Hello everyone!. I just started my second knife. A simple 01 9" pairing knife inspired (a lot) by the journyman from cut brooklyn. Im really struggling to keep bevels steady and nice with my cheap 1x30 beltsander. I wont even talk about the ricasso. Im wondering about either switching to hand filing or building my own 2x72. Anyways, heres a pic. Ill post some more once i have ht and put a handle on. Kinda cool that ive found this forum as i just startes to try and make knives and im really loving it. Ita hard to do it with basic tools but really fun!
Welcome, @Raisthlin. Glad you found us. Getting the bevels even and straight is a constant challenge, even with a 2x72. A big grinder will eat the metal quickly, but you can get really good results using files, especially when coupled with an inexpensive bevel filing jig. Oh, and for only your second knife, that looks pretty fine.
Nice and even bevels comes with time and practice, like anything else in this craft, no matter what you are using to make them. Problem with littles beltsanders is that the belt get worn pretty quick, and with worn belts comes heat building on the blade... no too good on a hardened blade. Try to keep the blade cool during work. Filing bevels work great before HT, but working after that on a hardened blade is impossible with a simple metal working file. 2x72 belts ares easy to find, and sometimes cost less than the 1x30 ones for the work they can do... lots of grit size and materials for wood working or metal working, finishing applications, etc... 2x72 grinder is the way to go for long term knifemaking. Nice blade !
Thanks for the tips guys. I will definetety try hand filing while i build my 2x72. I might take a course at "les forges de montreal" as well. Theres a knifemaking class coming up there Im really enjoying knifemaking and since im a woodworker i get to play around with woods for handles.
Thanks Kevin! I took a look at your profile. Amazing knives! I was wondering. What kind of grinder do you use ans where did you buy. The reason im considerinf about making my own is because its fun but also much cheaper then ordering one from alberta or us....
Thanks for the compliment. I use TDM grinders I got them direct from Terry. I have a few He don’t make them any more. To bad I find them a great grinder. Making your own can be fun but I just never took the time to do it. You can find me on Instagram to . Handsanding is your friend lol that knife you have there can be cleaned up and made super nice just by handsanding . But it’s no fun doing it . Start with 180gr sand 45 to your blade till all the scratches is gone then 220 the other way on a 45 keep going back and forth till you get to 600 then go straight with the blade. Finish by doing straight pulls no back and forth . 180 220 320 400 600. I bit that sounds like fun lol and to do real nice job go up to 800 then come back down to 600 to finish.
When your hand sandind you need something hard and flat for backing on your paper. I have a steel bar made some use g 10. Go to YouTube Nick Wheeler makes some great videos .
Welcome and keep at it man...I ruined a lot of knives before finishing my first with so so bevels...yours look pretty clean for a second knife, so keep grinding the way you are and it will come with time! P.S I have heard that some knife makers, even when everyone else likes their bevels, are never themselves fully satisfied
