Why rounding the tang and the guard slot?

To me round is easier, I can just drill or mill the guard, and radius the tang to fit, using the grinder or dremel.

Jason
 
Mr. Bad Example is correct about stress points. i was told by my machine trades teacher to never leave a square corner on a piece of metal where there could be stress. it wont take much of a radius.
 
I believe it's easier, especially if you have a mill. Also, I think since doing it that way was depicted in How to Make Knives with Bob Loveless, many people just learned that way- why mess with a good thing, I guess? Maybe be it's also more common with the stock removal crowd?
 
I believe drill bits and end mills usually come in round.:D

For those who are just getting started, please note that any 90 degree angle will be a target for stress risers, cracks, and weak spots that may break. That applies to outside corners, like square tangs, but is especially important to avoid on inside corners, like the shoulder of the blade where the guard sits. Make the transition from the tang to the shoulder a slight radius.....avoid filing/sawing it into a perfect 90 degrees ( as many do). Tim's tutorial has a good photo of the radius on the tang/shoulder junction.
http://tzknives.com/articles/GuardFitting.pdf

I know you will see a lot of knife blades, many from pre-made sources, with perfectly square slots and shoulders, but they are doing the HT with very controlled ovens and using stainless steels. If you are making your own blades, and using the equipment and techniques most of us use, square corners are best avoided.

Stacy
 
Bladsmth. Thanks for the link! Great information. I wish there were more information on guards. Plus this thread was very informative. I didn't know square corners would matter but I am glad I read this. Thanks for sharing. John
 
When machining anything square edges will be the weakest point so put a small radius on all corners, that is a rule in machining.
 
Thanks for that Stacy.

I agree with john. There is a some info on guards out there but I wish there was more as it is a much more complicated process than it appears. And also a very important one in progressing up the knifemaking ladder.

Patrice
 
The bottom line is a radius is stronger and it's more pleasing to the eye.The same goes for plunge lines.Square corners just look weak and unprofessional.It really is easier to do, just takes some practice.I have even heard this called the Loveless method, so it can't be wrong:D
 
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