New to knife making

R

rpbali

Joined
Feb 23, 2007
Messages
223
Hi everyone. I have just started getting into knife making as a small hobby and i am currently working on a small fixed blade. I have cut out my design using a dremel and files and am now going onto the blade. I am trying to figure out the best approach to full flat grinding this blade. I am going to be doing it all by hand. Should I make some kind of jig, or just do it free hand and hope it turns out well?

Any help or opinions appreciated.

Jason
 
I just finished my first knife. I cut it out with a hacksaw, and filed the bevels by hand, sanding really flattens them out. It wasn't so bad, without powertools, (i used a drill press) 3/16 O1 isn't too tough to file, it could be cpm15v!! good luck!
 
lol.. ive been doing it free hand for awhile now :P remember to stretch your fingers and such.. i dont really own any equipment but what do i know.. im an amateur :P
 
start reading and asking questions. having your profiles filled out can sometimes be helpful so we know more about you. once you start you're hooked.:D
 
if you have a bench grinder take the side plate off voila' a disk sander! just DO NOT PUT MORE THAN 5-10 pounds of pressure on the sideit could crack and fly THROUGH your Garage! most Bench Grinders are spinning at 3450 rpm (unloaded) that converts to a 3-5 pound sharp jagged rock gettin thrown at about 80mph
 
NEVERNEVERNEVER use the side of a bench grinder stone! They are not made for lateral stress, and they come apart like frag grenades. If you can get a cheap bench mountbelt sander with a disc on the side, that will give you a disc, a belt with a flat platen, and the ability to change grits.
Oh yeah, get some good safety glasses. and wear them.
Freehand on a cheap belt sander berats filing by hand. Have fun, show us pictures be safe!

-Page
 
Could you recommend any good belt sanders for under 100 dollars? (as low as you can go without getting utter crap would be the best) Also, Amazon link would rock if you have it since I am about to buy a bunch of stuff from them anyway.

To add to the thread: go to youtube and look up greenpete's knifemaking vids, he uses a jig that looks like it would do well if you would prefer to do it that way.

~Cody
 
i haven't pulled the trigger yet, but i've been looking at ryobi's bench sander/disc grinder. it there's a better one out there for about the same price point (~$30-$50) i'm all ears. use even :)
 
I had a weird/stupid idea to take a round steel plate with a hole in the center and glue on abrasive, a poor man's disk grinder.
 
Use a Magicut file, made by Nicholson. They're very aggressive. Then finish with a mill file and sandpaper.
 
If one looks at the physics of it, the "3-5 pound sharp jagged rock gettin thrown at about 80mph" will do significantly more damage to you than the "chip from the knife at 80mph". The kinetic energy (what does the damage to you) is proportional to the mass of the object and the square of it's speed. I suspect that if you do the math, there is about as much energy in the 3-5 pound, 80mph rock as some bullets. A full-face shield may save you from getting hurt by the 80 mph chip but the 3-5 pound rock at 80mph will probably crush the face shield and knock you off your feet.

My neighbor had to be taken to the hospital when the disk on his angle grinder exploded and a piece ripped his leg open, through his jeans. Those disks have much less mass than the stone wheels.

Stay safe so that we can see more of your cool stuff.

rpbali

Use the search function and look up "draw filing", go get some good quality (i.e. Nicholson), fresh (sharp) files and a jar of elbow-grease and have fun with it.

Phil
 
If you are working with files and hand tools then use a good vise to hold the knife inplace. Have good lighting in your shop and compare each side of the blade as you work each side of the blade frequently to maintain symettry. Use the light to check your grind, the light will show up any irregularities and uneven file work. Go slow, don't rush. Steel does not lie, and short cuts and rushing will show their ugly face every time.
 
Well, thanks for all the quick replies. I checked out greenpete's videos and they were quite interesting. I also need some new files, so i'll see if i can't get some Nicholson ones. Thanks again for all the help:D
 
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