Flat Ground question

R

rlinger

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Mar 29, 2002
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Well, after some milling, some band sawing, some grinding, and a whole bunch of draw filling I have my first blade blank; made of O1 tool steel from Admiral. YEA! It is a drop point with a 3 1/2 inch blade - 8 1/16 inches OAL.

My question: In making the 'flat ground' is it best for me to taper the point to the bolster first; the edge to the back of blade first, or should I do both tapers during the same grinding process? Two angles at the same time has overloaded my geometrically challenged mind.

I have a 4 X 6 X 36 belt sander that I intend to do the flat ground with.

Thanks a bunch to all who helped me so much with great advise based on experience.
 
Originally posted by rlinger
[BMy question: In making the 'flat ground' is it best for me to taper the point to the bolster first; the edge to the back of blade first, or should I do both tapers during the same grinding process? Two angles at the same time has overloaded my geometrically challenged mind.
[/B]
Click to expand...

If you are doing a full flat grind correctly (requires some practice), the distal taper will form naturally. I assume that is what you meant by 'tapering the point to the bolster'.
I begin grinding at the ricasso, and grind towards the tip. Start you grinds at a steep angle with a worn belt. This will keep you from knocking the grit off a good belt. Next, reduce your grinding angle and start moving your grind line towards the spine. Keeping your grind line even and equadistant from the edge will keep your distal taper even.
You don't want your plunge line to break the spine. Leave some metal for your post-HT cleanup. Some practice will let you know how much, but I'd suggest leaving about 1/4" to start.
Good luck!

Brett
 
I think Brett pretty well covered the subject. It's a simple process that takes a while to learn. Once the angles are started you can almost grind it in your sleep. Just keep the flats flat on the platen and do both sides the same.....now the plunge cut is another thing. Out of 10 knives I wind up doing some touch up with a file in the plunge area. Don't worry about the distal taper. If you grind the entire blade evenly the taper makes itself.:eek:
 
Great! Thanks to both you.

Now - WHAT IS A 'Ricasso' ???

I think I can figure the plunge line is the break point close to the scales (where the flat grind starts). Ricasso???
 
Picasso's twin brother.

(Actually the part of the blade between the plunge and the guard or bolster. Where most makers and manufacturers put their name or mark)

C Wilkins
 
Thanks fellows.

With difficulty I was able to flat grind the drop point (my first blade). Your advise showed the way.

As advised, practice is required. I found making the plunge lines alike and proper to be the most difficult. My belt sander has no spot where the sanding belt is rigidly supported at the belt sides where I could hang the ricasso in air while cutting the plunge line. A modification to this is in the planning as I write.

Special thanks to Peter Nap, as he seems always to aid me regardless of my degree of ignorance.
 
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