Talonite/Grinder model question

Jose Reyes

Jose Reyes

Joined
Nov 14, 2001
Messages
1,152
Hello,
I'm thinking I want to try to make a knife but I want to keep it very simple. Basically just try my hand at grinding out a blade shape. I'm under the impression that Talonite is bought as blanks and only needs to be ground to shape. If this is so, where could I obtain a few blanks and what do they normally sell for. I'm also considering using some type of stabilized wood.
I also need some information on purchasing a grinder for the job. The smallest, least expensive model suitable for a convex grind would seem to fit the bill. Does any have a price range a grinder will run me, maybe I can pick up a used one somewhere?
Thanks in advance for any help.
-Jose
 
Thanks Greg,

I'm going to pick up a few blanks. At about $75 a piece they're more expensive than I thought, but at least if I do a halfway decent job the blades will be more stable.

I could still use some advice on getting a grinder. A friend is letting me set it up in his garage and offered to look on e-bay for me. Any input as far as a manufacturer or model would be greatly appreciated. Something without much power would be fine, and actually preferable.

Also, can anyone recommend the type of belts I should use? Or if anyone has any information that might help me please chime in.

-Jose
 
My friend and I could only find industrial size grinders that sell for $2,000-$4,000. Does anyone here use table mounted sized grinders? Is it possible to find something suitable for less than $500, even in used condition? Any information that can help narrow our internet search, a good brand or model, would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Jose
 
Jose,I would suggest that you start out with something other than Talonite for your first knife.That's an expensive way to learn.If you are into a stainless blade,I would suggest 440-C or ATS-34 for starters.Much cheaper and easier to grind.Talonite is a belt eater,a great material but still harder to work,especially for a newbie.The only thing you save on is heat treating, but that only runs about $20 with shipping.Dave
 
Jose,check out Coote griders......I am a new maker(hobby) I have a 2x72 with an 8" wheel it was $450 with shipping. Like I said I am new but know a professinal maker who has had his for ten years with no probs....Well built and easy to use. I like mine alot..You will have to provide your own motor though.. Good Luck.............
 
Jose,
You can make knives with about any size grinder out there from the 1"x30", 2"x42" and 4"x36" models that your local Sears carries to the large industrial machines you have already found.
It seems the consensus is that the 2"x72" is the best all round size for knifemaking. This is due in part to the range and availibilty of different grit belts for this size machine.
In the price range you were asking about, the Grizzly model G1015 , Pro Cut II , and the Coote (coote@olypen .com.) come to mind.
Above that price range are many fine machines such as the KMG, Bader III, Hard Core, Witon Square wheel, Log Cabin, Dozier, Burr King 960.
I'm sure there are others I haven't listed.
There are other aspects to consider as well. To name a few: motor size, variable speeds, operating voltage, 2 or 3 wheels.
A quick search for "grinders" in the Shop Talk archives will provide you with a wealth of information.
Most of the knife making supply houses carry grinders. You can find them here on this excellent suppliers list.
You could also build one. Rob Frink, who makes the KMG, has some examples posted on his site.

Regards, Greg
 
Hello !

I am precisely working on a small web site for the knifemaking begginer (like me) and I made a page dedicated to the choice of a belt grinder (a belt grinder inventory, with pictures..)
But I plan to finish this in the next week. I will post the address here... I will also put instruction and my plan to build a small belt grinder on this site... (It only remain to find somebody to correct my English because I do not speak English verry well)

While waiting, i give you these small infos:

Economic class:
You can buy a small 1x30" or 1x42" grinder to start because there are pretty cheap and available on major hardware store or woodworking store, but these ginders does not have a contact wheel (to make hollow grind), are less powerfull, and they have several other disadvantages...

In this category you have: Delta, Craftman (Sears), Mastercrafts, etc... The price vary from 90$ can to 200$ can.

Intermediary class
If you want a real knifemaking belt grinder, for the serious (and more fortunate) begginer or to make you can buy:

- Grizzly belt grinder (350$ US with motor)
- Coote Belt Grinder (285 to 398$ US without motor)
- Kalamazoo Belt Grinder (425$ US without motor)
- Pro Cut II (500$ US without motor)

First class
For even better, you can buy (from 745$ US to 2000$ US and more)

- KMG1 Grinder
- Wilton square wheel
- Bader B-III
- Hardcore

Hoping that you help...

Alain M-D
alainmd@videotron.ca
 
someone metioned using steel first. i agree. with carbon or stainless steel you can use a cheap angle grinder to profile the blade and then use hand files to make a few before you sink alot of cash into this. i used files then a 1x30 then bought the coote 2x72 and then the hardcore. the coote and hardcore get used daily.
 
Thanks for the replies. I should be able to narrow down my search now. Doing it with hand files would be a lot cheaper but I would think getting a convex grind would be much more difficult? I'll post an update when I find something suitable, thanks again for the help.

-Jose
 
Jose,
As the others have hinted at, there's a very good chance you'll grind a $75 piece of Talonite into powder if this is your first grind. This isn't meant rudely, or as a comment on your skill, or skill you will eventually have. Most everyone here did just that at first. Well, everyone except me. If you get a grinder, or for that matter, what ever you use, start with a piece of simple (read that as relatively inexpensive) high carbon or even hc stainless steel. Then when you feel you're ready, you can work the more expensive materials.
Wayne Goddard's books, The $50 Knife Shop, and The Wonder of Knifemaking, would be of enormous value, and would ultimately save you a great deal of money. Good luck.
 
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