Grinding Belts - Is there a limit to how good to go?

[BenR.T.]

A mix of 3M cubitron, because they run cool, cut crisp and outlast most belts.

This.

+1 ^

I use the 987 and 977 belts and love them.
I used to use the blaze belts, but switched to the cubitrons. Recently someone was running a sale on Blaze belts, so I figured I would try them again.
They wore out faster, the edges weren't true, they have more of a bump at the seams and they leave gunk on your platen.
I won't be buying them again.

 

[BenR.T.]

I'm getting ready to order a batch of belts ... Does anyone have a supplier source they could recommend. Wouldn't mind saving a couple of $$ this go around.

Pop's knife supply.

 

[bobbywett]

Thanks Ben

 

[timos-]

I like the way USA knifemaker website works for ordering online if you are into that.

Like others say Blaze works good with high RPM and lots of pressure.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

+1 ^

I use the 987 and 977 belts and love them.
I used to use the blaze belts, but switched to the cubitrons. Recently someone was running a sale on Blaze belts, so I figured I would try them again.
They wore out faster, the edges weren't true, they have more of a bump at the seams and they leave gunk on your platen.
I won't be buying them again.

Ben, are you a flat grinder or hollow grinder, predominantly? I tried 987s and they just didn't produce the way Blazes do, for me, and I almost exclusively flat grind now...

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Oh yeah, Pop's Knife Supply +1. Good folks!!!

 

[elementfe]

I was pleasantly surprised by how good the inexpensive green ceramic Hermes belts from Pop's are for roughing out bevels. Even, sturdy, and cut like a beast. Haven't used them much on folder blades, but on tall grinds for cooking knives they sure take care of bidness....at about half the cost per as a 967.

 

[BenR.T.]

Ben, are you a flat grinder or hollow grinder, predominantly? I tried 987s and they just didn't produce the way Blazes do, for me, and I almost exclusively flat grind now...

Flat grinder. I mostly use the 60 grit 987's (Sometimes the 36grit) and then the 120 977's. From there I use a variety of belts depending on what I am working on.