Prototyping a new form of bevel gauge.

[FortyTwoBlades]

A major frustration I've had with existing angle finders and bevel gauges is that the fixed angle varieties--beyond being limited by their fixed angles--typically have a cutout for the apex, but in doing so make measuring very narrow bevels impossible. The Spyderco model is the least offensive in this regard, but is still limited by being a fixed angle set. Adjustable angle finders/bevel gauges, by contrast, typically have an overlapped pivot that makes measuring small angles require at least a certain length to them such that the overlap allows the formation of a V-notch. This means that they cannot be reasonably made compact using that approach. I realized that using a segmented pivoting arm would enable the creation of a true linear V notch regardless of the angle needed, and in a compact form.

Here's the initial prototype, made from steel pallet banding. No markings have been made on it yet because I need to dial in the geometry first, but as a low-effort proof of concept it absolutely works. Works down to 0° and can open up to 135°. 4" long, 5/8" wide, and weighs only 0.2oz

I'm currently working on mapping out optimized geometry and how best to display the scale but have several viable ways of going about it with various strengths and weaknesses, and I have a lot of ideas for how to build in additional features. By the time I'm done packing features into it it should be a pretty comprehensive tool for measuring bevels in a VERY compact and lightweight form factor.

 

[cudgee]

A major frustration I've had with existing angle finders and bevel gauges is that the fixed angle varieties--beyond being limited by their fixed angles--typically have a cutout for the apex, but in doing so make measuring very narrow bevels impossible. The Spyderco model is the least offensive in this regard, but is still limited by being a fixed angle set. Adjustable angle finders/bevel gauges, by contrast, typically have an overlapped pivot that makes measuring small angles require at least a certain length to them such that the overlap allows the formation of a V-notch. This means that they cannot be reasonably made compact using that approach. I realized that using a segmented pivoting arm would enable the creation of a true linear V notch regardless of the angle needed, and in a compact form.

Here's the initial prototype, made from steel pallet banding. No markings have been made on it yet because I need to dial in the geometry first, but as a low-effort proof of concept it absolutely works. Works down to 0° and can open up to 135°. 4" long, 5/8" wide, and weighs only 0.2oz

I'm currently working on mapping out optimized geometry and how best to display the scale but have several viable ways of going about it with various strengths and weaknesses, and I have a lot of ideas for how to build in additional features. By the time I'm done packing features into it it should be a pretty comprehensive tool for measuring bevels in a VERY compact and lightweight form factor.

Great innovative idea, good luck with it.