Why No Hollow Grinds From Bladesmiths?

H.L. Holbrook · Oct 27, 2003

Herb Derr, St.Albans, W.VA. Herb does some really nice hollow ground hunters using his own Damascus. I don't have his number in front of me, but he is in Knives 2004.

RWS · Oct 27, 2003

Thanks, H.L.

Greg Covington · Oct 28, 2003

One problem with forging a blade and then hollow grinding is that the forged blade has to be nice and flat where the grind line will stop. If the surface is uneven, the grind lines will not stay straight. Most hollow ground knives start with a blank of surface ground steel rather than a forging, and with some practice the grind lines will be nice and straight.

I have only ever done a few forged hollow ground blades and it was tricky to keep that line straight. I had to surface grind the blank up against the flat platen to make sure it all stayed even. Throughout the process it felt like I was working against myself every step of the way....and I don't care to do it again....besides I like a flat or convex ground blade better for performance, etc.

RWS · Oct 29, 2003

Some forged Hollow grinds By Mr. Carson....

Just awesome!

Kit Carson · Oct 29, 2003

I guess I should add that the Damascus wasn't made by me, but then, I don't make the S30V, 440C, and Stellite either

pff · Oct 29, 2003

Randalls are forged and usually hollow ground.

Regards,

Pat

Murray White · Oct 30, 2003

Here is a Herb Derr hunter.

Keith Montgomery · Oct 30, 2003

Man those are beauties, Kit. You sure do know a thing or two about making knives.

That Herb Derr hunter is outstanding as well.

Thanks for the pictures you guys.

shorn · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by Gabe Newell
Mr. Fisk,

This is somewhat unrelated, but this thread made me think of this question again. A while back I was messing around with what I guess is a modified version of a chisel grind. One side was vertical, as in an ordinary chisel grind, the other side was hollow ground without any secondary bevel. It was tougher than I expected (I had low expectations), and since it was a toy for myself, I didn't have to worry about the difficulties re-sharpening.

Anyhow, have you seen anyone actually using that kind of profile?

I believe Bud Nealy's Pesh Kabz resembles the blade geometry your speaking of.
http://www.budnealyknifemaker.com/mcs.html

Bill Caldwell · Nov 5, 2003

Saw my name mentioned here. Didn't know I was still remembered. I don't make many knives anymore. . .Most of my time is spent buildin' 1911's, wildcattin' and hotroddin' 1911's, buildin' tactical rifles. Some wildcattin' on rifles. Then i'll have to quit for awhile, play const. Supt., project manager, weldin' inspector. Whatever it takes to thicken the gravy a little. If you ain't famous, there's not much money in guns and knives. We build a few knives each year, for the same folks that helped us get started 35/40 years back. Since we always believed in blendin' several (up to 11) high carbon steels in a blade, takin' the billet into millions of layers. Then finishin' the blade as precise as possible. Blades straight within .001, guard square with blades, tapered tangs centered with blades, our work has always been expensive.

If anyone's interested, I might could dig up a few photographs. It's a good feelin' sometime to look at an old photo and think "Lord, did I make that one?" I've always felt a blacksmith dealt with so much ugly while forge weldin' a billet, usually an ugly chunk of wood or ivory, then the knife is finished and shipped out to the buyer. No time to see the beauty in what you've created.

What time I get to spend on the net is spent on Pistolsmith.com, Dane Burns gave me a place there called "Wild Bill Caldwell, View From The Hills". He lets me write about guns, cartridges we build, knives, guitars. Some photos. Check it out if you've got time and let me know what you think.

Oh yeah. . .I built dies to hollow forge my blades. . . can't remember makin' a knife that wasn't hollow forged and hollow ground.

Thanks
Wild Bill Caldwell

R.W.Clark · Nov 5, 2003

I have four rapier blades that were forged by Jim Hrisoulas. They all have rounded fullers and are all hollow ground.

Trace Rinaldi · Nov 5, 2003

DAMN KIT is the MAN!!!! I love his explanation why he doesnt do many pieces like that anymore.. DOnt ask him either...

That man can do ANYTHING...

RogerP · Nov 6, 2003

Originally posted by Bill Caldwell
If anyone's interested, I might could dig up a few photographs.

I'd sure be interested in seeing some pics of your knives!

Roger

Gabe Newell · Nov 6, 2003

Here's a picture from Mr. Caldwell's writings:

and here's a link:

Wild Bill Caldwell's Views from the Hills

Mr.BadExample · Nov 6, 2003

Wow, Bill. That is one hell of a knife.

RWS · Nov 6, 2003

Bill, That is very nice!!

Keith Montgomery · Nov 7, 2003

Originally posted by Bill Caldwell
If anyone's interested, I might could dig up a few photographs.

I would love to see any photo that you would be willing to share with us.

If you ain't famous, there's not much money in guns and knives.

You are most certainly famous in some circles.

Since we always believed in blendin' several (up to 11) high carbon steels in a blade, takin' the billet into millions of layers. Then finishin' the blade as precise as possible. Blades straight within .001, guard square with blades, tapered tangs centered with blades, our work has always been expensive.

From the few I have had the pleasure of seeing, I would say they are worth every penny and more.

Maybe you can tell, I like your knives a lot.

ExamonLyf · Nov 8, 2003

Obviously some gorgeous pieces.., but a fun thread also...., thanks guys...

Keith Montgomery · Nov 29, 2003

Bill, I would sure like to see some of those pictures of your knives.

Gib Guignard · Nov 30, 2003

RWS I have started to hollow grind forgings and will do more in the future. Gib