Putting the cutting edge – please your help here

[Steinmann]

I made the blade’s edge and reached 220 grit (leaving a 1.5 mm edge), and would like to put now the cutting edge on. What grit shell I use for it?
Thank you - Michael

 

[Kevin Jones]

Michael, you may find the knifemaker's Shop-Talk forum best for answering this type of question. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/741-Shop-Talk-BladeSmith-Questions-and-Answers

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Shalom,
If the edge is 1.5mm ( .06"), it is still far too thick for sharpening. The edge should be about .25mm (.01") before the final sharpening.

Once the bevels are sanded down to that edge thinness, start the edge with 120 grit, then 220, and a last step at 400. A final stropping of the edge on a piece of leather charged with red rouge will make it hair popping sharp.

Just to make sure, has the blade been hardened already?

שמור על עצמך

 

[Steinmann]

Yes its hardened and anealed. I can however keep on grinding with the belt sander. I will do as you say.
Thank you very much - Toda Raba.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Yes its hardened and anealed. I can however keep on grinding with the belt sander. I will do as you say.
Thank you very much - Toda Raba.

Bevakasha.

The term in Engish is tempered, not annealed. Annealed means made soft, as one would for filing and drilling holes.

 

[Steinmann]

Thanks for that correction