Grinding Questions

J

JCoutts

Joined
Nov 17, 2012
Messages
109
So I have two questions on grinding. Every video that I watch or picture I see of yall using the belt grinder, you are holding the knife with the blade up. Why does everyone grind with the blade up? And second, how do you keep the blade from being grabbed by the belt and getting flung? I haven't used a belt grinder, nor do I have one, but I was just curious because I am sure eventually I will get a chance to use one.

Thanks!
 
I do most of my grinding edge-up because it allows me to see when I'm getting close to where I want the edge to be.

Focus and caution prevent blades from getting grabbed or flung while doing this.
 
Edge up so I can make sure I have some edge left to sharpen, looking down I can see exactly what the belt is removing, there are a few makers who do edge down. I have never noticed the belt grab, I put a 45 bevel on the edge which is the only time the square edge contacts the belt, after that I am flatting the 45.
 
Edge up as well. I also have never noticed the belt trying to grab and fling the blade, and I also start with a 45 on the edge.
 
I grind edge up but will grind edge down to clean up and even out a plunge line if needed.

If you get a chance to watch Harvey Deans videos on knifemaking he grinds his blades edge up on one side and edge down on the other side. Kinda strange but it works for him.
 
Harvey Dean's flat-grinding DVD is worth its weight in gold. :thumbup:
 
james terrio said:
Harvey Dean's flat-grinding DVD is worth its weight in gold. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

It is one of best. The other I consider a great video is SR Johnsons video. It very informative.
 
Another good reason for edge up is that you can use a push stick to hold under the spine and apply the blade to the belt. With edge down, the push stick does not have anything to grab. A push stick allows faster, more aggressive grinding and saves you burnt fingers.
 
Ah, that makes sense. Thank you guys for the feedback, like I said, I dont have a belt grinder yet. But I am sure this addiction plus being a tool junkie will lead to one in the future.
 
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