- Joined
- Nov 20, 2008
- Messages
- 10,188
Guys, while I don't want to get caught up in what is or is not the "right" way to grind, I'll just say I started out freehand and spent almost six years perfecting that skill. I can now grind almost any type of blade, including some darned complex blades with multiple angles and grinds. It wasn't easy, and I am far from perfect, but there is a lot of satisfaction in learning a difficult thing and doing it well. I ruined a Lot of steel along the way, but for me, jigs were never a consideration. If I can learn freehand grinding, anyone can.
But, in regard to grinds, a customer doesn't care if a maker used jigs or did the work freehand, all he wants is as perfect a grind as possible.
On grinding the tip, I use a gator A30 (600 grit) belt. I place the blade very, very, very lightly on the grinder at the plunge, in other words, I start the grind from the back of the blade and in one continuous, no hesitation motion pull it across the belt, with the tip being the last part of the blade to touch the belt. This gives me a smooth continuous grind from tip to plunge. It also keeps the tip from getting too hot. Just my way, but it works for me.I only use this method on a heat treated blade and in the final steps of the grind.
No matter how much you read, though, the only way to get it right is to practice. It will come to you, I'm sure.
Dave
But, in regard to grinds, a customer doesn't care if a maker used jigs or did the work freehand, all he wants is as perfect a grind as possible.
On grinding the tip, I use a gator A30 (600 grit) belt. I place the blade very, very, very lightly on the grinder at the plunge, in other words, I start the grind from the back of the blade and in one continuous, no hesitation motion pull it across the belt, with the tip being the last part of the blade to touch the belt. This gives me a smooth continuous grind from tip to plunge. It also keeps the tip from getting too hot. Just my way, but it works for me.I only use this method on a heat treated blade and in the final steps of the grind.
No matter how much you read, though, the only way to get it right is to practice. It will come to you, I'm sure.
Dave
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