How to Use a Belt Grinder for Knife-Making

[@TheMadinii]

*This is exactly what I needed for trimming the edge of oak boards **MyBest.Tools** I also used the disk to round edges while building an oak - walnut cabinet.*

[@DaMichl1]

Nice video. Maybe a little tip for beginners, if i grind something and want to match both sides exactly the same, i start with my weak hand side first, its easier to match the weak side exactly the same with the stronger hand then other way around. I hope you understand this, im obviously not good at english :D

[@oliverbode9257]

That is actually a really great tip! Thank you for sharing!

[@paint1016]

Great tip

[@benjaminkorhum5068]

Oooh that is a very good one. Thank you so much.

[@CrisAnderson27]

Just wanted to plug Walter a bit here (and thank him!). I've been making blades for about five years, and Walter's been one of the main inspirations for me from the start. Now, as a qualifier for the next statement...my blades are considered pretty decent, my chef's knives sell as soon as they are finished, for a not insignificant amount of money. That said, I picked up Walter's full DVD set a year or so back, and have no regrets. Some of the things I do were reinforced, some corrected, and other things I learned were new to me entirely. These videos he makes for free are an INCREDIBLE resource for new and experienced bladesmiths alike, but the full set is something I consider mandatory for any bladesmithing library. So...here's a public thank you for all of your efforts to give back to the bladesmithing community Walter. You are certainly appreciated!

[@samcast2934]

Knife making for me has gone from hobby to obsession in zero to 60. Thank you for keeping us all "sharp"! If I could just find a way to make a living at it and keep if from feeling like work. Cheers!

[@SL-ez7qn]

Thanks Walter. You give some good tips on how to use it. I made my own 2x72 belt grinder recently and now just learning to use it effectively.

[@phhdvm]

Your tutorials are simply the best I have seen. Excellent instruction , nice production and obviously a knowledgable teacher.

[@jeverettrulz]

besides all of the great info, insight and experience the best part of your videos is your dry, honest humor. subscriber for life!

[@DanielCauble]

Thanks for the vid Walter. Picking up a 3hp variable speed 2x72 KMG in the next few days. Quite the upgrade from a 4x36!

[@youngsblades8424]

Thank you for posting these videos. As a new maker I find them s great resource and applaud you for taking the time to share them with us.

[@stoneblue1795]

Dang, this is a great way to pass the time on a Sunday here with some summer sausage cheese and a beer, you know.... instead of doing the stuff I should be doing. I thank you for your measures of talent!!!!

[@victorcastle1840]

Venison summer sausage and sharp cheddar cheese, some times add some spicy mustard ! Dang 3 am and may have to go to the fridge and dig around :- /

[@Pashinski1]

Walter, thanks again for a very educational video. I love finding a video from the past that I missed.

[@johannbarnard5893]

Yet another great presentation. Many thanks Walter. I have had some close shaves with belts (admittedly 25mm) coming apart when, with a hollow grind I grind second-edge bevel with the blade edge facing up. Also had a blade dig in when the belt went south. Any comment will be welcome.

[@thipanz]

Hi Walter. Thanks so much for all the help and tips! Your work is absolutely amazing.

[@cutthroatcowboyz]

Walter you are truly an inspiration to me. I just started making knives and i absolutely love it!! Everything about it. The way the metal melts in your hands is indescribable to most. I saved up 700 dollars and got my little ass garage set up with some bad ass shit to make knives. I work two jobs as it is so i make time to get out there. Anyways thanks for everything man

[@emmanuelgoldstein2nd717]

very good videos .... yours are the ones, I started watching many years ago. I think you're excellent at explaining things. Like a knife makers apprenticeship online... amazing man. thank you very much.

[@fireguzziforge1357]

Been making knives for about a year now and i learned a thing or three from this in depth and well done video. Thanks!

[@metalbear375375]

Really nice video. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. Your videos are always very informative, and enjoyable to watch. Thanks again!

[@yasennikov]

Wonderful tutorial, mr. Sorrells. Excelent for first steps in knife grinding.

[@markcaldwell8559]

im just starting knifemaking...these tutorals are GREAT!

[@jasonasheeler]

Thanks for the videos. They have really helped me. I'm just starting out I have spent more time on KZbin then I have making knives. Anyway thanks again.

[@FW190D9]

Thank you very much, yet again for great tutorials for us beginners.

[@sirspikey]

Really like your tutorials. You make everything very understandable and clear. Thank you for that and keep'em coming ;)

[@tekknorat]

Wow, I'm so glad I found this channel. Fantastic information.

[@opichocal]

Walter kicks ass. Great tips and very informative !

[@brutalbrital]

I love your videos mate and they are a source of help and inspiration to me highest respect

[@SlvrChkn]

Thanks for the vid. Definitely have to upgrade. Been working on a 1x30 for over a year now. Good info on this video.

[@user-sm9qk5xj3i]

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE TUTORIALS THEY ARE AWESOME.

[@ryanmorman7253]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for posting!

[@fredchevalier2333]

Once again great video, learned a few things

[@bigtruck147]

Mr Sorrells your tutorials on knife making and information have been very helpful and entertaining. You may have explained in another video about scandi grinds and I just missed it, if not could you please explain how to grind them and what would be the benefits of a flat vs scandi in your expert opinion. I'm just getting started in making some knives and any info you can provide will be greatly beneficial.

[@strix2035]

wonderful video!! great camera shots and super informative!

[@nathandunning7150]

Ive been using files and recently bought a 1x30 belt grinder and immediately getting better results. I look forward to getting a 2x72 when I can afford it.

[@macbro414]

Amazing video Walter!

[@Patrick.Henry1776]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@smcockrell]

its sad that you have to clarify any times you misspeak, even though we all knew what you meant, just because taints on here just cant resist pointing out every single mistake. that being said, this was an awesome video! I just purchased a smaller belt grinder over the weekend and it has already paid for itself in the amount of time it has saved me. as soon as I got it unboxed I noticed lots and lots of things I could use it for. already saved me about $100 in knife sharpening services! thanks again!

[@dmitriybogun8533]

What sander did you get and how much?

[@txlaflash]

You videos are the best! Thanks!

[@warthoginside]

Thank you so much for this video! Cheers, from Italy.

[@staccio80]

thanks very much for posting these videos!very instructive!

[@1011ph]

It is very informative video for me. Thanks very much!

[@graycenbottrell3850]

Very informative. I would like to see the bevel on a very upswept Persian style blade being ground.

[@ghous101]

keep it up mr walter i like ur all videos thanx

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

Thanks for the video! ******* learning more every video.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Agreed. Very helpful

[@AEKNIVES]

Excellent vid with many very good tips. Respect. A

[@jamesredfern988]

Hey, thanks for the great video. Very informative! I’m not sure if I’ll get an answer from here on this, but it’s worth a try! I’m looking at picking up a hobbyist size belt sander for knife making and I’m not sure if it’s better to go with a 250W 1inch belt sander or with a 370W 4 inch (as these seem to be the only two options within my price range in the UK). In your opinion is there any benefit to having a smaller belt in terms of finesse, or is it best to go with (presumably) a longer wearing 4inch belt? Any advice from anyone in the know would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[@LPE26]

Excellent timing, I just got my 2x72 set up last week.

[@mavos1211]

Great video Walter I really learned a lot thank you. Can you please link where I can buy the same grinder as you have in your shop.

[@AlanAlanAlanDave]

Hi great instructional video. I have an issue with my belt moving aide to side while working the blade. Tracks ok until working a blade. Have you any advice as to why it doing this and how to correct it. The tracking wheel is curved as I’ve seen that is good for tracking.

[@canidsong]

Thank you Mr. Sorrels.

[@TINKERTON1000]

Thanks for the video! I learned a lot .

[@dmitriybogun8533]

I am looking to buy a small 2 by 42 belt sander and I found some that are combos. would it be better to get one that has a grinding wheel or a disk ginder? thank you for teaching us bigginers.

[@wingriderx5946]

Nicely done Walter..

[@ichxd4500]

Hey walter. Nice video as always. Can you tell me how many knifes you can grind with one ceramic belt

[@CRILLER3]

I recently got a used Ferm model fbg-125 Bench grinder it gets kinda hot when i use for some time ( i use it for polishing also ) i grind scandi grinds its easier for me and for me it works :) Thanks Walter SKÅL !!!!

[@Friidom2]

Just got me a grizzly grinder today. Thanks for this video!

[@Tim_Pollock]

Great videos Walter! Back when I started there was no one doing instructional videos. A lot of that stuff is just hard to explain ain't it buddy! LOL

[@damann112]

thanks Lots of great tips.

[@schande]

what speed do you recommend on the belt grinder? it looks to me you have the grinder set at full blast and i can imagine lowering the speed as you move up the grinding belts. thanks again for this video, i watch it now and again for reference.

[@schande]

thanks so much for this valuable information, mr. Sorrells. i made my own belt grinder using the EERF grinder blueprints to reduce costs and it is a beast of a machine compared to the usual suspects available at the hardware stores. one question though: is it possible to [re]grind an already finished and sharpened knife bevel up? feels kinda scary if you catch me. thanks again.

[@aljohnson2439]

Do you talk about leading edge/trailing edge in any other videos?

[@MSgulfScuba]

I have noticed that as I grind straight across, I end up with the point of the knife being slightly thicker. This makes me address it and causes irregularites. At the end of the stroke across the belt, do you slightly push the point in? Sorry I am a newbie and trying to do it correctly.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+MSgulfScuba That's exactly right.

[@VietyV]

Question, I want to get a grinder but the only available space I have is a spare bedroom in my apartment. Are those sparks going to be dangerous on a wooden floor? Is there any recommended way of padding/fireproofing?

[@sedulousdabbler5468]

Belts have a directional arrow which seems to wear off on the platen very quickly. Is it important to maintain that direction of rotation?, I notice that all knife makers seem to pick up a belt and put it on without looking at the back.

[@vicfeb3]

What should the belt deflection be for a rough grind belt?

[@jacknemo8021]

excellent tutorial.

[@fredchevalier2333]

I have a question for any bladesmiths with any experience, as long as all grinding is done BEFORE normalization/heat treat, is it still necessary to cool the blade while grinding??

[@chisler26]

Great vid!

[@dog8986]

what would be the best steel to start off with

[@chancekiki8488]

do you recommend to make one if we can get a really good one

[@Quadropheniac]

Very informative thank you very much.

[@AntokenAko]

any videos on how to learn using a 4x36 grinder?

[@smcockrell]

quick question: when you are creating the bevel what grit do you use and how does the grit affect the look of the bevel? thanks.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+Michael Cockrell Typically I start with a 40 grit ceramic belt or (sometimes) a 60 grit aluminum oxide belt.

[@starpuss]

Hope to get myself one soon! Sucks working with the cheap 4x32" setup!

[@DirtyRoomKnives]

Mod the platen with some 2" bar stock, run some 2x32 belts with double the torque :)

[@tristy-popstheman7622]

hey Walter I had a question for ya I'm pretty tight on funds and I'm so tired of my 1 by 30 I was thinking about buying the grizzly 2 by 72 do you think that's a good option? Is love to here ur opinion thanks man

[@dannym5212]

Where can I get that model belt sander? Or is it a custom? If so, do you have plans available for me to build?

[@wildyracing1]

Thank you Walter!

[@joehodgen7728]

lol it is wierd how a knifemakers thought prosses are alike.all of the tips yopugive are secrets to me waltwer lol.great vid .p.s. i dont hardly ever grind hollow either.

[@scarmenl]

Could you tell me what brand your belt grinder is please?

[@jakeboreshi5078]

Can anyone help me out? Which way is the grinder spinning? Based on sparks, it looks like it is downward from where the knife makes contact. If so, would the knife cut into the belt once it gets sharp then? Any assistance would be great.

[@wesley7910]

Jake Boreshi They dont, the grinder will grind the edge down enough. They always spin downwards.

[@jakeboreshi5078]

Wesley Alright, Thank you.

[@inlvsexy1]

What's the brand of that sander machine

[@thatsurprisedguy3646]

would you recomend making your own 2x72 belt grinder?

[@tekknorat]

+Joost Brekelmans Why not?

[@thatsurprisedguy3646]

+Jailhouse Bradley whell he bought one. And maybe he had a verry obvios reason not to make one.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+Joost Brekelmans It's like any tool. You can make your own and probably save money...but if you don't really know what you're doing, you'll probably make something that's inferior to the better commercial products.

[@thatsurprisedguy3646]

i found some verry detailed instructions for making one. and if i stick to that i'm probably in the clear. one more question: how manny horse power is you belt sander?

[@tekknorat]

Joost Brekelmans The only reason not to make your own tools is, just like Walter said, if you don't know what you are doing. And judging by the initial question... no offense.. but you probably shouldn't try to. People who ask questions can't make the desired thing, people who can, don't ask questions. Maybe some specific, like what RPM or HP motor should they get. As I said, no offense, but probably the best is to stay away from building your own. But who knows except yourself, maybe you do succeed after all.

[@mohamedrafi9522]

Can u tell me where i can buy it ?

[@garylantinen2819]

Hello all... anyone have any advise on buying a 2x72 model and maker ?

[@eliallore5506]

at end, three inch radius? Or diameter?

[@shaunm2208]

Thanks for sharing

[@bishop1212able]

So if I had a grinder that had a 4" belt 3/4 hp motor would that be sufficient?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

Sufficient is relative. Anything is better than chipping off steel with your teeth! :) I would work with what you have at first, and if you begin to see major limitations, then start thinking about how to move on to something more powerful.

[@MrJsowa]

Walter Sorrells i like your attitude,i have been forging for about 2 years,and just got around to buying a craftsman 36x4 belt grinder (i think thats the dimensions) anyway an entry level grinder.its underpowered for anything huge,but better then an angle grinder for cutting bevels.and way better then teeth.subcribed

[@bishop1212able]

Well I guess I still need my teeth so I will give the Porter a try. I do have a extra table saw that's on its last leg so I want to see is I can re-purpose the motor for a grinder motor.

[@gambitgaming4573]

what's a cheap blade steel I could buy to practice grinding with?

[@CuttinChris]

Any hardware store mild steel. They won't hold edges well but they can easily let you learn how to grind without ruining more expensive steels

[@COMB0RICO]

Thank you! May Jesus Christ bless you for the free lesson.

[@COMB0RICO]

For giving the gift of a free lesson

[@chaeairsoft]

i dont understand how you can tell the right angle to get your bevel where you want it to end. Basically what i mean is when you draw the bevel line how can you tell what angle to start grindning so itll bring it to that line and match to the edge

[@מתןרוזן-ג3נ]

what glue the cheap but good for knife making thanks

[@MarvelTheBorder]

לא ניסחת את השאלה נכון באנגלית אבל אם התקוונת לאיזה דבק טוב להכנת סכינים (חיבור הידיות) תשתמש בדבק אפוקסי דבק חזק מאוד עמיד בכמעט הכל חוץ מחום גבוהה (תלוי בסוג) הרבה מכיני סכינים משתמשים בו אבל הייתי ממליץ לך לחבר גם פינים ממתכת או ברגים מיוחדים בנוסף לדבק (על כל מקרה) מקווה שעזרתי ואם זו לא היתה השאלה תשאל שוב... בניסוח ברור יותר

[@מתןרוזן-ג3נ]

תודה אתה מכין סכינים

[@MarvelTheBorder]

בקשה :). ולא אבל זה בגלל שאין לי כרגע זמן אבל אני כן ראיתי המון סרטונים בקשר להכנת סגינים ויש לי ידע וניסיון רב עם כלים ועבודות מלאכה כאלה ואחרות.

[@מתןרוזן-ג3נ]

אני מנסה לפתוח קהילה של מכיני סכינים צעירים אולי תרצה לעזור

[@MarvelTheBorder]

הייתי שמח לעזור אבל כרגע אני עמוס מאוד ואין לי זמן פנוי בשביל זה. אבל אשמח לעזור לך אם יהיו לך עוד שאלות ואשמח עם תשלח לי פרטים בנוגע לקהילה. במידה ויהיה לי זמן פנוי בעתיד אשקול זאת מחדש ואצור איתך קשר. בבקקשה את המשך ההתקשרות ביננו בצע דרך הפרטי ולא הציבורי (הדואר של יוטיוב ואו האימייל)

[@billmccaffrey1977]

I think you should also mention that with the exception of buffing (using a power buffer), grinding is an area where you can get hurt in a hurry if you do not use proper body mechanics and grinding techniques. I see way too many beginners getting hurt because they don't respect the machine.

[@bullvalene]

+Bill McCaffrey Lol buffing is probably the most dangerous. That buffing wheel grabs your work rips out of your hand and spits it right back into you chest or head at 100 miles and hour.

[@MILC0M]

Thank you

[@madwilliamflint]

Awesome video, thanks o/ How high grit do you take the blade with the belt grinder? You mention "a few of the higher grits" past 220.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

madwilliamflint Honestly, there's no firm rule. It depends on what I'm doing with the knife in the next stage of production. If I'm going to hand sand it, I might go up to 45 micron. If I'm just using it as-is, for instance with a utilitarian kitchen knife, I'll probably stop at 220. If I'm sandblasting, maybe 160 micron, maybe 60 micron...

[@madwilliamflint]

Hey, thanks for the response. Yeah I didn't imagine it was going to be a precise measure. But as a function of scale it seems "hundreds not thousands" is what I suppose I was looking for. And thanks very much for posting these videos. The quality of the content and information is just the best going.

[@sack1234ful]

Can't find bader b3's in germany :( any suggestions ?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

Unfortunately I don't know the European market very well. I bought my Bader directly from the factory. It might be that they will ship to Europe and wire for European current. But I'm not sure!

[@chadchamberlain2131]

thank you!

[@huk5431]

the treaded 6 " or so wheel would be used for heavy steel removal why waste belts? a 10 " bench grinder with a big motor 5 -10 horse motor will move more metal with lest cost. we have that grinder in our machine shed . you cant bog that thing and the rough wheel has never been changed as long as i have been alive. I am 43. It will turn truck springs in to dust , 12 years old trying to make knives. lol

[@jonathanstriden4846]

This thing is really just a shape changing belt sander

[@shadowblack1987]

Yes!

[@abstractapproach634]

much appreciated

[@thadstuart8544]

Superb

[@jfwl1985]

Since you say that: "the longer and wider the belt it`s better", I wonder why not to use 75mm x 2000mm belts?