Is there a good book on blade geometry?

madpawn

madpawn

Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
36
Something that covers different shapes, grinds, distal tapers, edge geometry, weight and balance, etc. I forged this blade and would like to know how best to grind it. The bevels are forged in (kinda) and it is pretty flat but I think the handle is too small for such a forward-heavy blade. I want to grind off a lot of the curve at the tip. It is my first attempt at a knife and I went crazy on the size. Would appreciate any feedback.
 

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a hollow grind will usually slice easier, but only up to where the bevel gets wide near the spine. since you have a sword type thing, i think you would be better off with a flat grind, there will be more metal and it will be stronger. as far as balance, you are pretty much stuck with a forward balance unless you put a very heavy pommel on the back. it would help even out the balance but it will make the sword slower because it is heavier.
 
john april said:
a hollow grind will usually slice easier, but only up to where the bevel gets wide near the spine. since you have a sword type thing, i think you would be better off with a flat grind, there will be more metal and it will be stronger. as far as balance, you are pretty much stuck with a forward balance unless you put a very heavy pommel on the back. it would help even out the balance but it will make the sword slower because it is heavier.
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Thanks John. I'm thinking flat grind too. Maybe make it into a machete or mini-scimitar. I had a blast forging it but it wasn't thought out at all. I'm gathering that trial and error is what most bladesmiths do...
 
Thanks all who gave me feedback. I went with a flat grind but I was overzealous and ground my edges sharper than I wanted. Should I blunt them before the heat treat? I meant to leave the edge at 1/16" (and it is for the most part) but at the tip it got thinner than I wanted.

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Thanks John, I will grind those sharp edges away before heat treat. Should I also round off the spine or is that not necessary? I read somewhere to avoid all sharp angles. After all my forge and grinding work, I will be very disappointed if it cracks!

BTW, it is 5160 and I will be quenching in 140F canola oil
 
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