Plunge line / ricasso question

S

smartanimal

Joined
May 7, 2015
Messages
58
So I've been plugging along making my second and third knives ever and I've come up against a question--

So I've read a lot that when grinding the bevel, to leave about 1/8" of the belt over the edge of the platen. I can see the type of plunge line you get and if I'm not mistaken, it gives you a more gradual and blended line like so:



This little slicer was an experiment but I kind of like it and want to finish it.

After I rough grind on the belt sander, I try to flatten it more by hand with a file and then hand sand it out to smooth it.

How do i preserve that smooth slope on the ricasso? I always end up almost making it square. Wrapping sandpaper around a round file helps a little but it just seems to make it uglier. Should I just get some finer belts for my 4 x 36" grinder and do it all on there?
 
That is a great plunge line. I would say try some finer belts on your grinder if you can maintain that rounded plunge. You definitely do not want a square plunge because that will be a stress point and that's where the knife will break if you start to bend it to much.

Tim
 
Use a smooth cut round file that been made safe, [flattened] down one side. Chain saw files are not tapered and they work well for this process. Working with finer grit belts helps, Personally I like the green Gator belts, they will mold right to the shape.

Fred
 
Thanks guys! I'm going to try to look for some finer belts to work with as the finest I have is 120. I'll try to post some progress pics.
 
....then make yourself a wooden (or micarta) block and dress a radius on the corner matching your plunge. Use it to back up your sandpaper and proceed through the grits.
 
Don't know if you've seen this page of mine, but it has some IMHO fairly useful tips about freehand grinding whatever type of plunge you might want...
www.prometheanknives.com/shop-techniques-3/grinding-tips

The higher of a finish you take the plunge line to on the grinder (while preserving its shape), the more crisp you'll be able to keep it while hand sanding the finish. Tricks like staying off of the grind lines when hand sanding, until the end and just feathering it in to get the last scratches by the plunge or grind line, will help.

DSC02499.JPG
 
I learned on Salem's website advices...serious stuff over there :thumbup: Also Nick Wheeler posted golden tutorials!
 
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