Hand filing bevels

[ljfe]

I just received my first piece of tempered 3/32in flat ground O-1 steel. I have some generic files to work with, and I would not like to invest in any other tools for my first knife. I am slowly rounding one side of the stock with the file. This will be the handle end. I just found out that you're not suppose to sharpen a knife before heat treat. So I should leave about .020-.050? Also I'm kind of confused on how to make a very small angle. For instance, I can make a sharp edge by filing at an aggressive 45 degree angle but if I try to make a a 15 degree angle I'm just kinda scratching the stock with the file. Should I just keep doing this scratching motion? I would like to achieve a "full convex" grind. Also I don't have a vice or anything like that.

 

[Randy3000]

The stock needs to be kept still somehow. The file is important. I use a double cut 10" bastard file (nicholson). Once you get through the smooth outer layer it should quit the "scratching" and dig in good. I recommend building a filing jig, you tube it, it costs almost nothing and is far better than plain hand filing. You can achieve a consistent convex bevel by adjuating the jig as you go. If you try a convex bevel by hand you're going to get real uneven and it'll show when you start to sharpen the blade and look crappy and not cut as well. As for how much of a flat to leave on the edge, i never measured it, but be aware if you leave too much you will be on the whetstone for days trying to get an edge.