds even a small difference in the joint of the belt is very noticable when you're trying to get that perfect flat grind. And the pyroceram is just great. I love it. :)
 
tell that to bill moran! a well done convex or appleseed grind makes the strongest best working edge. thats not my opinion, just a fact. :) it all takes practice,practice practice. do try to concentrate on one grind at a time till you feel comfortable about it.
 
I chose not to comment on convex grind and hoped no one saw the convex ground knife sitting over in the corner that I am so happy wit. ;)
 
I do full-V flat grinds so far but always roll the belt off the edge just a little for the final finer grit clean up grinds and to finish up the plunge area. As a result there is a very slight covex to the blade.

Roger
 
I think the best of all worlds is a full flat grind - edge to spine - with a convex edge. You can blend the edge off the flat beautifully, and have one hellish sharp knife!

The other most important thing to help learn to grind is use fresh belts! I know they're expensive, but you will save more heartache by spending the money. I'm making myself change belts when they stop biting or start overheating the steel. But it's hard, cause I'm cheap and poor.

Also buy good belts, they more than pay for themselves. 3M ceramic in the heavy grits and Norax for the finer is my choice. And change belts often!

Just my 2c.

Dave
 
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