Plunge Cuts??

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

Is the purpose of plunge cuts more an aesthetic thing as opposed to a gradual change to the edge?? It seems like they are there more as proof of how good one is on the grinder. Personally I do not care as much for sharp grind lines as for flowing areas but it seems like I am in the minority. Just want to more fully understand this facet of knifemaking.

 

[L6steel]

It's mostly for looks but also for blade strength and to give less chances for stress cracks during heat treating.
If you leave the plunge sharp instead flowing it has more of a chance to crack when it's heat treated.

 

[jim moyer]

I feel it has a lot to do with the blade style and size.

 

[Fiddleback]

While we're on te subject, how are guys doing these curved plunge cuts?? I thought they were done on a CNC mill, but I've seen hand makers doing them recently.

 

[Troop]

While we're on te subject, how are guys doing these curved plunge cuts?? I thought they were done on a CNC mill, but I've seen hand makers doing them recently.

By saying a heartfelt prayer just before attempting them.
- Mitch

 

[MSCantrell]

While we're on te subject, how are guys doing these curved plunge cuts?? I thought they were done on a CNC mill, but I've seen hand makers doing them recently.

Usually, but not always, on a disc grinder rather than a belt grinder.

But some guys have pulled it off on belt grinders, too... for that, you have to be (to quote the immortal Conway Twitty) a man with a slow hand

 

[Bill Armstrong]

I'm doing an angled plunge and tapering it down to the edge line so there are no sharp insite corner...engineering wise thats a nono if my memory serves me...whatcha think?

 

[L6steel]

Andy, I usually ended up with a curved plunge because I screwed up and over worked it, lol!!!!

 

[Bruce Bump]

The easiest method I found is with a rotary platen that Rob Frink sells. It gives a nice soft belt edge and is a convex grind. I really dont like to sharpen a knife that has no starting place like the curved plunge edge has. It helps to have a small notch filed in with a round file to separate the plunge from the edge.

 

[fastcamo]

While we're on te subject, how are guys doing these curved plunge cuts?? I thought they were done on a CNC mill, but I've seen hand makers doing them recently.

Track your belt to the right and left so its off the wheel or platen makes a nice feathered curve

 

[LRB]

If you are looking for near perfect job, use a file guide and a round file which has a diameter the thickness of the ricasso. Stop 3/32", to 1/8" short of the desired termination at the top of the file cut, then blend it when you grind the bevels.

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