Tip of the day...plunge cut for flat grind

Hey everyone!

I flat grind all of my blades. I have had quite a few people ask me how I cut the plunge area. Here goes.

After I profile my blade, I mark the centerlines on the edge. I also mark where the ricasso should be. I then file the plunge with a round rat-tail file. I file it to just short of the final thickness that my edge will be (before sharpening). Clean the cut with sandpaper wrapped around the same file and start grinding.

This method is stronger then if you leave the plunge square. It is also more attractive, IMO.

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Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
C L Wilkins

C L Wilkins

Joined
Mar 18, 1999
Messages
2,112
Barry!
Great advice! I use a round or chainsaw file, it is not tapered like a rat tail file but the same diameter the full length.

C Wilkins
 
Barry
I use a vary speed horizonal disk grinder with a reverse. I radiused the edge of the disk to 1/8 . I just start my rough grind and leave a little to clean up from the rough.
Then on the disk grinder match the two sides up using pressure in the direction I want to move to match the grinds up. Slowing the disk down helps to get a real nice grind match up..
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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
New Web at www.darrelralph.com

 
Boy I like that file idea to start the grind.
I've done it after the flat grind because I like the looks. I'll bet its a whole lot easier to finish too.
I seem to do everything backwards, I must have been born feet first.
Thanks for turning me around!!

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.


 
i do like darrel but with a vertical disc. the edge is radiused slightly. the file cant get the nice curve to the plunge i do to match the curve of the front of the bolster and with 600 grit paper on the disc it leaves it polished pretty good.



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Tim Herman
visit Herman Knives at:
Herman Knives

 
Darrel & Tim,
I have come to the point where I clean the whole thing up on the disk too. I have had enough practice on the disk to be able to do it.

C L,
I have used that type of file too. Sometimes I will use smaller files for smaller blades and the chainsaw files work great.

John,
For all I know, I may be doing it backwards.
wink.gif


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Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
Yes Barry it is a learning process. Thats why I went to horizonal and reversible years ago.
1. I can use the same hand to grind each side
2. I can sit down and relax to grind the blade .. Take my time
Yes it takes some real practice to get good at it.
But I am happy with the results.
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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
New Web at www.darrelralph.com

 
Thanks for this tip. I will now have to change the way that I have been doing this. But, it sounds like this will allow me to match the sides much easier.
 
Thanks for the tip Barry! I flat grind all my blades to and have been doing way too much hand sanding to get the grinder scratches out of the ricasso.

I'm going to go out and give it a try right now.

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Gary B
BRADBURN CUSTOM CUTLERY www.toptexknives.com/bradburn.htm



[This message has been edited by GARY B (edited 01-14-2000).]
 
Once again Barry comes through with another great tip. Barry, do you have all the tips in one place? Might be a good idea. Maybe a separate heading? Anyway, keep up the tips.
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Rick
 
Hey Guys!

RA,
I learned what little I know from other makers and I am more than happy to pass it to anyone interested. I don't believe that there
are any secrets to keep.

Oh Yeah, if you get a chance just ask KIT Carson how I bugged him to death for any info I could get about linerlocks.
biggrin.gif

He was happy to help me, so I feel that I should do the same for anyone else.

------------------
Barry
Jones Knives

Do you hear that?
That is the sound of inevitability.
 
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