Help choosing between an angle grinder and a bench grinder for making throwing knives

[Cdog1213]

I would like some help from more experienced people. I am thinking about starting making my own throwing knives. I can't choose between getting an angle grinder and a bench grinder. Thanks in advance for any expertise.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

That's a question best asked and answered here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/806-General-Knife-Maker-s-Discussion.
That said, those are both very inexpensive tools for a knife shop.
Get them both.

 

[E.Carlson]

I would say neither, and get a 1x30 belt sander instead.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I'd vote for the angle grinder.

 

[Rick Marchand]

I also vote for the angle grinder... but please use proper technique and safety gear. There is plenty of info out there.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I ground some of my early knives on a bench grinder... get anything but that!

Angle grinder or even better look around for a belt sander like a 2x42, 4x36, etc.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I say neither - A 1X30 or 2X42 belt sander will do more and do it better. Even a Craig's List 4X36 will work fine in the beginning.
The metal grinding belts are readily available from Truegrit and many other suppliers.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Belts are a lot safer too, anything with abrasive discs must be approached with a bit more caution.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

Neither for the reasons listed above.

If you are just going to make a few simple throwing knives, you would likely be fine with just a hacksaw and files.

 

[Lieblad]

Between the two choices, An anglegrinder will be more versatile & a hellufalot cheaper than a benchgrinder.

Its pita to grind semi decent bevels on a benchgrinder, Anglegrinder with a flexible disk, Its quite easy.

Mind you. I know there are scores of inexpensive benchgrinders, But thats precisely what they are.
A benchgrinder of decent power & quality is far more expensive than an good anglegrinder.

 

[Drew Riley]

What exactly is your budget? $20? $40? $100? $200?

Depending on what you want to spend, your choices can change quite a bit.