Convexing materials

[Masteroffajitas]

I want to start convexing my knives. I want to make a sandpaper thing with it glued to leather belt material, then buy a brkt strop. Is this all I'll really need to convex? How do I hone to a mirror finish after making the grind? Some convex kit I deas would be cool, I have a limited budget though. Convex knives are sweet too. Thanks.

 

[Jason B.]

If you have $35 you have enough for the best convex sharpening tool.
http://www.jreindustries.com/EMS.htm it comes complete with everything you need, except compound.

 

[GregS]

I would rough out the edge manually, sandpaper and a mousepad is the method I use. 600, 1500, and 2000 grit to finish it. To get a high sheen I use my Harbor Freight belt sander with a charged leather belt, Lee Valley has nice leather belts. I ultimately finish them with a plain, uncharged leather strop to clean the edge and hone it further. Here's some pictures of knives in which I have used this method.
The blade on the left in this picture... the blade on the right was done by a pro.

Another two... hope this helps.

 

[elkins45]

If you have $35 you have enough for the best convex sharpening tool.
http://www.jreindustries.com/EMS.htm it comes complete with everything you need, except compound.

That's a lot to pay for a sanding block. You could probably assemble the same kit at Lowe's for $15 at the most (except for maybe the leather).

 

[Masteroffajitas]

Man..I want those edges...

CAn't you convex with a stone, smooth it with a finer stone, then leather strop it for a sheen?

 

[A.L.]

Why to do it with stone when you can do it so easily with sandpaper and mouse pad?
When converting, you may use a little more force, but remember that when you are actually getting the sharpness to the edge, just use the weight of the knife.

Supereasy and cheap.

 

[Runsalone]

I posted this at your other thread.

Heres how I do it. Note the mousepad underneath.



I am using an old leather belt loaded up with green mibro polishing compound. This is after using wet\dry paper from 600 up to 2000 grit to achieve the edge.

Sandpaper works very well IMO because you can use a very low grit. Ive used 220 before to achieve the initial reprofiling. Here are the results.

This one isnt 100% yet.

Someone will chime in that really knows what thier doing Im kind of an amateur at it still

Nice edges on those knives guys. Im getting better at it One day mine will look like that:thumbup:

 

[Jason B.]

Man..I want those edges...

CAn't you convex with a stone, smooth it with a finer stone, then leather strop it for a sheen?

You can but it takes lot's of skill.

 

[GregS]

You can but it takes lot's of skill.

+1 on that, a lot of skill.