Rounding edges on spine

[O'ReillyMade]

I'm wanting to find a better method to get a clean and comfortable spine a full tang knives. I typically break the hard edges rather than completely round the spine. I've been carefully using 220+ sandpaper or an old sharpening stone once handle scales have been glued and shaped. My results have been good not great .... How do YOU round break those hard edges on the spine??

 

[JamesBro]

2 x 72 grinder, 8 to 10 inch contact wheel, rocking the spine with the wheel running across it and easy on the grit and speed. Just one way I do it, I am sure others have different ways. Or a slack belt works also. James

 

[navman]

I have used draw filing to break the edges and give the initial shape. Then finish with shoeshine using sandpaper. Finally use paper to polish or satin finish as preferred.

 

[Hengelo_77]

fine feedle files followed bij sandpaper on a rubber backer

 

[3fifty7]

2X72 belt grinder with a slack belt rocking back and forth while constantly keeping the spine moving. I usually do 220-400-scotchbrite.

 

[Signalprick]

800 grit gesswein stick

 

[john april]

tape off the handle or part of spine you do not want rounded. cut 1" strips of sandpaper 120, 220 etc. use the "shoeshine method" to round the edges. maybe a file first would save a little sandpaper and time.

 

[Horsewright]

Slack belt 320 grit

 

[John Cahoon]

I always round my touch points pre HT with files and sandpaper, knowing where the front scales will end. Sometimes if I miss or change my mind hardened steel can be rounded with diamond coated files (cheap at HF) and sandpaper.

Belts work great too but still I do them pre HT then final finish with sandpaper.

 

[David Mary]

Post heat treat, I cut off the corners with 120 grit against the platen, then rock the spine on slack belt at 220 grit, following the curves of the blade shape of course, and finish on scotchbrite. Sometimes I leave the tip out of step one, depending on how fine it is and what risk there is of deformation or burning.

 

[FredyCro]

For complete rounding I first slightly take off the edges with a worn 120 at about 45 degree. When I get small bevels showing I switch to a worn 240 on the slack belt, put the spine directly in the belt and rock maybe 20 degrees back and forth. This gives a slight and even crown. VFD really comes handy to really control what is happening.
If you just want to kick off the sharp edges and still have the defined spine, a diamond stone and file with some quality 220 or 320 sandpaper on it. Good use for those cheap small diamond sharpening stones.

 

[ChristoDart]

I use a slack belt then back use gorilla tape as a backer on sand paper, cut in thin strips and shoe shine.

 

[wkfl]

1200 grit slack belt, close to pulley, just knocks the shear off the corners.

 

[samuraistuart]

Draw file then shoe shine motion with sandpaper prior to HT.

 

[ea42]

Fine 3m deburring wheel.

 

[O'ReillyMade]

Thanks everyone for the input.