What to use to cut a sharpening choil?

[dr_fosg8]

Thinking about putting a sharpening choil on my tenacious. What would be the recommended tool for this? I was thinking a small grinding wheel for a dremel but am worried about over heating the steel. A file would probably be best, I think but am not sure what kind to get. Looking for some ideas from those who have attempted this before. Pics would be great I you have some.

 

[HeavyHanded]

I've used a jewelers diamond bit in a dremel. Finished it by hand with the same bit- just wrapped some tape around the end for a better grip, but got it started with the dremel.

 

[Jason B.]

I wouldnt do it, it will just make it snag on everything you cut.

 

[HeavyHanded]

I wouldnt do it, it will just make it snag on everything you cut.

I totally agree. I have gone after ones that were already there but were disappearing and making the esthetics of a particular blade look 'off'. Otherwise I stay away from them.

 

[yoda4561]

A dremel tool or careful application of belt sander. I don't go for the perfect round U shape due to the snagging issue mentioned, a more angled cut towards the blade with rounded edges makes snagging not an issue.

 

[guyfalks]

I cut one into a Byrd Meadowlark a few months ago. Used Harbor Freight round jeweler file. Only took a few minutes and didn't even bother with a vise. I only cut it a slight depth below the cutting edge (1/32", maybe less). It is almost not noticable at first glance and no snagging.
It has worked out well; though in retrospect I am not sure it was really necessary.

 

[dr_fosg8]

Thanks for the input folks. I agree with the not going for the u shape due to snagging. Looking deeper into this after your suggestions, what I am looking for is akin to how crk grinds his blades at the heel.

 

[knoefz]

On my Esee 5 I used just a plain rattail file , worked like a charm.
I stay away from the dremel because it so easy to mess up your blade with that tool...
Until now I have no issues snagging with this knife because of the added choil.
The reason I added it because without the choil my stones get all rounded edges from sharpening with an unclear/rounding end of the edge.

Before:

Note: I added the choil to the unsharpened part of the blade, right behind the edge, so no cutting length was lost.
The action shot:

Result:

On the sharpening stone:

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

I do what Ken/Unit recommended: making an edge to the intended area using small diamond file. This is o facilitate sharpening without really making a choil.