two Part question. Heat Treet and Best grinding machine.

Most work is performed in the annealed(softened) state then heat treated after shaping.

Yes, most grinding is done with belts. Wheels have their place, but belts cut much faster and give a better flat grind. It's hard to grind something flat with a round wheel.
 
Im surprised no one else has chimed in yet but you can have my 2 cents for now. Not really sure what you mean when you say soften the steel first, if you are doing stock removal, your steel should be annealed when you get it, not saying it will be though, it all depends on what you order and where you get it. O1 and D2 bar should almost always be precision ground annealed but you will see the 10XX steels in cold rolled, hot rolled and hot rolled annealed. It will say in the description what it is but if you are in doubt, ask. When you start to cut to shape if it is very difficult and you go through more than one blade per cut out.. chances are its not annealed. You will need to anneal it to work it. Some makers will recommend that you shape and do rough bevels then heat treat and temper thinner blades (1/8 or smaller) and then do the rest of the grinding and finishing in order to reduce the chance of warping. Some will say deal with the warping if it happens. Personally I shape and bevel then heat treat and finish. You do whatever you find easier as the easier it is for you, the more enjoyment you will get and the more chance you will continue to make knives. :-D Technically the same answer applies to grinders. The one you find easiest to use is the best one for you. I use a Coote but I used a 9" disc grinder and a 1"x30 belt sander for the longest time. The belt had no wheel to work on, just a platen and it wasnt the best. Before that I used files. KMG and Bader are some of the best out there, they are also some of the most expensive because of the accessories and attatchments. You should start with what you can afford and get competent with that and then as you get more money, move up to bigger and better tools. If you have the time and equipment, you can make a clone which will save you some money and let you better understand how your tools work, which will translate to better workmanship. Whatever you choose, have patience with what you are using as speed is not always your friend.
 
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