Cooling while finishing a blade...

[Fletcher Knives]

Up until now, I have only made myself a couple of knives from start to finish (other than heat treat which I can't do where I live), and I've finished out some blanks that were less than pefect from other makers, who will remain nameless unless they want it to be known, that they gave me to practice on.

My method for finishing the blades, doing the final grinding and sanding, was to do it without gloves on. If the blade got too hot for me to hold, I would set it down for a little while and let it cool. I never let it get too hot to hold in my bare hand. Well hanging out over at Andy's house, I noticed that he kept a can of water next to his belt machine and replaced the water every so often. That seemed like a much better idea and one I kicked myself for not thinking of.

My question is, how hot do you guys let the blade get and what are your methods for cooling it as you work, as not to overheat the already treated blade? Now that I'm trying to make several myself that are my designs, I don't want to ruin them by letting them get too hot while finishing them.

 

[DustinHall]

I use a bucket of water. Putting ice in the water cools the steel faster of course. I think this is how most makers keep their blades cool while grinding.

 

[LRB]

Ice should not be necessary. When it is too hot for bare hands, dunk it. As long as you see absolutely no colors come into the edge, you are OK.

 

[Frank Barron]

the same goes for heavy buffing.

 

[DustinHall]

Ice should not be necessary. When it is too hot for bare hands, dunk it. As long as you see absolutely no colors come into the edge, you are OK.

No, ice isn't really necessary it just cools the steel faster than plain water allowing you to get back to grinding quicker. I hardly ever use ice water though.

 

[Fletcher Knives]

Thanks guys.

 

[Patrickknives]

I watch the wet blade if the water starts to sizzle that about boiling which is 212F safe for temper but i redunk it right then, works really well when you have tha thin tip that can overheat quickly.

 

[Leu Custom]

When it's been heat treated and tempered, i usually take a few passes, dunk it completely till it's cool as room temperature and then proceed again. Depending on what grit belt you're using and how HARD you're pushing into the belt will determine how hot it gets and how fast it gets hot. The finer the grit, the more heat will generate much quicker !