successful swedge finally, now what?? :)

jonnymac44

jonnymac44

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
Messages
7,680
Well I had tried it a couple other times with limited success, but I gave Fred Rowe's Bubble Jig a shot for this swedge/false edge on the top of my EDC model. I have been wanting to experiment with different grinds rather than just running the bevels up to the spine, so this is my first attempt at branching out. I think it turned out okay, and everything is in the early stages of a 400 grit finish with some work to go, but now I'm starting to get nervous.

I like the contrast of the vertical scratch on the bevel and swedge and the horizontal finish on the flats, but I'm worried I will have a hard time making all of the lines come together and stay crisp. Any suggestions? I thought about just doing a full vertical finish on the whole thing with an extra fine scotchbrite belt, but I'm not sure it would look right. I think this is one of the best grinds I've done so far and don't want to screw up at this stage. What to do??:o

Sorry for the crappy pics, I was rushing it and there's no good natural light outside today.
EDCwithswedge.jpg


EDCwithswedge3.jpg


EDCwithswedge1.jpg


EDCwithswedge2.jpg
 
Last edited:
I think the contrast between the horizontal and vertical scratches would be cool. How far up in grits are you going? I would finish the flats to whatever grit you are going for and then tape them off. Then lightly give a nice uniform finish on the bevels.

I'm a hand finishing guy so hopefully someone with more experience in belt finishes will chime in.
 
Mike Quesenberry said:
I think the contrast between the horizontal and vertical scratches would be cool. How far up in grits are you going? I would finish the flats to whatever grit you are going for and then tape them off. Then lightly give a nice uniform finish on the bevels.

I'm a hand finishing guy so hopefully someone with more experience in belt finishes will chime in.
Click to expand...

I don't mind sanding by hand, especially on the flats. I just like the uniform scratch pattern I get from using belts for the bevels. The problem I have is that my hands still aren't fully trained at grinding, and let's say I've got the flats done and go to finish the bevels. I usually tend to make one little mistake that messes up the flats so I have to go back and start over. As we all know, the end result is that my flats start to disappear! Aw hell, maybe I should just go find a sandblaster and just fuzz it all together!!:D

I don't know, guess I'll have to think about this one for a bit. Suggestions definitely welcome!
 
I'd agree with the contrasting scratch patterns. First thing, I'd finish the flats to whatever grit you'd like to go. I'd go one above the desired grit level even. Then, you need to finish up the bevels to whatever grit you'd like to go on the belt. Finally, use a precision flat hard backing (piece of micarta or a flattened piece of steel) and your finish grit, and re-touch the flats with the paper mounted securely to the flat (you can use cheap spray adhesive). Keep nice even pressure and pull straight towards you, careful not to run down on the bevels. This should give you some good lines.

For me, it's easier to control the hand finish than it is to control a belt finish, so that's why I'd suggest finishing by hand. I'd stay away from a scotchbright or similar belt, as it will just end up blending your sharp looking grind lines.

--nathan

--nathan
 
Thanks Nathan,
I've got plenty of Micarta lying around, maybe I'll give that method a shot:thumbup:

silver_pilate said:
I'd agree with the contrasting scratch patterns. First thing, I'd finish the flats to whatever grit you'd like to go. I'd go one above the desired grit level even. Then, you need to finish up the bevels to whatever grit you'd like to go. Finally, use a precision flat hard backing (piece of micarta or a flattened piece of steel) and your finish grit, and re-touch the flats with the paper mounted securely to the flat (you can use cheap spray adhesive). Keep nice even pressure and pull straight towards you, careful not to run down on the bevels. This should give you some good lines.

For me, it's easier to control the hand finish than it is to control a belt finish, so that's why I'd suggest finishing by hand. I'd stay away from a scotchbright or similar belt, as it will just end up blending your sharp looking grind lines.

--nathan

--nathan
Click to expand...
 
However you finish the blade out; your grinds look good.

Post a pic when you get the handles on her.

Fred
 
I just thought about something. With all of the lines coming together on this blade with the swedge, the flats, and the bevel, will I get cleaner lines post heat treat? I haven't dealt with having several grind lines meeting up on my past knives so I don't have any experience with it, but I assume once the blade is hardened and metal doesn't come off as easily it will actually make keeping the lines crisp a bit easier. Am I on to something or just dreaming?:D
 
jonnymac44 said:
I just thought about something. With all of the lines coming together on this blade with the swedge, the flats, and the bevel, will I get cleaner lines post heat treat? I haven't dealt with having several grind lines meeting up on my past knives so I don't have any experience with it, but I assume once the blade is hardened and metal doesn't come off as easily it will actually make keeping the lines crisp a bit easier. Am I on to something or just dreaming?:D
Click to expand...

you are correct on the HT . mistakes can and will still happen but not so radical ( at least that works for me )

I do what you are looking for often . I would finish the bevels with a scotch brite , then I put the blade on the magnet and redo the flats on the flat platen . Just be careful with the front of the blade where your lines intersect .
 
I would do what Nathan suggested, finish the bevels first, then tape them off
and lap the flats down on a plate backer with your finish grit glued down to it.
 
I would do what Nathan suggested, get the flats done once, then finish the bevels, tape them off and lap the flats down on a plate backer with your finish grit glued down to it.
 
Thanks a lot guys. I think what was worrying me most was doing things in the right order, and it sounds like bevels first, flat last has worked best for others, so that's what I'm going to try. I think I will wait till after heat treat though, so I'll get some update pics posted soon. I have eight knives heading out to Peters tomorrow morning so I'll have plenty to keep me busy very soon:thumbup:

Thanks again for the input!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top