How do I make a groove on bolster?

You nailed it, either a jewlers saw or file by hand. Depending on the size of the grove you want to make you could start with the jewlers saw and then use that as a guide for the file to follow. It helps otherwise the file can slip and skate across the whole bolster, ask me how I know! :p
 
I took a dermel cutoff wheel on the arbor and put it on my drill press. This allowed me to get a straight line (Parallel) and control postion (height) with the drill press table. By turning the piece instead of turning the tool on a curved bolster I got a really nice line on a teardrop shape and a complete circle shape (two knives). The only thing hard to judge was the depth of the cut but if you run at a slow speed its not much of a problem.
 
Brownells sells some files used for gunsmithing screws that will cut a very fine line. They're called slotting files and come in several thinckneses measured in the thousandths. Good way to start a line.

Chuck's tip is great. The highest-tooth count blades are great for delicate work like starting your groove. Eurotools then sells a diamond blade for framesaws which is actually coated pianowire. instead of cutting a slender slot, it will cut a radiiused groove about 60thou wide. Like the thinnest little diamond chainsaw file you've ever seen. :)
 
http://www.eurotool.com/
http://www.riogrande.com/

Alex: This is not directed at you ( you started with a real question). It is a general observation I have been noticing lately.

90 percent of the "Where can I find...,What is the website of....Where can I find a O-1 HT chart...,etc." can be answered in less than 30 seconds with a google search.For questions like "How do I...., What do you think of..., This is my latest..,etc." This forum is the best place to go. For information on things you want to do on your own (ordering parts,e.g.) you will do yourself a good deed by learning to look them up yourself. You will find all kinds of great information on the way.Part of learning is the process by which you acquitre the information.
Stacy
 
Eurotool is a brand name, Alex. I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. They have a catalog but you'll need to find a retailer. I would use Rio Grande. SanFran probably has a lapidary or jewelry supply retailer. That's like a candy store.:)

I would offer the suggestion once again that any serious knifemaker should drop the few bucks it costs to get the Rio Grande "Tools and Equipment" catalog. It is a paradise of small tools and stuff for a knifemaker. Gesswein is another good jewelry supply. ShorInternational. Lacy West. Kingsley & North. Lopacki.

Google those names, everyone, and add the bookmarks.
 
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