For most knife makers, a belt sander is a key piece of equipment. But can you get by without it?
There are many ways to sand, sharpen and bevel a blade. However, some of these methods can be time consuming and require a lot of practice to master.
Sanding
Unless you’re a pro knife maker, sanding your blades is not an efficient use of time. Hand sanding can be done, but if you want to get really good results, you’ll need a machine.
Fortunately, there are several affordable options to choose from, some of which are especially well suited for making knives without a belt sander. Here are some of them:
Zirconia Grain Sanding Belts – These abrasive belts are five times tougher than aluminum oxide grits, making them ideal for grinding and machining metal. They also leave a more consistent finish than their aluminum oxide counterparts.
A good way to keep your sanding results looking smooth is to mark guidelines on your surface. Doing so can help you avoid gouging or rounding the ends of your board, and it can also give you an idea of when to stop sanding.
Sharpening
If you are looking to sharpen a knife without using a belt sander, there are several techniques you can use. One of these methods involves sandpaper.
Generally speaking, the process of sharpening a knife involves placing it against a stone or abrasive at a 10-degree angle. The abrasive helps to remove metal from the blade and help achieve a sharp edge.
Another method for sharpening a knife is using a nail file. Nail files have a rough surface, which is similar to sandpaper.
Position the knife against the nail file at a 10 degree angle and run it against the tool; maintaining the angle. When the edge is sharpened to your desired level, flip and repeat on the other side.
Bevel
When making a knife without a belt sander, it is very important to make sure that you have an even bevel. This will ensure that your blade cuts evenly and smoothly without scuffing.
The bevel on your knife is the section of the blade that thins down toward the cutting edge. It is a vital part of the process because it can make or break your blade.
Creating a good bevel requires patience and a sharpened tool. To determine the proper bevel angle, you can scribe a line down the middle of your steel profile using a file or electric sander.
Once you have the desired angle, grind it down with a coarse grit grinding belt on your belt grinder. This will remove material quickly and help establish a new, straight edge.
Finishing
When making a knife without a belt sander, it’s critical to ensure the blade is finished. A knife’s finish should be smooth and polished, and it must have a high-quality bevel edge.
There are a few ways to achieve this, but the most effective way is to use a power strop. This will remove the rough burr and leave behind a fine polish that can help create a smooth edge.
This process also prevents fragments of the burr from sticking to the edge and dulling it over time. However, it should be noted that using a power strop on your blade can damage the belt, so it’s best to invest in one made from genuine leather.
There are many different methods used for finishing, including surface treatment, case hardening, sand blasting, and polishing. Each of these processes is designed to improve a product’s appearance or properties depending on the material it is made from.