first tapered tang...

[MCoughlin]

Hi guys ,
I'm planning on doing my first tapered tang. I'm assuming I just scribe the center, measure out a point on each side and try and keep it as flat as possible. Any tips would be appreciated..
Mike

 

[ddavelarsen]

I scribe two lines about 1/16" apart in the center of the end of the tang. Then I hollow grind down the tang from just behind the point where the taper will begin through the end of the tang. That way you will only have to taper a couple of edges of the flats. I hold the blade in a pair of vice grips and adjust the platen so that the top edge is out a bit more than the botton to give more clearance for the blade. Be sure to keep the tang all the way on the platen and don't let it ride off the top edge. Use a push stick to hold the tang against the platen and watch closely to make sure you're taking off as much material on one edge of the taper as you are the other. Watch the taper "climb" toward the ricasso and adjust as you go. Use a fresh belt. Good luck! You'll find that your knives feel and look much better with a tapered tang.