Knife regrinds - tips and tricks?

[DustinY]

Picked up a couple blades that i think would look phenominal with a better grind on them, was hoping people here could list some tips and tricks when regrinding a knife. All of them are folders, so the blade will be removed and jigged up or i'll create a table rest that can accomodate them.

What are the best ways to protect finishes you dont want to mar? I've seen people use clear nail polish - seems interesting.

Belt progression? I'm looking for a clean satin - was thinking about 60 -> 120 -> then some kind of scotchbrite? Thinking that the brite will even out the lines?

 

[Richard338]

My number one concern, especially using a jig, would be ruining the heat treat. Most people doing regrinds do it under cooling spray...

 

[Stang Bladeworks]

Unless you go full flat dont use scotchbrite, it will leave scratches on the flats.

 

[DustinY]

Unless you go full flat dont use scotchbrite, it will leave scratches on the flats.

I think even full flat does this and was my fear....

I think you're right. Maybe need to find a good trizact i could run over to even things out.

 

[DustinY]

My number one concern, especially using a jig, would be ruining the heat treat. Most people doing regrinds do it under cooling spray...

I grind post HT and understand the concerns, unless it's already a massively thin blade i don't think i'll have issues. It's slow slow slow and fresh belts. I am going to look at getting a kool mist setup though

 

[Richard338]

You may be fine if you are careful.
I do a lot of grinding post HT also, but I don't use a jig, so I can feel how much heat I'm generating.
I'd like a mist setup also, partly to knock down the amount of dust.
I notice when grinding wet pieces that I need to be even more careful about eye protection as little grit filled drops fly off...

 

[DustinY]

You may be fine if you are careful.
I do a lot of grinding post HT also, but I don't use a jig, so I can feel how much heat I'm generating.
I'd like a mist setup also, partly to knock down the amount of dust.
I notice when grinding wet pieces that I need to be even more careful about eye protection as little grit filled drops fly off...

I don't take more than a single pass, and i stay cognitive of the amount of time spent on thinner areas - and speed. I've burnt a couple of tips, you learn quick ha.