Create bevels

R

Ribeyerare

Joined
Jul 6, 2014
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I just started out making knives and the first 2 knives I've made I hate simply because the bevels don't turn out well. The issue is that they're not very defined and almost look convex. I'm currently using a 4x36 harbor freight belt sander with an angle iron jig. I was wondering what I should do to make the bevels look cleaner. I was thinking about converting the sander to a 2x72. Any recommendations on things I need to change or need to improve on?
 
I'm also fairly new at making knives, at just over a year and a half. I have tried jigs and other short cuts. What I have found is that as time goes on my free hand skills keep getting better. I use a hb 1x30, so my equipment is not top notch, but my bevels are getting to the point where I might post a pic and pretend it was my first try. There are some great videos on youtube that really help take some of the learning curve away. I found that if my knife was going convex, my wrist was not locked in while I rotated my body. Hope this helps. Let the sparks start flying, each knife gets better.
 
You have two problems:
1) A 4X36 is a pretty poor knife grinder. Better than no grinder....but not by much. It is too wide for good control. A grinding magnet to hold the blade will help somewhat.
2) You may be expecting a jig to do something that it can't.

Get a couple files and file them flat by hand. Even if you use the grinder to get them started, nothing will make flatter bevels than a properly used file. Then sand by hand with the paper backed by a hard wood or metal block.

Some people don't agree with me, but I suggest you forget jigs and learn to flat grind freehand on the grinder. Practice grinding on scrap steel and learn how to make flat bevels. The three "P"s in knifemaking are Practice, Patience, and Practice.

A way to learn flat grinding is to cut two bars of 1" by 1/4" mild steel into 7" lengths. Draw a line on them to mark off a 3" "handle" and 4" "blade". Number the handles so you can see which one was done in what order. Mark the centerline with a drill bit or a marking tool. Don't worry about making a blade shape, just grind the straight edge as a full flat grind to the spine. Do all ten of these, grinding the bevels on one before starting a new one. After that compare how you have progressed, and what still needs to be tuned up a bit.
 
bladsmth said:
You have two problems:
1) A 4X36 is a pretty poor knife grinder. Better than no grinder....but not by much. It is too wide for good control. A grinding magnet to hold the blade will help somewhat.
2) You may be expecting a jig to do something that it can't.

Get a couple files and file them flat by hand. Even if you use the grinder to get them started, nothing will make flatter bevels than a properly used file. Then sand by hand with the paper backed by a hard wood or metal block.

Some people don't agree with me, but I suggest you forget jigs and learn to flat grind freehand on the grinder. Practice grinding on scrap steel and learn how to make flat bevels. The three "P"s in knifemaking are Practice, Patience, and Practice.

A way to learn flat grinding is to cut two bars of 1" by 1/4" mild steel into 7" lengths. Draw a line on them to mark off a 3" "handle" and 4" "blade". Number the handles so you can see which one was done in what order. Mark the centerline with a drill bit or a marking tool. Don't worry about making a blade shape, just grind the straight edge as a full flat grind to the spine. Do all ten of these, grinding the bevels on one before starting a new one. After that compare how you have progressed, and what still needs to be tuned up a bit.
Click to expand...
I think your right, I just tried making a hollow grind using a bench grinder(something I have a lot of experience with) and it turned out a lot better. I'm going to convert the sander to something smaller and practice like you said thanks for the responses guys.
 
bladsmth said:
t.

Get a couple files and file them flat by hand. Even if you use the grinder to get them started, nothing will make flatter bevels than a properly used file. Then sand by hand with the paper backed by a hard wood or metal block.

Some people don't agree with me, but I suggest you forget jigs and learn to flat grind freehand on the grinder. Practice grinding on scrap steel and learn how to make flat bevels. The three "P"s in knifemaking are Practice, Patience, and Practice.

.
Click to expand...

How about The three "P"s in knifemaking are Practice, Patience, and Persistence.
 
Using improper tools only creates frustration and in no way helps your learning curve.
You don't need a $1-3K grinder to make great knives, but you do need something at least made for the task.
Knife making is a skill that takes LOTS of practice. Don't use jigs as they are a crutch. Ruin some metal and learn how to do freehand with feel and repetition.
Remember, it's a perishable skill, just like anything that requires muscle memory. You don't grind for a few weeks/months, don't expect to come back and rip out a perfect blade quickly (unless it's your job, not hobby). Each knife you will get better. Go slow, do one at a time and get it perfect. Next one you'll learn you should have spent more time on a certain step to make a step down the line easier. Make notes and follow them on every knife till you have a solid, repeatable process that works for you and keeps you from having to redo things. And GO SLOW!!! One pass, dip, check, repeat. Don't start rushing if things are moving slow, that's where mistakes happen and where a good blade gets ruined or becomes a second.

Best of luck.
 
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