Steel thickness for learning to grind

[kile]

I have been having fun making knives for about a year now. I pretty much have the hang of everything except blade grinding. My interest lies mostly with small fixed blades, under 8". I remember Tom Mayo's advice about learning to grind on thicker steel, and I bought some 1/4" stock, I still want to make small knives. It seems ridiculously thick for such small knives, but my grinds always come out very nice on thick steel. When I try to hollow grind 1/8" steel my grind lines are not as nice, and I have a much harder time making them match up from side to side. My question is this. I recently have recieved an order for 6 neck knives which can be made any way I want. They were ordered by a rich local business man after he saw one that I had made and was carrying around my neck. I doubt these knives will be used much, so knowing that they will mostly just be for showing off and opening mail. should I use 1/4 steel and make them knowing I can get the grind lines right, or since they are neck knives should I make them out of 1/8" steel and probably mess up on as many as I get right. Am I right in thinking 1/4 steel is way to thick and would make a pretty bad little knife or if I grind it high enough would it work ok? I have yet to make a little knife with anything other than 1/8" stock and I am very reluctant to use the thick stuff. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kyle Fuglesten

 

[Crayola]

I can't offer too much advice, except to say that 1/8" steel functions betetr for necker work. The business guy might show them top other people, or give some away (why else would he order 6) and YOUR NAME is on this stuff. Make the best product you can. Why not ask the business guy if he wants the steel that thick? Why not try 3/16" for now? I dunno! Make sure you are happy since others will see your work.

 

[Jerry Hossom]

Listen to Tom. If you're learning to grind, start with some 1/4" steel and learn the feel of getting in the groove. If you end up with a knife, that's fine, but be satisfied if you get an even grind. After you're comfortable *at all grits* then try something you want to become a knife.

I advise people who are getting started to work on three blades at a time. Everytime you step up to the wheel, you have to retrain your hands. So if you do three blades at a time, and change the order at each grit, you have a very good chance of ending up with a couple pretty good blades, and one you've thrown in the trash without feeling like you lost a family member.

 

[Darrel Ralph]

It depends on the style your making.
If its a straight knife that is small use 5/32 or so and up.
If its a folder 5/32 and down.
For big folders 5/32 is great.
For small 3 inch and under blade lehgth 3/32 is great.
1/8 inch is very common in 3-4 inch blade lengths.
Good luck.