How to grind a swedge

gull wing

gull wing

Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
2,536
How do you grind a swedge that tapers towards the handle? I can do a swedge that starts rearward and tapers forward, but it is notched at the rear position. I want to have a taper front and rear of the sewdge. I have tried on a piece of wood and am not satisfied, so before I mess up a good knife, thought I would ask.
For background - I use a jig that holds blade upright and adjust the angle of the flat plate on my grinder.
 
Just as a suggestion, If I was having trouble with grinding it, I think a good idea would be just to hand file that portion. Works for me, anyhow. That's better than an O DA*MN! Or blood all over the shop.
 
I grind all my swedges with the blade held vertically, using the contact wheel, this way you can adjust the depth of the swedge quite easily. I eyeball the thickness and angle for each side and keep swopping from side to side till its the right thickness / length. I start by grinding in the "taper" you talk about, closest to the handle so you establish a sort of plunge cut for the swedge. Not sure if this will work for you. Jason.
 
If the knife is a clip point, grind the bevel edge up, holding the clip horizontal, and grind the top edge first.
Don't worry about taking the bevel below the centerline, or line of point, that will be straightened out when you gring the main(bottom) bevel.
Grinding in this manner automatically sets the blade to take a tapered bevel, just from the position you're holding it. You refine this technique with practice. It's really not hard to do.

Edited to add; Like Michael said, lose the jig!! hand hold your blades.
The jig will slow the learning curve dramatically.:eek:
 
GW, lose the jig and just grind the swadges free hand.
Mark the blades first and take your time using light pressure and sharp belts.
Excellent idea trying out a new idea on wood first!
 
yeahup free willy:D no jigs:D
gray155.JPG
 
Thank you all for the help, it is very much appreciated. I will use the contact wheel instead of the plate. I will practice with wood. I don't have the real blade ready yet. Again, thank you.
 
Dan,
That picture makes me want to drink......and fight!

And I don't usually feel that way.
Cool knife.
 
Superb work Dan. I am not a Bowie enthusiast but I studied that picture for a long time. Fantastic work.

RL
 
Thanks that was a reproduction ordered.

I got an e-mail from a guy yesterday and he wants me to re handle
an original
Rio Grande Camp knife Wm Jackson and Co. Sheaf Island Works Sheffield

someone re handled it and did a bad rendition of it.
c@@@@L I've re handled Randals, Cases and others but this is the first
original Rio Grande Camp knife :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top