I am looking for a bench grinder that would make a knife so far no luck help?

One Response to “I am looking for a bench grinder that would make a knife so far no luck help?”

1. Comment by JohnDilbeck

   Any bench grinder would work, but there is much more to making a knife than grinding the shape.

   To be serviceable, it will need a good handle and the blade will need to be hardened enough to hold an edge when sharpened, but soft enough not to break in use.

   Not all steels are the same, but a saw generally makes a good knife.

   Your best bet is to find a knifemaker in your area who would be willing to help you make your first knife.

   The easiest way to make a knife is to trace the outline of a knife you like onto the saw blade. Best way: use a carbide or diamond scribe. Serviceable way: trace with a Sharpie pen.

   Get someone to cut the blank from the sawblade using a metal-cutting bandsaw or even a cutting torch, but the torch must cut outside the line far enough for the heat not to damage the blank.

   Then grind to shape.

   I would suggest that you read a book about knifemaking in order to get the best results. I recommend books by Wayne Goddard, Ed Caffrey, or David Boye. Your local library may have some of these books. If not, they can probably get them through Interlibrary Loan.

   I fondly remember the first knife I forged. I hope you have an equally enjoyable experience with your knife.

   You may want to visit the Knife Maker’s Forums at http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/

   The Northwest Blacksmith Association is in your area. Maybe you can find someone to help at http://www.blacksmith.org/

   Another place to try is http://anvilfire.com/

   You will find that many blacksmiths are helpful and would be happy to help you get started.

   Good luck!

   All the best,

   JD