Recommendation? Grinding a concave blade edge

A

AbLonewolf

Joined
Jan 30, 2020
Messages
75
Good Day all. I need some advice on this one.

I have made a few blades with the "normal" bottom angle. Starting to get the hang of it.

My next project will be a gutting knife for myself. I hope the template pic is OK.

As most probably know, I used the Zip Blade design from Outdoor Edge, and modified it for me. As you see, the edge is on top, and curved in.

I presently own 3 different belt grinders: 6x48, 4x24 spindle, and 1x42.

With the tools that I have, what would be your recommendations in grinding this blade. My TR MAKER jig will not work for this application. Need to bevel it between 1/4" and 3/8" (yellowed out in pic). Blade edge will be 20 to 22 degrees.

Thanx in advance.




gAt6zF7.jpg
 
Sorry...I believe I meant a "concave" blade. I apologize for the deceiving Thread Title...My bad...
 
For a hollow grind ( concave) on that blade you would want a 1" wide by 8" or 10" wheel. Your current equipment won't do that.

Your best bet is to use the slack belt on your 1X42 and make it a convex grind. I would do 95% of the work with a file first.
 
AbLonewolf said:
Good Day all. I need some advice on this one.

I have made a few blades with the "normal" bottom angle. Starting to get the hang of it.

My next project will be a gutting knife for myself. I hope the template pic is OK.

As most probably know, I used the Zip Blade design from Outdoor Edge, and modified it for me. As you see, the edge is on top, and curved in.

I presently own 3 different belt grinders: 6x48, 4x24 spindle, and 1x42.

With the tools that I have, what would be your recommendations in grinding this blade. My TR MAKER jig will not work for this application. Need to bevel it between 1/4" and 3/8" (yellowed out in pic). Blade edge will be 20 to 22 degrees.

Thanx in advance.




gAt6zF7.jpg
Click to expand...
If this is mine knife and not already hardened I will use file jig with half round file ......................
 
Looks good!

TizAmTb.jpg


Here's your pic...

Have you used a gut knife like that before? How do you like it? I know it's a bit off topic, but I've been thinking off making a skinning/gut knife set...
 
A.McPherson said:
Looks good!

TizAmTb.jpg


Here's your pic...

Have you used a gut knife like that before? How do you like it? I know it's a bit off topic, but I've been thinking off making a skinning/gut knife set...
Click to expand...

They are an excellent, excellent, tool. Makes gutting and skinning so much faster and cleaner. Here's what I use, a folding version.
D071c0R.png
 
A.McPherson said:
Looks good!

TizAmTb.jpg


Here's your pic...

Have you used a gut knife like that before? How do you like it? I know it's a bit off topic, but I've been thinking off making a skinning/gut knife set...
Click to expand...

My hunting buddy has the actual Outdoor Edge Zip. Last fall, I borrowed it to do a moose. Took less than 10 seconds to cut the belly from the brisket to the pelvic bone. No worries about poking holes in stomach or intestines.

Figured I would make my own...

Great tool.
 
Hubert S. said:
It looks great! How did you end up grinding it?
Click to expand...

Thanx.

Being very patient and very careful, I managed to grind the bevel using my 1X42 grinder. Finished it off with a variety of flat and half round small files, then successions of sandpapers. Then on to the heat treat, and final sanding.

Compared to a standard knife, took me longer but now that I have made one, figured out a few tips to make it easier next time around.

Already have 4 orders to make these things. Locals love it!

When I decided to try and build one of these, I used a leftover piece of 5/32" 1084 flat bar. Next ones I make, I will use 1/8" instead.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top