Tip O' The Day- Hollow Grinding.

[L6steel]

Took me a while to figure this one out for some reason, but I sure am glad I finally did. To help get both side's grinds even and symetrical, besides marking the edge, also use a Sharpee marker to mark where the plunge cut will be and where the top of the grind will be. Also, when you're grinding the first side, leave it a tad shy of the line. Then go on and grind the other side, comparing it to the first grind several times. That way if you goof up and get the second grind a tad high you have some room left to play with on the first side. All this is for free hand grinding by the way.
I need to thank Ken Onion for a post he made a while back where he suggested that makers should learn freehand grinding instead of using jigs. For my first 4 years, I used a home made jig for all my grinding. Since I read Ken's post, I decided to try free hand. I didn't really think I could get the knack of it, but after 10-12 blades, it's gotten alot easier and more comfortable. I agree with Ken 100% now. Take care Forumites! Michael

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[Marcel J.B. Morin]

Michael:
I know the feeling. Having just gotten back into grinding, I am having a hard time getting a symmetrical grind line. I figure a few blades and I will be able to get back the hang of it.

Marcel

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[knifemaker3]

Geez Micheal,

What's a jig? I learned how to grind free hand on an old electric motor with an arbor attached to the shaft and a grinding wheel mounted on the arbor. I didn't know anything about using a jig 'til I bought and read David Bowie's book on knifemaking.

Seriously, I ain't got a problem with the use of jigs or workrest, I do use a rest on my craftsman 2x42 when sanding the handles. It's just that after 10 years of grinding hollow grinds free handed, I don't want to do it any other way....

Have a good one!

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Craig Blankenship
Blankenship Knives
http://www.blankenship-knives.com

 

[C L Wilkins]

Barry Jones posted a shop tip a while back that was for flat grinding but also works on hollow grinding. Using a filing jig and a round file, file the plunge first on both sides. This makes it easier, I know, for flat grinding and a friend of mine uses the same technique for hollow grinding as well.

C Wilkins