My first serious attempt at free hand grinding

[Dr Heelhook]

It is tough to get into the plunge lines with the sandpaper.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Looking good! That is a tough grind to do.

Try a chainsaw blade file to get into those plunges. Cleaning the flats will help with that a bit too.

 

[john april]

it does look good. have you tried a j flex belt hanging 1/8" or so over the edge of the platen/wheel? the belt hanging over will bend and form a curve to smooth all the plunges with. i do that from 220 grit on up.

 

[Dr Heelhook]

Thanks for the praise and the advice. This was a mild steel tryout I did today, while visiting the metal shop of my University. A learning experience for sure. Got me really inspired to make more knives in the future.

 

[dirtvictim]

Looks great nice lines and grain. I like the chain saw saw file idea above. I just use paper wrapped around flat or round stock for tight spots.

 

[Ken H>]

As well as that's looking, shame it's mild steel. All it needs is HT'ing and handles! Good job!

 

[Dr Heelhook]

As well as that's looking, shame it's mild steel. All it needs is HT'ing and handles! Good job!

I guess I’ll have to make a really fancy letter opener out of it . I’ll use carbon steel next time.