Whether you’re just beginning to make your own knives or are already a seasoned bladesmith, learning how to use a filing jig is a great way to improve your skills. In this article, we’ll show you how to build and use your own knife-blade filing jig.
A filing jig can save you time and ensure that your knife blade is filed properly and consistently. It’s also a great way to practice your hand-eye coordination.
Make the Jig
A filing jig is a great tool for making and using bevels on knife blades. It is easy to build, and it helps you create consistent bevel angles for your blades.
Several different types of jigs are available to help make the process easier for new and experienced knife makers. One of the most popular is the bevel jig.
This jig is adjustable so that you can set it at the desired bevel angle before you start grinding. It is also easy to use and compatible with a variety of different 2×72 belt grinders.
Another popular jig is the tilt table. This jig is similar to the bevel jig in that it helps new knifemakers learn how to grind flat bevels quickly and easily. However, it is not as versatile as the bevel jig.
Clamp the Knife to the Jig
When using a knife jig, the blade needs to be securely clamped in the jig jaws so that the knife does not touch the grinding wheel. This problem is often more difficult for small knives because there just isn’t enough blade width to secure the knife and allow the abrasive to reach the edge of the blade without the jig jaws interfering.
The KJ-140 Wide Centering Knife Jig solves this issue. It centers long, flexible knife blades for symmetrical results regardless of the thickness or geometry of the blade.
This well-balanced jig is made of zinc-cast clamps and durable composite stops. Most of the weight is focused on the clamps, which provides a very balanced feel when grinding.
The jig also features an extra stop for tall knives, such as cleavers. This allows the user to shape a slightly convex edge with a movement between the two stops.
File the Blade
Files are an important tool for sharpening a knife blade. They help to remove burrs and marks from the blade, as well as to create a clean cut.
To file a knife, you need a file that is the correct size for your blade. This can be a hand file, flat file or a mill file.
Start by filing at the top of the cutting edge. Push the file forward with slight downward pressure to make a diagonal motion, moving from right to left (if you’re a lefty).
Continue filing along the entire cutting edge until all of the metal has been exposed. The factory edge should look shiny and match the original bevel. If not, you need to adjust your angle.
Hone the Blade
Whether you’re using your knife for fine dining or just chopping vegetables for dinner, you want it to be sharp and in good condition. To keep it that way, you should hone your blade regularly.
Honing is the process of straightening out a dull edge so that it cuts better and safer. Unlike sharpening, honing doesn’t remove any steel, but it does realign the blade.
There are several tools that help you hone your blade, but the most common is a honing rod. These rods are made from chromium-plated steel, but you can also buy ceramic and diamond honing rods for a sharper edge.
To use a honing rod, grip it with your dominant hand and stroke the blade from heel to tip with light pressure. Make sure to stroke evenly on both sides, as honing one side more than the other will shift the edge. This can result in inconsistent cuts.