Sword grinding

dedub

dedub

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Feb 28, 2011
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Hey all,

I've been asked to make a Gladius Sword (Pompeii style). The problem for me is the grind. If it were a dagger, flat or hollow grind on a 10" blade for example it wouldn't be a problem. Does anyone know of a skilled sword maker that would entertain grinding this for me? I have the blade already profiled and it's clean, I milled most of it. The steel is A2 .187 thick and 1 3/4" wide.
Any leads would be great.

Ps. I'd take care of heat treat

Thanks
Darrin
 
You might give Darrin Sanders a holler. He might be willing and able to do it. I've done several gladii, but I'm still an amateur, and my grind lines aren't as clean as you'd need. Tough thing with asking someone else to grind is that it's a lot of work spent on the grinder, and those who you'll be asking will likely have their own grinding work to do.
 
I just had a terrific conversation with Darrin on the phone. We discussed a bunch of ideas and told a few war stories (haha). He's one he'll of a guy but unfortunately I'm still in the need of a "sword grinder". If anyone else has any ideas I'm open.

Thanks
Darrin
 
I too doubt you will find anyone willing to do it, but perhaps you could get a machine shop to do it? Just a thought. Oh, and more more thing. There's a lot of plans floating around on the net on how to built your own 2x72 inch grinder, some of which don't even require weilding. Dig up an old electic motor, get some belts and your'e set to go. Good luck!
 
Well, I assumed since he's asking for someone to do grinding, he doesn't. I may be wrong, but why ask for someone to do your grinds if you have a grinder?
 
Well, he also said that it wouldn't be a problem if it were a dagger or other smaller blade. So either he's milling the grinds in usually, or else he is worried about keeping his grinds clean on a longer blade, the way I read it, and doesn't want to attempt a first run on a commissioned piece.
 
Here's my thoughts on this. They way I read the OP it sounds like he has a grinder but isn't confident in his grinding ability. If I'm wrong then obviously this won't apply.

If your platen angle can be adjusted then you should be good to go after reading these threads.

The overall idea: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939258-The-Grindomatic5000

Calculating the angle you need: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-or-How-to-tell-what-angle-you-need-for-a-FFG

Example of what you can do: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/967457-American-Wakizashi

Cheers
 
I've been out for a few days but I have answers to some of your questions.
Yes I have a grinder, in fact two. They are made by Chris Williams and its the Wilmont grinder.
http://www.wilmontgrinders.com/Pages/default.aspx
By far the best grinders on the market. Chris is also an active member on this forum.
I am very confident in my grinds, I've made 100's literally. It's that looooong draw of the flat double grind free hand with keeping a perfectly centered line down the middle of both sides. In my opinion the most difficult thing to do.
If you look at the oyster knives I made here http://www.tctknives.com//side-projects/ you'll see I've done it, just not at that length.
I guess my next step is creating a jig, thanks for the links and take care.

Darrin
 
No disagreement here! That long grind is definitely hard, especially doing it freehand. I'm still working on it myself. Good luck to you!
 
Grinding a long blade isn't that bad. If you've ground hundreds of blades, then I'm sure you can do it. Just scribe an accurate line down the center of the edge, and work in short sections.
 
Good advice, think I'll "just do it". I could do the 80% and just hand draw the rest with a file.
 
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