First acceptable hollow grind

Matt Rochester · Jan 22, 2015

This is my 6th complete knife (probably 15 or 20 counting all the screw ups). I started out hollow grinding and kept getting frustrated with it. I would get one side the screw up the other or screw up the tip. So I switched to flat grinding because it seemed easier. Well being the stubborn, hard headed individual I am, I decided to force myself to learn to hollow grind. I am finally getting the feel of the "groove". This is the first one I'm satisfied with. At first I thought the blade was too short but after finishing it I think it's ok. The tip is very thin but I'm not sure how to keep it thicker. Let me know what you think of the design, finish, blade to handle ratio etc....

O.A.L. Is 6 3/4
Blade is 2 1/2 (started at 3"!!!)
1/8" 440c
Curly maple with chromic acid and finished with Tru oil

[URL=http://s1247.photobucket.com/user/mattr2589/media/imagejpg5-2.jpg.html]

Lo/Rez · Jan 22, 2015

Nice looking knife.

Zemapeli · Jan 22, 2015

beautiful work. I would have no complaints what-so-ever with that knife. Keep at it.

Matt Rochester · Jan 23, 2015

Thanks fellas.

Hengelo_77 · Jan 23, 2015

sweet, I like the wood as well!

mobenzowner · Jan 23, 2015

I like it! Nicely done.

Patrickknives · Jan 23, 2015

Nice, I am sure you grinding will go better from now on, looks like you got the touch

Matt Rochester · Jan 23, 2015

I hope so Patrick. I would rather hollow grind when if I do hunting or skinning knives and save the flat grinding for kitchen knives or heavy use knives like a camp/bushcraft knife.

J.Babody · Jan 23, 2015

Looks very nice and almost makes me want to jump on the bandwagon. I've been doing flat grinds on every knife because I am a little nervous on the hollow grinding. Maybe it's time I do a little more digging and have a go at it. When I picked up my bader it came with a 10" wheel so I'm fresh out of other excuses:foot:...

Hard to tell in the pics, but what type of finish did you end up with on the hollows, just a higher grit belt?

P.s. Not to high jack, but is there a way to properly hand sand a hollow grind without a sanding block like the begg one? Of all the reading I've done, I don't think I can recall a method for it and can't seem to find anything now.

Justin

Matt Rochester · Jan 23, 2015

I'm still working on a mirror finish. I went to a 600 cork belt on the flats and the bevel. The cork has a soft backing so it's forgiving when working the hollow grind. I only have an 8" wheel. I would love a 10". Just remember that it's going to take some time to learn to hollow grind but once it clicks you're good to go. I think a hollow ground knife makes an excellent slicer. I know guys that "hand sand" the hollow by locking down the contact wheel and working the knife over it. I'm going to give it a try on my next satin finished one.

J.Babody said:
Looks very nice and almost makes me want to jump on the bandwagon. I've been doing flat grinds on every knife because I am a little nervous on the hollow grinding. Maybe it's time I do a little more digging and have a go at it. When I picked up my bader it came with a 10" wheel so I'm fresh out of other excuses:foot:...

Hard to tell in the pics, but what type of finish did you end up with on the hollows, just a higher grit belt?

P.s. Not to high jack, but is there a way to properly hand sand a hollow grind without a sanding block like the begg one? Of all the reading I've done, I don't think I can recall a method for it and can't seem to find anything now.

Justin

J.Babody · Jan 24, 2015

Rookie25 said:
I'm still working on a mirror finish. I went to a 600 cork belt on the flats and the bevel. The cork has a soft backing so it's forgiving when working the hollow grind. I only have an 8" wheel. I would love a 10". Just remember that it's going to take some time to learn to hollow grind but once it clicks you're good to go. I think a hollow ground knife makes an excellent slicer. I know guys that "hand sand" the hollow by locking down the contact wheel and working the knife over it. I'm going to give it a try on my next satin finished one.

Haha, I feel almost dumb, but I suppose the KISS method applies on this one. Locking down the wheel, I like it. I could probably tie in a toggle clamp on the back side of the attachment arm as a quick brake for the wheel. I mostly do belt finishes anyway, but knowledge is power. I finally feel like I have control over the material I remove so it's definitely time to experiment. Thanks for the motivation and keep up the good work!

Justin

Matt Rochester · Jan 24, 2015

I still have problems with the higher grits in the hollow and am eventually going to learn to finish all the way with the grinder. Just got to keep practicing.

J.Babody said:
Haha, I feel almost dumb, but I suppose the KISS method applies on this one. Locking down the wheel, I like it. I could probably tie in a toggle clamp on the back side of the attachment arm as a quick brake for the wheel. I mostly do belt finishes anyway, but knowledge is power. I finally feel like I have control over the material I remove so it's definitely time to experiment. Thanks for the motivation and keep up the good work!

Justin