Some random questions for somebody getting started.

J

JZknives

Joined
Feb 7, 2013
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1. I picked up a random set of files to work on with knives with and I think they wore down. Is there a preferable type of file to get the bevel down fast? (fast being a relative term) that will maybe last longer? Also regarding HOLDING the knife while filing , is a pana-vise a good vice to use? or will it slip?

2. Hollow grinding. What are the specific tool requirements for doing this? I ask because i have (i think) a 10 inch water stone(i think its a water stone , i guess because of the cast iron water resevior) connected by belt to a grinder in the basement , its old and I know nothing about it other than it can be used with water. Based on its size could it be used to create a hollow grind? If not is there any other process OTHER Than a belt grinder that can produce a hollow grind? I know murray carter uses water wheels thats why I ask.
 
Welcome JZ

The stickies have a good tutorial on making a knife. It uses files and sandpaper.
The wheel in your basement is for sharpening, and won't work for a hollow grind, or for making knives. You need a belt grinder and a large contact wheel for that. Let hollow grinds be form the time being.
 
One thing I will add to Stacy's post is that all files are not created equal. It pays to get some good ones such as those made by Nicholson. The second point is filing technique. Most of the files I have seen that are cashed out have been used incorrectly. Almost all files are designed to cut on a push stroke only, and sawing them back and forth just kills them far faster than just pushing alone.
 
Grayzer86 said:
One thing I will add to Stacy's post is that all files are not created equal. It pays to get some good ones such as those made by Nicholson. The second point is filing technique. Most of the files I have seen that are cashed out have been used incorrectly. Almost all files are designed to cut on a push stroke only, and sawing them back and forth just kills them far faster than just pushing alone.
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ah thank you very much

any advice on the panavise?
 
You might need a heavier vise. Panavises are nice though. I used C-Clamps to attach knives to my porch for filing at one time, that may be a low budget way to hold the knife.

Get a Nicholson Magi Cut file if you can, they rock. After that some 120, 220 and 400 grit paper backed with something flat and solid will do the trick.

I'd save the wheel for later, they are more for sharpening but I doubt you will really need to use it.
 
Daniel Fairly Knives said:
You might need a heavier vise. Panavises are nice though. I used C-Clamps to attach knives to my porch for filing at one time, that may be a low budget way to hold the knife.

Get a Nicholson Magi Cut file if you can, they rock. After that some 120, 220 and 400 grit paper backed with something flat and solid will do the trick.

I'd save the wheel for later, they are more for sharpening but I doubt you will really need to use it.
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about the files , I know i need a big one but what is the difference between the shapes , like for example tapered files
 
I'd get a flat one for the main bevel and draw file it, get a round one (1/4" is good) for the plunge and work it in ahead of time as you go. Clean up the plunge with a dowel/sandpaper or even use a file to back the paper.
 
Daniel Fairly Knives said:
I'd get a flat one for the main bevel and draw file it, get a round one (1/4" is good) for the plunge and work it in ahead of time as you go. Clean up the plunge with a dowel/sandpaper or even use a file to back the paper.
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now when im draw filing am i going towards the handle or away from it?
 
Either direction works, just be careful of bumping into your plunge or alternately slipping off of the tip. When you draw the file towards you the handle should be in your left hand, opposite for pushing the file away. This is assuming the file is single-cut.
 
The tutorial I pointed you to has an introductory part on files and selection. There is also a good description of the work area needed and the work arm you will file the blade on.
 
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