Question about beginning blade grinding for disabled

Ladams19

Ladams19

Joined
Oct 7, 2015
Messages
1,290
Hello all and thank you for your time in answering and or reading this. I am starting to make my own knives. I have saved up and purchased a Pheer Grinder and managed to get an Evenheat Oven. I want to make blades for relatives for Christmas if possible, starting with Dad and working my way out. Here is my issue. I was pretty seriously injured in the Army. I broke my back and it messed up a bunch of nerves in my back and neck and after my last surgery I sustained a brain injury from swelling in my spinal canal. I had to medically retire from my civilian job for various reasons. I have had lots of corrective surgeries trying to fix it but thats another story. Anyway, I do not have 100% use of my hands like most people. I cant grip things as well and I don't have the ability to do intricate procedures. I really try but its like my fingers just don't want to do it. For instance I can type really fast if I always use the same exact keyboard. Give me another brand and it takes me months to learn to type on it. I just freeze up and its like a computer that gives you that swirling thing and nothing happens. I purchased a flat grinding jig from Ebay and it looks very similar to one shown here on blade forums before. I find it really helps but I am still having a hard time holding the jig. So with that in mind, does anyone have any suggestions as to a way to start to grind that can train your hand in muscle memory. In order for my hands to work correctly I have to do something over and over again to get it in the part of the brain that automatically takes over. If I have to think about it, it does not work. Or does anyone have a suggestion for a jig that might work? I would be happy to purchase it or purchase the plans for it and have it made. I am actually very good at drawing the blades on Autocad Fusion 360 and AutoCad 3D. I can draw anything. I was an Engineer before I had my brain to shut down lol. I thought about trying to do them on CNC so I can get rid of the actually grinding portion, but I think in order to make a proper knife, some grinding has to be done. Any suggestions would be welcomed. My current jig is very similar to the one shown at the blade forums listed below.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/844874-Blade-grinding-jig
 
You already found the key. Practice. With this kind of nerve damage, you are going to have a much slower time of it than the rest of the population, but you certainly can develop the ability for this fine motor control.

If you want to learn to grind freehand, I would also check out a bubble jig. It helps give you a visual reference for grinding and I believe in the long run will give you a good medium to learn.

My mother is a PT for people with Cerebral palsy and severe nerve damage. She is fond of telling people there is very little that can stop a enough determination. The neural pathways will certainly form more slowly, but they will still form.

I would also come up with some set of emergency measures. Its very easy to hurt yourself making knives, even more easy given your situation. Always have a phone with you when you grind, or if you live with someone you could try what I did. I have a small red strobe light next my grinder and another one in the house. If my parents want me, they have a switch for my light. That way they dont startle me. And if there is some type of emergency, I can at least alert them.

Where in norcal are you?
 
there is a group of wounded vets that makes knives and from what I remember meets on a regular basis and I'm 100% sure between most of these gents you will find all the answers you are looking for as I'm sure there is someone in that group that has had to deal with any of the issues you might run into... I can't remember their names off hand and i'll try to find the article, but an internet search might find their group.
 
Thanks for the information. I bubble gauge is a great idea, seen them online but never thought about using it. I have not really met with any other groups. I know this sounds crazy but I always feel others have it worse than me and really never ask for stuff to help. In this case I am getting a bit frustrated. I have spent so many hours reading and researching. In reference to the emergency measures, the red light is also a great idea. I have to keep a phone with me and if I get too quiet my wife gets worried and is always checking on me. I will have to look into the Vet group. I have always been used to doing things on my own. This is a new concept for me to ask assistance. It is not in my personality. Thank you all so much for the information. It is easier to ask her in a bit more anonymous forum rather than be in person asking someone. I have really wanted to take a class too but I am anxious about not being able to perform properly. I need to get over this, but it is honestly easier said than done.

I am north of Santa Rosa.
 
Ladams19 said:
Thanks for the information. I bubble gauge is a great idea, seen them online but never thought about using it. I have not really met with any other groups. I know this sounds crazy but I always feel others have it worse than me and really never ask for stuff to help. In this case I am getting a bit frustrated. I have spent so many hours reading and researching. In reference to the emergency measures, the red light is also a great idea. I have to keep a phone with me and if I get too quiet my wife gets worried and is always checking on me. I will have to look into the Vet group. I have always been used to doing things on my own. This is a new concept for me to ask assistance. It is not in my personality. Thank you all so much for the information. It is easier to ask her in a bit more anonymous forum rather than be in person asking someone. I have really wanted to take a class too but I am anxious about not being able to perform properly. I need to get over this, but it is honestly easier said than done.

I am north of Santa Rosa.
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Hi. I live a little east of Sacramento in the Sierras. Have similar problems with my hands. Nerve damage.
Would love to get together with you and compare solutions. Maybe we could meet half way in Sac. and have lunch. Course you are always welcome at our shop.

Ken
 
rustyrazor said:
there is a group of wounded vets that makes knives and from what I remember meets on a regular basis and I'm 100% sure between most of these gents you will find all the answers you are looking for as I'm sure there is someone in that group that has had to deal with any of the issues you might run into... I can't remember their names off hand and i'll try to find the article, but an internet search might find their group.
Click to expand...

The group I know is called Resilience Forge, http://www.resilienceforge.org/ .
 
I would also check out using some magnetic holders. Using magnets to hold the blade would reduce the amount of fine motor control and let you use some more macro movements
 
oldwolf said:
Hi. I live a little east of Sacramento in the Sierras. Have similar problems with my hands. Nerve damage.
Would love to get together with you and compare solutions. Maybe we could meet half way in Sac. and have lunch. Course you are always welcome at our shop.

Ken
Click to expand...
Wow that is seriously nice of you. Looks like you are a knife maker. Do you offer classes? Sounds like that would be interesting to meet and learn from a professional that has already overcame some obstacles. thank you. I would be happy to pay for any class training. I will send you my information here in a bit. Sacramento is not too far. I will actually be in the area next weekend. My Belgian Malinois is being trained down close to Sacramento as a service dog. I will try and coordinate something. thank you again.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I am not accustomed to asking for anything. I got friends telling me that its time I start though. I certainly appreciate it.
 
It's us who should be thanking you so I will. Thank you very much for your service! I for one appreciate it very much, and at the risk of starting a political flame war which is not my intent, am ashamed and appalled at the way service men and women as well as law enforcement have been treated over at least the past 7+ years.

As to the Bubble Jig, I have thought about getting one as well. I currently use a jig I made from a piece of angle iron, but the Bubble Jig is supposed to help you learn to grind free hand. The maker of the Bubble Jig, Fred Rowe is a member here and often frequents this forum.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
 
Ladams19 said:
Wow that is seriously nice of you. Looks like you are a knife maker. Do you offer classes? Sounds like that would be interesting to meet and learn from a professional that has already overcame some obstacles. thank you. I would be happy to pay for any class training. I will send you my information here in a bit. Sacramento is not too far. I will actually be in the area next weekend. My Belgian Malinois is being trained down close to Sacramento as a service dog. I will try and coordinate something. thank you again.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I am not accustomed to asking for anything. I got friends telling me that its time I start though. I certainly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Ladams, Send me a Private Message and we can coordinate a meeting. Looking forwards to it.
Ken
 
Hey I want to really thank all the suggestions and information you all have been sending me. I cant say how much I appreciate it.
 
Congrats on pushing forward!

My knives 2-7 were made as I recovered from broken legs, so the occasional "character mark" brought on from a body part deciding to wobble/spasm etc isn't as big of a deal as you might think! Aim for masters it's quality but don't mind if your body won't let you get there. It happens.

My suggestion would be to get/make a holder board, two handles and a flat area between to attach the blade to
(screws/magnets etc, perhaps a series of small holes to drop stop pins into), that way regardless of what blade you are working on, you are always grabbing the same holder, thus giving the similarity your brain seems to need. Perhaps being able to place the bubble jig on it as well, just thinking out loud. Then your holder will become distinctly yours as well.


Above all else don't give up! My mom lost function and parts of her fingers in a farm accident, but persevered to do stained glass and scrollsaw work that rivalled many able bodied individuals. Take and accept your limitations, but don't let your limitations affect your creativity. And have fun!! Good luck my friend.
 
I don't have much experience in this area, but have you heard of "the feldencrais method"? It's all about training your brain to use alternative pathways to get motor skills back after injury. Might be right up your alley!

Good luck with the knife making, it's a very rewarding hobby!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
If you have the large tool rest as well as your jig, and the problem is holding on to the jig, put a handle on it. But a handle made to fit your hand and at an angle that's comfortable for you. Find a good "at rest" or neutral position for your hand or hands near the jig. Model a grip that that "keys" into the shape of your hand and palm with some clay, that you can grip comfortably to the best of your ability, and then figure out how you would attach it to the jig with a bent metal strap or rod, screwed, bolted, or welded on, or maybe a switchable magnet. Then move on to a real version made with some type of moldable polymer like "Sugru" around that strap or rod. You may need a few iterations to get the handles perfect. Another option for the grip material would be a low temperature thermoplastic like "friendly plastic", the advantage would be that you could just re-heat if the shape's not just right...but don't get burned. And it's a hard plastic, not rubbery. BTW this is the type of thing a prosthetic maker could help with, but the cost will be more than DIY.

This might solve the jig issue, but not necessarily other knife making tasks like sanding handles. But any task you can do in a holder or jig, there's no reason not to put handles made for your hands on the jig. The same principle applies to tools. Don't assume you have to use the same type/shape of file handle everybody else does...
 
Mahoney said:
If you have the large tool rest as well as your jig, and the problem is holding on to the jig, put a handle on it. But a handle made to fit your hand and at an angle that's comfortable for you. Find a good "at rest" or neutral position for your hand or hands near the jig. Model a grip that that "keys" into the shape of your hand and palm with some clay, that you can grip comfortably to the best of your ability, and then figure out how you would attach it to the jig with a bent metal strap or rod, screwed, bolted, or welded on, or maybe a switchable magnet. Then move on to a real version made with some type of moldable polymer like "Sugru" around that strap or rod. You may need a few iterations to get the handles perfect. Another option for the grip material would be a low temperature thermoplastic like "friendly plastic", the advantage would be that you could just re-heat if the shape's not just right...but don't get burned. And it's a hard plastic, not rubbery. BTW this is the type of thing a prosthetic maker could help with, but the cost will be more than DIY.

This might solve the jig issue, but not necessarily other knife making tasks like sanding handles. But any task you can do in a holder or jig, there's no reason not to put handles made for your hands on the jig. The same principle applies to tools. Don't assume you have to use the same type/shape of file handle everybody else does...
Click to expand...

Wow, thanks, never thought of that. Honestly I think we actually have some of the modeling clay. The kind that you have to bake. We made some statues a few years ago and the stuff never dries out. Thats a great idea. Thanks.
 
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