dagger grinding tips?

D

Dana Hackney

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
174
Hi folks,

I recently had a hankering to try my hand at grinding a small (boot knife) dagger and
would like to know how you folks go about grinding daggers. It's a lot harder than I thought it would be, trying to keep 4 bevels even and symetrical.

Anyhow, any tips/tricks would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot,
Dana
 
When starting a disk grinder with a variable speed is a good way to learn.
The disk is much more forgiving than a belt.
Then move up to a belt after a while.

Worked for me.
 
Use a Sharpie to mark your center line. Grind short of the center line on the coarse grits, and gradually work your way to the line with the fine grits.
 
I'll give both ideas a try. I'm also finding that getting the plunge cuts
even and matching quite the chore:grumpy:

Best regards,
Dana
 
Dana,

I use this grinding jig. It will give you even angles on both sides of a blade,
along with even plunge cuts. Every one has their own approach. This is mine.

Good luck, Fred

ajs.jpg


ajt.jpg
 
Dana are you flat grinding? Hollow on a small wheel is the easiest. I have the best luck with my 5" wheel. It falls into the groove and stays there.
 
Good morning Fred. That is an interesting jig. Looks like blocks of woo glued to a magnet along with the bubbles. If it is not to much to ask, I would love to see a pic showing the jig in operation with respect to the grinding of a blade.

Thanks in advance,
Jim
 
jim moyer said:
Good morning Fred. That is an interesting jig. Looks like blocks of woo glued to a magnet along with the bubbles. If it is not to much to ask, I would love to see a pic showing the jig in operation with respect to the grinding of a blade.

Thanks in advance,
Jim
Click to expand...

Jim,
Give me a little time to take the pics. I will pm you. Fred
 
First I profile out the shape of the knife. Then I draw my center line (for double edge) down the middle for my grindline.

Load up a fresh 50 grit belt on the grinder, and use an 8 inch wheel. Start your grind near the edge and work your way evenly from the tang to the tip. With each pass work your way towards the center line. As you aproach the center line turn the knife over and work all 4 grinds. Pay attention to what you are doing by keeping the grind even, and the lines even.

A nice hollow grind will develope. Check it in the light often to check the grind, it should not have any dimples or high & low spots. Keep the knife moving as you grind, and avoid holding the blade stationary at any one spot, as this is a sure way to end up with an uneven grind.

All your grinds will meet at the center grind at some point. Aproach the center line, but avoid meeting it early in the grinding. Make the grinds meet later in the finishing grinds. I usually do this at the 220 grit level. This will leave you more room and material to work with if any errors develope. Often if a problem starts early in the grind, it will get worse as you finish up later in the project.

Daggers and fighters are fun creations to make.:)
 
Like Jim, I'd love to see how you use this when grinding.

Hi Bruce....I am, indeed, flat grinding. I have a 10" wheel I bought with my KMG
but I rarely use it as I got hooked on flat/convex grinding via our friend Ed Caffrey :D
I also have either a 2" or 3" wheel that I switched out on the top side of the platten but that's about it.

I don't know what prompted me to try grinding a dagger. I guess I just wanted to try something new. I found out it's harder than I thought it would be.:o

Thanks again guys!
Dana
 
Fred, would it be ok if I attempted such a jig? Neatest thing I've seen in a long time!
 
rhrocker said:
Fred, would it be ok if I attempted such a jig? Neatest thing I've seen in a long time!
Click to expand...

Go for it!!:thumbup: Give me a call on my 800 number, its posted on my web page.

I will walk you through the construction.

Fred
 
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