kibuddha4 Posted April 11, 2005 Posted April 11, 2005 I know that I'm going to be laughed at but here goes. I have just started to smith and need a lot of practice. I have bought The Complete Bladesmith by Jim Hrisoulas, and have been following that. But I cannot get a very good ridgeline on any of my blades. I can shape to a fair degree and my heat treatment has turned out better than I hoped, just can't get a ridgeline. Please help.
kibuddha4 Posted April 12, 2005 Author Posted April 12, 2005 I meant bevel line. sorry. Just doing knives. Mostly drop point hunters.
DGentile Posted April 12, 2005 Posted April 12, 2005 Practice Practice Practice... whilst I'm aware that my advice may sound odd to you, it is still the only advice I can give... besides: if you have the chance to watch an experienced craftsman working, do so... it can teach a lot. however... try to improve your forging skills and take your time... FERRUM - Daniel Gentile custom knives & forging classes http://www.ferrum-d.com
Al Massey Posted April 12, 2005 Posted April 12, 2005 Don't despair- it took me about 5 years before I got anything resembling a decent ridgeline while forging a blade.
DGentile Posted April 12, 2005 Posted April 12, 2005 Oh and I guess nobody is actually laughing... as we all have once been there FERRUM - Daniel Gentile custom knives & forging classes http://www.ferrum-d.com
kibuddha4 Posted April 14, 2005 Author Posted April 14, 2005 thanks guys. I do have some good news though my last knife I just finished has a bevel. Would love to show you a picture but somone already bought it. In my opinion it isn't that good but the buyer said he liked it anyway.
CBENNETT Posted April 16, 2005 Posted April 16, 2005 KIBUDDHA4: We need to know what kind of sander/grinder you are working with. Always grind with the edge up. Make a grinding stick from 1/2" by 1 1/2" by about four inches long. I leave about a 3/16" ledge sticking out at the bottom, to rest the spine of my blade on. I place the stick about mid-way on the blade and put the tang in the other hand. I will lock my elbows against my sides and use my hips and legs to pull the blade back and forth on the sander. making sure the blade stays level at all times. The knifemaker that showed me, called this a belly grind. If you grind edge up and keep it level you will develop a grind-line and soon learn to control where it goes.. I do not use any braces , platforms or guides. Just free hand, then you will be able to do any grind you want. Good-luck Chuck
jordansahls Posted April 18, 2005 Posted April 18, 2005 Chuck, do you have any photos of your set up? your description sounds like something I could use. Jordan Sahlberg
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