Grind Lines

[fdh54turkeyshooter]

I have been using a delta 1" belt Grinder (cheap) but not bad for beginners. I got fairly good with it. Now I got a Wilton Square Wheel Belt Grinder. I am trying to figure out how you pros
out there get that distinct grind line where you start the grind. Mine want to kind of feather out instead of being distinct & exactly the same on both sides. I know it will take some practice & getting use to the new grinder. I totally destroyed the first blank I tried to hollow grind. Any suggestions on the subject. One fellow told me I could clamp some small pieces of brass on each side of the knife to back up against. I tried it but the clamp would get in the way & I could not feel the metal like I prefer when grinding. Any really good videos on the subject? Thanks in advance for the help. Learning everyday.

[knifemaker3]

2 different methods come to mind that will help you.

1. darken steel with layout fluid or black sharpie pen. scribe your plunge cut lines. when grinding carefully grind to the lines with belt just slightly over the edge of wheel or platen. DOWNSIDE TO THIS METHOD IS IT TAKES LOTS OF PRACTICE.

2. buy a filing jig from Uncle Al's, K&G, Texas Knifemakers supply, etc. and clamp to blade and use a file and file the plunge cuts in right up to the edge of the filing guide. Then use the grinder to grind the bevels blending in with the filed plunge cuts.

Method #2 is the best and most widely used by many custom makers.

Personally, I started making knives when it was still considered wrong to use guides, gizmos,mills, lathes, or anyother method except what you could produce from your own skills using your own hands. Nowdays it's perfectly acceptable to use any machining method you wish to employ and still call it a custom handmade knife. Much of what is accomplished today in the custom realm would be extremely difficult to achieve unless you were also a master machinist who knew how to properly scrape parts to within .001" tolerances. Definetly achieveable but almost a lost art nowdays with cnc equipment capabilities today.

Hope this helps and good luck!