- Joined
- Jan 7, 2012
- Messages
- 19
So first I would like to post my second and third ever knives. Both folders, both roughly the same size (~3.5" blade). #2 is an S30V blade with a titanium frame lock, and #3 is an AEB-L blade with titanium liner lock, spalted oak scales, and brass spacer. Lockup on #2 is perfect, no play in any direction whatsoever. Lockup on #3 is a bit loose, I was over ambitious trying to polish the lock face. Not horrendous, but it is noticeable. I did the heat treat on both myself in my new forge, so I'm not positive of the hardness, but I think I did ok since they seem to be close to the hardness of my other S30V knife. I know they are far from perfect, and still need some work to be what I would call reasonably pretty and they have obvious faults, but I feel ok about them since the blades were both done on a bench grinder that went though hurricane Sandy. The bevels and finishing were done with a sanding belt that I ran on my bandsaw.
So finally, my question is related to grinding. I am not happy using the bench grinder as it has old 80 grit stones on it, has a lot of runout, and runs very fast. I am only marginally happier about the sanding belt+band saw option. I think because the belt width is a little small (can only fit a 1" belt on the bandsaw wheels), the belts seem to wear quickly, and the bandsaw doesn't leave me a ton of room to set up any kind of rest for maintaining any angles. I have been looking at purchasing/building either an actual belt sander like a KMG, or something like a Tormek. I can't really afford both, and I was wondering what would be more flexible and get me more mileage. The way I see it, the advantages to the belt sander are that it's easy to switch abrasives, and provides for a number of different grinds depending on platens/wheels/slack belt. The Tormek looks like it might give me more repeatable results, and the wheel would last considerably longer than the belts.
Anyway, I will leave you with a few pictures of my knives, any help and/or criticisms are appreciated. Thanks for looking!
So finally, my question is related to grinding. I am not happy using the bench grinder as it has old 80 grit stones on it, has a lot of runout, and runs very fast. I am only marginally happier about the sanding belt+band saw option. I think because the belt width is a little small (can only fit a 1" belt on the bandsaw wheels), the belts seem to wear quickly, and the bandsaw doesn't leave me a ton of room to set up any kind of rest for maintaining any angles. I have been looking at purchasing/building either an actual belt sander like a KMG, or something like a Tormek. I can't really afford both, and I was wondering what would be more flexible and get me more mileage. The way I see it, the advantages to the belt sander are that it's easy to switch abrasives, and provides for a number of different grinds depending on platens/wheels/slack belt. The Tormek looks like it might give me more repeatable results, and the wheel would last considerably longer than the belts.
Anyway, I will leave you with a few pictures of my knives, any help and/or criticisms are appreciated. Thanks for looking!