How do I convex an edge?

Pete1977

Pete1977

Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
3,376
What is the simplest, least expensive method for convexing an edge? I am in the process of moving and have found a bunch of crappy knockoffs and clones, and I want to practice convexing their edges, before I have to do it for real on my newest acquisition.

thanks in advance
Peter
 
I use sandpaper (of various grades) on a phone book followed by stropping.
I am sure there are better methods.
 
Belt grinder using the slack belt portion is awfully nice, but otherwise you'll need to do it by hand as Bastid alluded. Have fun!
 
mousepad (as in the link STR posted) works great. So does cardboard. Any backing that has a little "give" to it.

How big are the knives? On bigger knives let the "tail wag the dog". That is, instead of moving the knife across the paper, you can move a padded sanding block across a stationary knife. I never seem to be able to explain this one well....:rolleyes:...if you have questions about it, let me know.

For sharpening/maintaining, I just use my fingers (as the padded surface). Pick up a small square of sandpaper, lay the knife down on your leg (edge away) and sand from ricasso to tip. This method is not for everybody, I have cut myself a few times....:o....but it's quick and easy. :cool:
 
Sandpaper mounted on a sanding block. The block will have clamps to hold the paper... and the backing is usually a little stiffer than a mousepad... so you won't roll the paper over your blade edge.

1x30 belt sander is nice too.
 
I have used different grids of sandpaper on top of a soft foam rubber block (polyethene foam, I'd guess), that is about 25cm long (10") and about 4cm (under 2") wide and thick. This was originally a spacer in a laptop briefcase and covered with fabric that makes it easy to hold on to or affix to a bench. I can adjust the curvature of the grind by applying different amounts of pressure, and working slightly off the worktable level gives me more accuracy. I use a stropping motion, away from myself, usually grabbing the knife with both hands. I always finish sharpening with an improvised leather strop loaded with abrasive paste and finally with just the leather. Most often I just place the strop on my thigh.
 
GarageBoy said:
What grits do you go through?
Click to expand...


I went to Harbor Freight and purchased Silicon Carbide paper in grits of: 120/220/500/1000/1200. NAPA Autostore for SC paper in grits of:1500/2000/2500. I usually start at 500, depending on the condition of the edge, and run thru to the 2500... makes it easy to polish out the previous grind lines.
 
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