Question for Tom Krein

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
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Tom, what kind of grinder setup do you have for your reprofiling work? I'm sure you must have a grinder that water cools the part, or it would take FOREVER for you to do all your aftermarket work, but I was curious what equipment you use. Any picture of it in use? Must make a mess while you're grinding, no?
 
If the motor is strong enough and the belts are sharp enough, it shouldn't require water-cooling to avoid overheating. Also, Bob Dozier often gives grinding demonstrations showing the cleanliness-benefits of keeping a bucket of water under one's grinder to collect steel dust and Krein has worked for Dozier - he might do so, too.

If you join in on the aftermarket blade-shaping/blade-thinning, think of the fun you could have tying it in to your other profession! "Get your knives properly adjusted by a professional chiropractor!" You'll just need a bigger motor, a revolving door supply of sharper belts, and a bucket.
 
Nah, I have no interest in doing this sort of work, but I'm curious what his equipment setup is like. Keeping a bucket under the grinder is just for catching dust. It just seems like it would take forever to do those regrinds by doing a pass, dipping, doing a pass, dipping, etc, but maybe I'm wrong. There may not be that much metal coming off when you just move the grind higher to thin it out, but the margin for error sure is small, too.

Hopefully Tom spots this thread and throws his 2 cents in. I'm a big fan of his work.
 
This was from another thread "My Big Adventure to the Krein & Koster Monkey House. (Lot of Pics)"

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With lots of hints and helps from Tom, I've done a few regrinds (Emerson's and Spyderco's, mainly)... it's not a big deal to do, you just need to run slow speeds and sharp belts. I water dip a lot, but I'd do that anyway, whether the steel was hardened or not. Ceramic belts are a must. I have been trying a bunch of different kinds lately, but so far the best I've used (for regrinding, at least) are the Klingspor CS612's in 60 grit. Beat out 3m's 967's and 977's, as well as Norton Blazes!

I agree with naked, btw... Tom's got some mad grind skills! He's been a lot of help to me, too.
 
Hey guys!

No water cooled grinders here.

I do my grinding on a Dozier Grinder that I have had for about 10 years or so.

The secret is sharp belts, slow speeds, and holding the blade with your bare hands. Trust me you WILL feel the heat build up and know when to dunk it in the bucket!! :D

Just use sharp belts, go slow and dunk it in the water often and you will be good to go!

Tom
 
Tom, are you ever nervous about ruining somebody's beautiful folder? I know that you have done it for a long time, but one little slip...
 
Keith_H said:
Tom, are you ever nervous about ruining somebody's beautiful folder? I know that you have done it for a long time, but one little slip...
Click to expand...

Keith,
No not really. Its kind of like riding a bike, once you get it down you don't think about it too much.

That is the grinder I use. Old school Dozier grinder. Simply the best grinder out there in my opinion. A knifemaking grinder made by one of the best!

Tom
 
Not to hijack the thread but I saw in the latest Blade mag a review of your Mini Bowie. Looks great and a great review :D
 
Is grinding blades from scratch enough practise to mod knives, or do i have to ruin some knives in the process?
 
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