Plunge Lines and Bevels - The Easy Way

Here is a fool proof method for getting nice and even plunge lines when you're just starting out with knife making! This method will also teach you how to grind better!
✅Notable Items:
5/32'' Chain Saw File: amzn.to/2LH4Ly2
2x42 Belt Sander Dayton/Palmgren - amzn.to/2LOnSX5
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The information provided on this channel is for entertainment purposes only. Any action you as the viewer takes upon the information on this channel is strictly at your own risk, and I will not be liable for any losses, damages, or personal injuries in connection with the use of this content (including injuries, damages, or losses sustained while you were trying to emulate the actions and projects on this channel). Attempting to emulate any of the actions or projects put forth by this channel should not be done without training and even then, at your own risk.

[@sudo_nym]

This is one of the most valuable channels on KZbin for the knife maker. The tips and tricks I’ve learned from James’ channel over the last few months have really upped my game. Sure, I’m making my first knife, but hey, it’s not a piece of s..t, and it’s pretty dammed good. Thanks for the content, brother 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸 ✌️

[@RedBeardOps]

Sudo Nym, I really appreciate this comment man! Means a lot! Really happy you're getting value out of these videos. 🙌

[@sudo_nym]

Red Beard Ops James, they’re really helping! I have used a coffee can forge so far, but I have now secured an old scuba tank which will be cut out n half, lined with Kaowool and will use a burner. I still think the idea to use the chainsaw file to start the plunges is an awesome one. Way easier than trying to line everything up by eye. Keep calm and carry on, sir! 🇬🇧🤜⚡️🤛🇺🇸

[@rmoore2536]

Well said. Ditto

[@mwblades6553]

I really wish I had this video when I first started. I ended up doing it this way, but not till after watching hours and hours of video's, and trial and error. I have been making knives for a year now, and I still do it this way. As long as you have the time, its the best way to stay accurate. Love the video man, thank you very much.

[@RedBeardOps]

@WILDSTANG30250 thanks for the praise. I still do it this way often as well. It's a handy way to get consistent results, IMO. I'm still learning my grinder, and hope to eventually be able to get good plunges on it!

[@steveocvirek6671]

Learned a ton from this video - thank you very much for posting.

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome! Thanks for your comment! Really glad to hear it helped you out!

[@jserkiz4846]

Just wanted to thank you for putting up this video. Ive had trouble in the past get plug lines in the way i would like to. And this method works perfectly for me. So thanks again.

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah Jay, happy this helped you out.

[@apexmitch7986]

New subby and future knife maker here. I really appreciate that you link all the tools you use in the video. Thanks for the tips and lessons. Looking forward to more videos.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Mitch! I appreciate your thanks and I'm really happy you enjoyed the video!

[@neonzombiez5837]

Absolutely the best instructional video i have seen, and the tips and tricks are vital!!!!! Appreciate this so much, honestly just helped me tremendously lol. The hardest part by far for me to understand is the grinding lol.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, really appreciate the kind words! I'm really happy this video was able to help you out! Thanks for watching! Grinding, bevels, and plungers are by far the hardest part of getting started.

[@peterfair2836]

Great tip. I just tried this method and ended up with the best plunge lines I've ever achieved. Thank you!

[@RedBeardOps]

Excellent! Glad to hear that sir! Sorry for the delayed response!

[@justranchin6086]

Thank u I just started making knives and this helped

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah, glad it helped out man. Thanks for your comment.

[@timjohle8876]

Great video. Never too late to learn something. Thanks brother.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching!

[@davidevans5961]

Great video! Thanks James!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks David! This method was highly useful for me when starting out.

[@mariansedlak9265]

This tiny groove made by small triangular file makes the whole difference. Very helpful tutorial, great video my friend. Keep them coming. :-)

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Marian! The divot of the triangular file does help get things lined up! This method really helped me get good symmetry early on.

[@MakersMovementDIY]

Very neat trick. Really valuable for beginner knife makers. That file jig is legit.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you liked it man!

[@user-ko4de2zm1o]

New to knife making. I enjoy your new videos and just came across this gem! Very helpful. Really appreciate it

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad to help! Cheers!

[@dustypotter9839]

Great video man, your narration is so much better than all the other diy videos. Amateur knife maker here, so I need all of the tips I can get and this video was very informative!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Dusty!

[@silvergoldking]

I was wondering how to get a nice plunge line. Thanks so much for sharing that with us.

[@RedBeardOps]

Silvergoldking hey glad you liked it!!!

[@kennethrutledge9222]

Nice tutorial!! Thank you for your time !!! I like the ch,sw file!! Good idea!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers Kenneth!

[@triqpham]

Man, great tip. Great idea for a beginner like me. Thank you.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kpotter78]

I don't know how I missed this video, but this is exactly what I needed! Thanks heaps!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@Headliner99]

Thanks for making this video! I tried this in my shop yesterday and it made my plunge lines look much better. I need a a couple more practice runs… your method is priceless!

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@dkccdk]

this is how i taught myself to do plunges years ago... super clean and crisp method...

[@johnsondrawingclass]

Very interesting method would have never thought of this

[@RedBeardOps]

It gets the job done! I'm shamelessly copying it from others on bladeforums.com and KZbin! I feel like it's gone a long way to help me "practice" grinding without destroying knives.

[@robertgolden1080]

Fantastic tips. Great video.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@triune_blades]

Awesome video full of useful info. Thanks a lot.

[@RedBeardOps]

Really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! Have a good one.

[@jimmynoname336]

Friggin awesome bro! I will do this on my first blade.

[@RedBeardOps]

Right on!

[@evaderknives]

When I started making knives, i was too stubborn to use a file. I was determined to get bevels right, just using my grinder. It took a long time, a lot of wasted knives and A LOT OF PRACTICE... I almost quit a few time and got discourage, but it finally started paying off... Big problem with that is, i skipped the fundamentals of knife making... great video, take it easy...

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Dave, at the start, using the file method really helped give me confidence when I did get to the grinder.

[@steveprice9133]

Using a file on the plunge line or bevel?

[@macknesky5646]

That's great info man!! Tks

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jisu222]

Wow man thank you. I’m just starting to make custom knives and this is my biggest worry if screwing up the bevels. This is definitely the method I’m going to use.

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck with your knife builds! Cheers!

[@Mjr._Kong]

Really helpful -- this should work well with my file jig system to speed up/clean up the process.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@espjason]

This really helped thankyou

[@RedBeardOps]

jason sanders hey Jason, I’m really glad it helped you out! Thanks for watching!

[@BillRodgers2]

Thank you

[@RedBeardOps]

Bill RodgersII glad you liked it Bill! Thanks for watching.

[@robk5094]

Great video!!!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Rob! This method has really helped me not mess up a bunch of steal while learning!

[@HamerBoogie]

Nice video man, I wish I had tried this before making about 20 knives with horrible plunge lines. I learned the hard way haha. A fresh belt is another must after you reach your edge thickness and are working on the bevel moving up.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, really glad you liked it! I agree, a lot can be said for fresh belts! Almost have to look at belts like they’re free... hard to do sometimes.

[@HamerBoogie]

@@RedBeardOps yep, especially a nice ceramic belt, hard to get rid of

[@autherpenn6223]

Thank you!

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for watching!

[@anthonypryor2852]

Thanks again great help!

[@RedBeardOps]

Happy to help!

[@leatonbridge3523]

Thank you very helpfull

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad it helped!

[@huxmetalworks7371]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks for watching!

[@pyropugs8478]

Thank you. Been driving me nuts

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@luizdiaz5196]

Excellent

[@RedBeardOps]

Thank you!

[@althesmith]

Good tips. One of the hardest things to do with a forged blade, you can understand the Sheffield adage "Forge thick, grind thin." better.

[@RedBeardOps]

Thanks Al!

[@momentoffaith2735]

Awesome video. Love how you put all the tool in the description. One question - How did you get your centerline?

[@RedBeardOps]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting. This is how I get my center line! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGrdqHebp9-Latk

[@dkccdk]

its funny... i learned to make knives on a file jig.. and this was the method i used to do plunges then... well life happened and i lost my shop and tools and havent made a knife in about 5 years... im about to get back into it full tilt... im buying the ameribrade 2x72 2hp variable speed... (yes that was said with pride... and not going to lie... i get a little stiffy every time i think about assembling it in my shop when its delivered😅) ive been watching videos on grinding techniques for days... and had pretty much decided to do my plunges and finish out my bevels with a file on my own... since im putting so much into buying my grinder.... i cant afford to ruin hundreds of dollars worth of steels learning how to use it😂😂 i appreciate you making this video and reaffirming my decision to use training wheels for now... ill have to check out more of your videos in the future

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck with your builds sir! I'm glad they're helping!

[@dkccdk]

@RedBeardOps i dont need luck...🤣😂 im a perfectionist... i had a more than 1 customer accuse me of using a cnc to make knives back in the day..🤣 youll know my forge in the future.. keep an eye out for Mt. Olympus Forge

[@user-cp7jw2en1v]

You can also use a sharpening choil as a reference point

[@peterfair2836]

Great tip. I just tried this method and ended the best plunge lines I have ever achieved . Thank you! Also, where do you get the layout fluid?

[@RedBeardOps]

Awesome Peter! This is the stuff I've been using - amzn.to/2XL3xG6

[@peterfair2836]

@@RedBeardOps Thanks

[@agentcovert]

Great video as usual even if it's several years old..perhaps a new version could help new makers.. Myself I plan on practicing on cheap common mild steel flat bar to develop the different skills and techniques as well as shape, size.. different grinds, tip geometry, swedge, etc I'm sure a dozen or two of practice blades will save a ton vs actual blade steels although abrasives will probably be a similar cost..I have yet to see anyone suggest starting with cheap mild steel flat bar for practice..as I'm sure the 1st few dozen blades will be less then perfect at best anyways..

[@RedBeardOps]

Good luck with your builds! I've seen the mild steel recommendations in the past; I always liked starting with good 1084 so that if I did a good job I'd have a knife out of it. Take your time. Cheers

[@buffaloriverbushcraft9918]

First time commenter. Huge fan. Between you and Dustin at art of craftsmanship my knife confidence has more than doubled! Question sir, I only have a 3/16 chainsaw file. Does that matter for plunge lines?

[@RedBeardOps]

Heck yeah man! Glad you're liking the videos. 3/16'' will work just fine!

[@austinj1991]

i have a 2x72 Grinder with the OBM Jig, do you heat treat before doing your bevels??

[@RedBeardOps]

I do, but you can do it either way

[@mookie2000mhhs]

Do you have a link for the scribe you used to make the center line on the edge?

[@RedBeardOps]

This kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp2vfX2Cpaydnck or this kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGrdqHebp9-Latk will work.

[@griffithshandmade-knives]

Filing in the plunges is a smart move. Not every platen ever made is perfect, and so you can end up with a hard square plunge on one side, and a soft swooping plunge on the other...add an uneven pyroceramic piece of glass to that, and it’s a crap shoot. Hand filing plunges is still handmade 👍

[@RedBeardOps]

Griffiths Handmade-Knives 100% agreed. Thanks man!

[@michaellionart3675]

Like it, so where’s the link to making the filing jig please

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Michael, it's at the bottom of the description. Sorry it's hard to find. Here it is: File Jig Build Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGrMf3eIrNx1h7M

[@prepordietryin9119]

Thanks for the video. Sadly I'm still confused. I I'm just starting out and I have my knife already cut out and laid out and did a pretty good job on it but that's as far as I got. I think I'm going to have a hard time without having a mentor in person to show me.

[@RedBeardOps]

Patience, time ,and practice will go a long way my friend! Cheers!

[@klopman1]

hey i am an beginning knife maker from the netherlands. your videos are verry helpful. i have a question though. you were using a tool to mark your centerline of the knife. were do i buy such a tool. thanks for the help so far.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Willem. Two videos to watch here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGrdqHebp9-Latk AND kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp2vfX2Cpaydnck - Cheers

[@M13asan]

Hey Dude! for my folders I Ht then I grind, to try this method, would I do the plunges before hand, then HT, then grind? Just wondering if youve tried that, cause im not sure if it would be detrimental to have the plunges fully in before HT, if it could cause a stress fracture or a bend at the plunge

[@RedBeardOps]

This was a method for using a file to achieve the plunges. With time a practice on the grinder it's not necessary

[@glenpaul3606]

This was a very good and helpful video...thank you. I am new to knifemaking. I cannot afford on of those fancy 2x72 grinders so I have to use my 4x6 sander. I made a jig and started grinding a bevel. One weird thing, I was getting unwanted "scallops or grinding dents" in various places on the bevel and I don't know why. The blade is firmly clamped in the jig I made so its not moving. Perhaps it's just technique or maybe I'm pressing too hard or not evenly. They are very hard to get out and some I had to hand sand...which took forever. Any ideas how I can avoid these? I must be doing something wrong.

[@RedBeardOps]

Glen I can't pin point your exact issue, but I can say that bevel grinding is one of the hardest parts of knife making. I'd advise grinding 70% of your bevels and then cleaning them up with a file guide like this one to get started.

[@glenpaul3606]

@@RedBeardOpsIt's kind of like some little dude is grinding a small dish (a low spot) into my bevel at various places. im trying hard to be consistent and steady but they still show up. Probably good advice, but that is a lot of filing. Even 10% is a lot...lol I'm sure I could better if I had one of those nice 2x72's. I modified my 4x36 and it's better but still a long way from the kind of equipment you pro's use. You do fantastic work, and all your knives are beautiful.

[@MG-hx3ym]

Could you attach the 5/32 chainsaw file to a guide rod and use your bevel filing jig?

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey MG, I haven't tried it... but I bet it could work

[@MG-hx3ym]

@@RedBeardOps I bring it up because I just tried my first plunges (my first 4 knives had no plunge lines and I found it hard to 1. Keep the line straight and 2. Stick with the initial angle. I’m doing well making knives. They’ve all been pretty nice, but I don’t even care about what angle my plunge is I just want each file pass with the chainsaw file to be consistent. It’s amazing how human in general have a hard time with knowing if something is straight or not. It’s been a ride!

[@nicobrocco4636]

What is that blue paint you use to make the bevels?

[@RedBeardOps]

Cheers - Dykem Layout Fluid: amzn.to/3AjEoE0

[@leetpg]

Probably a dumb question but what did you colour the blade with to draw your lines?

[@RedBeardOps]

I'm using this layout fluid now days. Good luck! amzn.to/2XL3xG6

[@steveprice9133]

Does it matter if the blade is up or down when grinding?

[@RedBeardOps]

Traditionally bevels are ground with the edge of the blade facing up. This allows you to see the plunge lines.

[@FASIGMAN]

Ditto.......Sudo Nym.

[@bignasty110]

What is the height of the eye bolt when you start using the file

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey man, I do not recall. You want to start with an aggressive angle (high bolt). Get down to your edge center line with that aggressive angle. Then start working the angle down by lowering the bolt and filing till you have a flat bevel again all the way to your edge center line. Do this until you bevel is worked back as far as you want it towards the spine.

[@proudpatriot1703]

What type of file do you recommend?

[@RedBeardOps]

Any bastard file will do it. I used this one in the video - amzn.to/3jaCkvs

[@prauwnewood4385]

How come you hand filed the last section of the bevel?

[@prauwnewood4385]

Oh nvm

[@jusme8060]

Hey bud, if possible, can you help me figure out what im doing wrong? Im getting scratches above my beveks while freehanding. I have tried everything and cant figure it out. Anybodys help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@RedBeardOps]

This one may help some - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3myn2qOaN9soqMsi=-d9PCi3QuOFB_dRB

[@cousineddie7898]

I like the file jig, problem with it is you can't find a file worth owning anymore. I destroyed a brand new file on un-heat treated metal after about 20 minutes of filing. Anyone know where you can buy REAL files? Thanks!

[@RedBeardOps]

Damn, that sucks. These guys make some good files - www.grobetusa.com/

[@clapforboobies5892]

can you explain what the point of a plunge line is? Thanks.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Clap, most knives have a plunge line but not all knives. Some kitchen knives are ground in such a way that the bevels blend with the riccaso and there is no visible plunge line. The plunge line on most knives is where the angle of the bevel begins to differ from the flats of the ricasso. It's a by product of grinding or filing in bevels on your knife blades.

[@clapforboobies5892]

@@RedBeardOps I see. So it's a deliberate choice and can aid in the aesthetics. I like the way you did yours.

[@NRiggiKnives]

Great tutorial I have been using this plunge cut method since I started in knifemaking and still use it. One question, why grind with tge edge down? Common prefered method is edge upon the grinder.

[@RedBeardOps]

Hey Nick, thanks for the praise. I like this method too! In regards to your question, I do grind with the blade edge-up. The only time I grind with the edge down is when sharpening. What makes it confusing is that I used TWO different knife geometries in this video. Sorry about that!

[@NRiggiKnives]

@@RedBeardOps I understand Looking forward to seeing your Kadrmas grinder in action for knives as I am considering getting one soon.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@NRiggiKnives Sweet! I've really enjoyed mine so far. I'll eventually do a review, but I want more hours behind it first. Variable speed is a game changer for me.

[@ylmazoytan8334]

could you share the measurements please?

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry, sir, I don't have them. Cheers.

[@canneldk855]

That would be awesome... If knife edge can be 1mm thick before sharpening. But unless it's chopper, it can't. So method is valid if you just want to make knife, but you can't sell knives with that kind of thickness behinde edge. If you file to less than 1mm, then it's gonna deform during quench.

[@RedBeardOps]

You can attach sand paper to your file and get your edge thickness down to what ever you desire post heat treat. 🙌

[@canneldk855]

@@RedBeardOps It would take some time, but yeah, you're right.

[@RedBeardOps]

@@canneldk855 Heck yeah it would. Man, it's the early days of knife making that really make you appreciate grinders. Stay safe out there

[@andrewmeans49]

An issue I’m having is I get decent plunge lines and bevel lines but when I sand down and heat treat the lines disappear.. what’s going on?

[@RedBeardOps]

Are you using a soft sanding block? if you want to keep crisp lines, you'll need to use a hard backer for the sand paper.

[@andrewmeans49]

JKeetonKnives I use an angle grinder to get the shape. Sand it down to about 120. Using a bevel jig I make the bevel. Once that is done I sand again back to about 220. Just hand sanding. Once that’s done the lines are gone. Is there any way I can send you a picture

[@RedBeardOps]

@@andrewmeans49 my email is [e-mail] - When you are hand sanding; are you using just your hands or something to back the sand paper? (like a bar or block)

[@andrewmeans49]

JKeetonKnives on there first knife I used a block. Second one no block. Same result

[@andrewmeans49]

I sent you some pictures via Instagram

[@ylmazoytan8334]

could you share the measurements please?

[@RedBeardOps]

Sorry, sir, I don't have them. Cheers.