Forging or Grinding?

L

linkshande

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
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Hey all Basic question. I want to Forge knives, but it seems like it would be easier to grind to start with. I know I'm in for the long haul but I want to get started asap. I had planned to use files initially or even get a grizzly, after my forge is completed. My question is "Am i biting off more than I can chew?"
 
It doesn't make any difference how you choose to make knives, grinding will be a BIG part of it, in fact it's the most important part.
If you can't grind well your knives will show it whether you forge or do stock removal only.
You can cover some of that up with massive amounts of hand finishing, but there's a point of diminishing returns where it's just not worth the effort for the $$.

And I'll say it again..............Save you money till you get another $200.00 and get a grinder that can grow with your skills. The grizzly is a one shot grinder and you can't upgrade it to variable speed etc.

Get a Coote 2"X72" belt grinder set up for 8-10" contact wheels and you can upgrade it at will.
If you stay with knifemaking you will, no doubt get a better grinder than the Coote, but if you decide it's not for you, the Coote will be easier to sell, or if you keep it, will be useful for fixing household and automotive things.

Belt grinders come in handy for way more than knifemaking. Sharpening your kitchen knives for one thing.;)

The grizzly, unlike most knifemakers grinders is just a bench grinder with a belt setup with an idler wheel on one side. You can't change the motor for a more powerful one, or like stated above, add a variable speed motor(very important as you gain experience), you really can't do much but use them as they come from the factory. One speed only, high!!

http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/
 
Like Mike said you have to learn to grind, and you have to learn to grind on something, and you may as well learn to grind on something you haven't just spent hours hammering out. I think that doing some stock removal starting out is not a bad idea. It is the progression that I have used. But there are multiple ways to skin the cat...good luck.
 
One of the benefits of starting stock removal is that the steel is square and flat and it's easier to get a sense of how to do things even and centered.
 
Forging is pretty darn expensive to start with- but I love it! If you do a search you'll find this topic beaten to death. As stated before- you'll grind no matter what what you choose. It's up to you in the end.
 
hey guys, I appreiciate the info, and thanks for the heads up about the coote. I will definately go that route. I hadn't thought about the benefits of stock removal, But it makes a certain amount of sense. I do know this is something I want to do, and do it right. Thanks again.
 
Mike Hull said:
...The grizzly, unlike most knifemakers grinders is just a bench grinder with a belt setup with an idler wheel on one side. You can't change the motor for a more powerful one, or like stated above, add a variable speed motor(very important as you gain experience), you really can't do much but use them as they come from the factory. One speed only, high!!...[/url]
Click to expand...
When was the last time you used a Grizzly? I only ask as you speak quite authoritatively about them and I wonder if your subject knowledge was aquired on an older or more recent machine.
Regards,
Greg
 
A small home made one or two brick forge is not expensive to make, A hunk of steel for a starter anvil untill you find one and get a hammer. I use 01 rods and do not need tongs. It doubles to heat treat as well, but in the end you will have to grind a little. Like the guy above said forging is fun sanding is work.
Cheers Ron.
 
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