??? Sharpening Chisel Grind (Emerson) on 1x30 Belt Sander ???

G

GlockandBalls

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Jul 30, 2013
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Hello all.. I have been sharpening knives on my 1x30 belt sander for 10+ years with great success (Lee Valley is my friend :D ). I typically sharpen my convex and outdoor blades with it, as well as some other less expensive knives in which I don't mind drastically changing the edge geometry to get them hair whittling sharp.

My question today is about a Kershaw Emerson CQC8k that I just got. It was only $30 and a pretty great value IMO for an Emerson designed folder. I got it because the 8cr is easy to sharpen and I can practice on it before spending $200+ on an Emerson. I am wondering if anyone has used a belt sander for the grind side of a chiseled blade? Physics tells me that it would ruin it by eliminating a true "angle" (as a convex edge has no consistent angle, but is rounded), and defeating the purpose of a chisel grind. Nonetheless I thought I would ask.

Thanks
 
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I'm sure many will agree, not advised!
I sharpen single bevel knives on a 1"x42" daily and I've done the same for some Emersons.
Doesn't sound like you have a platen on your machine. If not, definitely don't do it. If so, have at least a 6 micron belt or 3 if you can. Use stones to knock the burr off the flat side in between each belt.
 
I grind the chisel side then use a leather belt with compound to remove the burr. Works great 😊
 
Thanks for the feedback. I just have a basic 1x30 with no platen. Thats why I was skeptical of grinding the bevel side. I feel there is too much "give" in the belt and it will round the edge and not keep a straight angle. I saw some home-made platen options but I don't think I'll go that far with it.
 
GlockandBalls said:
Thanks for the feedback. I just have a basic 1x30 with no platen. Thats why I was skeptical of grinding the bevel side. I feel there is too much "give" in the belt and it will round the edge and not keep a straight angle. I saw some home-made platen options but I don't think I'll go that far with it.
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Maybe try to hold the knife with one hand and back the belt up with a block of wood?

Or maybe go with a y weight belt and a really light touch?

Without a platen I probably wouldn't bet on keeping the flats flat
 
bodog said:
Maybe try to hold the knife with one hand and back the belt up with a block of wood?

Or maybe go with a y weight belt and a really light touch?

Without a platen I probably wouldn't bet on keeping the flats flat
Click to expand...

Well if we are just talking about the chisel ground secondary grind (i.e. the edge itself) then it won't hurt at all to be a little convex, especially if you drop the angle slightly. I would just sharpen it up close to the wheel so as to eliminate as much flex as possible :thumbup:
 
razor-edge-knives said:
Well if we are just talking about the chisel ground secondary grind (i.e. the edge itself) then it won't hurt at all to be a little convex, especially if you drop the angle slightly. I would just sharpen it up close to the wheel so as to eliminate as much flex as possible :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help. Really appreciate it!
 
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