Input wanted: Swedge or not on this one?

[jonnymac44]

Ok, I just finished grinding my second 2 finger wharnie, which turned out the right length because I didn't mess up the tip like the last one, still ATS-34, but this time in 3/16 stock instead of 1/8". I can't decide whether or not to put a swedge on the top edge of this one. I was thinking from tip to about 2/3 of the way up the blade spine, or maybe I should just barely smooth the sharp edge of the corners and leave this one alone.

Here are a couple pics, let me know what you think would look best........

 

[Los Angeles]

Cool little cutter!

I vote no swedge.

 

[Burl Source]

I vote just like it is. Looks great.

 

[unky_gumbi]

I agree, no swedge for that one it would take away from the look instead of adding to it.

 

[jonnymac44]

Ok, I'm starting to get an idea of the general concensus I'm starting to agree:thumbup:

I also want to cut a small choil like I did in the previous one, but my grinds turned out so even on this one that I hate to cut into the plunge. This model really does need a choil though. So I'm thinking, cut in the choil and save the swedge for another knife......

 

[Burton Harruff]

I would say no on this one.

 

[SBuzek]

No swedge,no choil
Stan

 

[jonnymac44]

Stan, you think sharpening will go okay without a choil, what about grinding the ricasso a tad shorter to expose the edge a tiny bit?

 

[SBuzek]

Sharpening will be fine,you will have a little point coming off your riccasso into the edge,when your edge bevels are spoton it looks really cool.Like in the pic of the blede edge only real short.
Stan

 

[SBuzek]

And with that thick steel I wouldn't put handles on it,just drill a series of holes.1/2" then 7/16",3/8",1/4: 1/8" starting at the back and countersink them all the same.Make a bad looking necker.
Stan

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

That profile has a nice flow. There is nothing to add to it.

 

[Los Angeles]

I vote no choil, too.

 

[eyeeatingfish]

I vote for the rounding you mentioned. I dont like sharp edges on the tops of knives. I think they are uncomfortable if they are too sharp.
I'm not a fan of choils either.

 

[jonnymac44]

Ok, I'm going to listen to experience on this one:thumbup: No swedge, no choil. Done deal.

Stan, I have to admit I have some nice thin jade G-10 that I was looking forward to making handle slabs out of, but your necker idea is very tempting too!

We'll see........

 

[psycho78]

That little knife looks so cool. What belts are you using to get that finish? What grit is that at the moment?

 

[jonnymac44]

That little knife looks so cool. What belts are you using to get that finish? What grit is that at the moment?

\

I set the edge at 45 degrees with a 60 grit blaze, then used the 60 grit to grind off most of the metal until the I got the bevel almost as high as I wanted it. Then I switched to a 120 Norzon blue to start smoothing everything and getting the top of the bevel more crisp, I also brought the edge down to right about final pre heat treat thickness, about .020", then I went to a Norzon blue 220, already slightly worn and finally a 220 J-flex to soften the lines. The flats are done to 120 grit so far.

For now I am doing a lot of work with the finer belts, especially worn 120 Norzons because the slower I remove metal the easier it is for me to catch mistakes before they spin out of control, and even then sometimes I go too far and have to walk my bevel lines up just a bit higher.....

All in good time:thumbup:

 

[Mitchell Knives]

No swedge. I think a swedge would detract from the appearance.

I'd add the choil but keep it small; 1/8 or less.

Looks good as is though.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I say put a swedge on it. It needs one to help thin the blade and add some value. Show off a little by rounding the spine for comfort but slowly taper the swedge and remove some steel from the sides. It would look cool IMHO.

 

[silver_pilate]

I'm torn. First thought was, "no swedge". Second thought was, "well, it would probably look pretty cool if done right." Third thought was, "eh....KISS". Fourth thought was, "Bruce said it needs a swedge...hmmm, maybe my second thought was right after all."

Anyhow, here's my vote: grind another one of the same profile, and do one with the swedge and one without. Then show them both to us and see whcih one we like better. .

--nathan

 

[silver_pilate]

Also, as for rounding the sharp edges, that is definitely a plus, but do it carefully and sparingly. Really, some 400-600 grit sand paper and something firmly yielding for a backing (really stiff leather, or better yet, hard rubber) would be more than enough to take the sharpness off.

--nathan