Flat ground stock verses precision ground

[M.FREEZE]

If I buy precision ground knife stock do I have to surface grind the steel to make it truly flat/level? Does the term " precision" apply only to the measurement of the thickness or does "precision" also apply to the surface of the steel as well? I am trying to avoid surface grinding my stock, but I need straight, flat stock. I understand that I will have to hand finish the surface to the higher grits. I have no way to surface grind my stock. If precision ground stock means that the surface is actually flat and level, is it worth the extra money to buy the precision ground stock?

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

Precision ground refers to stock that has been ground to accurate dimensions and to very flat and square tolerances. While all grinding operations are technically "surface" grinding. When machinist's talk about surface grinding, we are talking about a very specific machine. Which most knife makers don't own nor need.

In my opinion, precision ground stock isn't needed or cost effective to start with.