Klingspore J flex belts

Danbo

Danbo

Platinum Member
Joined
Nov 28, 1999
Messages
14,979
Ok, I am just a hobbyist trying to make a couple of perfect knives for myself. What is starting to happen is, friends of mine are already bugging me to make them hunting knives to use. What I make for myself and what these guys want to take out in the woods is two different things. I am going for the fine, handrubbed finish on mine; but, for these using knives, I bought some belts this weekend at the Badger show. I just want to know what you guys think of these Klingspore J flex belts in 320 grit? I tried one out last night on a blade I am working on and they put quite a nice finish on steel. How long do these things last and has anybody any experience with them?

------------------
Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
I have a 400 grit belt on order right now. I think tim Herman recommended them for flat grinding cuz the seam doesnt make the blade hop when flat grinding. It will help keep the flat ground satin finish smoother, and I'm assuming it will be a good finish for hollow grinding, too! If you hollow grind, get a 320 and 600 grit trizact belt. they work like a charm on hollow grinds!!
 
You might also try a Scotchbrite belt,use it as a last step,it puts an even satin finish on the blade.

------------------
MIKE
 
they are top notch, i use them for finishing my convex grind blades.but are not my favrite for flat grinds i like a stiffer belt . every one is differnt for what works for them.you will find what works for you. as far as how long they last, depends on you.

------------------
Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
Something you said caught my attention. You said "the knives you want to make..."

You should always make that level of knife then.

The guys that get all freaked out about using a pretty knife never really think of the facts. A finer finished knife will have a finer surface finish...the finer the surface finish, the lesser the chance for any kind of corrosion...and easier clean-up.

I made my father a trailing point skinner 5 years ago out of ATS-34 mirror polished (not something I do much of anymore), nickel silver guard (before I came across 416 ss), and stabilized maple burl handle. This thing seems to glow from all the buffing I did on it.

ALL of his friends swore they would never use a knife like that in the field. Until they saw his in use...then they all wanted one. It looks just like it did when I finished it 5 years ago.

You should make each knife as you want to. This is how I look at it: You see every knife you make and know your skill and spectrum for variety...but some person 5 states away that runs into one of your knives...that's the only thing they see indicative of your skill. So every knife should be a fare representation of you.

I know I rambled, but I had to say it.
smile.gif


Nick
 
Good points. I was merely thinking in terms of getting something into their hands fairly quickly. But, after using these 320 grit belts, I see that the handrubbed finish will come much quicker too, so I will probably do the hand rubbed on all. Just may not take it to 1000 grit.

------------------
Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
My favorite brand of belts is Klingspoor! I have tried just about all the brands out there, and taking quality, price, and longevity into account, I have settled on this brand. I have also, over the years narrowed down the grit sizes for my uses....50 grit blue zirconia, 120 blue zirconia, 220 J-flex, 400 J-flex, and then to a 600 trizac. The trizacs are there as my finish belt. I'm not sure what everyone else does, but after a 600 trizac, I go to the bench and hand sand everything.
If friends want one of your pieces, make it one of YOUR PIECES. Don't drop your standards for anything or anybody. If they want it, then I would also suggest a fair market price..........at least enough to replenish your supplies, and a little for your time and labor. As time goes by, and you get a few knives circulating around, you'll find that more and more "friends" will want you to make them knives. This can get a little annoying, as most have no idea the amount of time and effort you put into your work, and often times they will expect a "freebie." This might be OK in the beginning, but there will come a time when you'll find yourself overwhelmed by folks who want a knife. That's when you just about have to start charging fair market value.....otherwise you will work your tail off for no return.

------------------
Ed Caffrey "The Montana Bladesmith"
ABS Mastersmith
www.caffreyknives.com
 
Disk is the best for finish flat grinding
No hops and you can get a real nice finish if you go up in grit! Takes a little practice to get the angles right and facets out! for big blades make a donut out of thick g10 . this allows for the big blade to be sanded and not hit the center of the disk




------------------
Web Site At www.darrelralph.com
MADD MAXX !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top