Thread: Failed at hollow grinding

Is this pre or post HT?

I have screwed up a bunch of hollow grinds, but my success rate has improved over time.

I wish I could add something that would be an answer to your needs, but for me, grinding is something that comes with time and repetition. Everybody I know who grinds does it a little different, there really is no right way, just what works for you.

I think your wheel size and razors width are good.

It is post HT. I hadn't buffed yet.

It has nothing to do with your wheel, grinder or belts. It's learning how to know when to stop and keep it from getting to thin so it doesn't foil like alu paper. It's learning to get a feel when you hit the sweet spot in your grinding. Been there done that. Most of us have screwed up several razors at some point early in our career. Can still happen occasionally although rarely. I was once told by a renowned maker, grind your first 100 razors and then we'll talk. And right he was. The more and the longer you grind the better you get. Practice, practice and practice even more.

Your picture was posted before I hit submit. With the grind coming to the top of your spine, as shown, a 4" may be a bit small. The spine thickness comes into play also.



While I totally agree with Max, a larger wheel tends to keep the inexperienced out of trouble.

I agree with the others... it's going to happen.
It's just going to take some time and practice. Even then your're going to waste a few every once in a while.
Heck, I junked 2 last week....lol
My only advice would be to slow the speed down and check often.
Keep at it.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Your picture was posted before I hit submit. With the grind coming to the top of your spine, as shown, a 4" may be a bit small. The spine thickness comes into play also.



While I totally agree with Max, a larger wheel tends to keep the inexperienced out of trouble.

would you recommend a 6" or 8" wheel?

My math suggested a 5" but I couldn't find one.

Originally Posted by Bronzie

would you recommend a 6" or 8" wheel?

My math suggested a 5" but I couldn't find one.

Your math agrees with my math. Since you are going to be starting over, you could use the 4" and not bring the grind as close to the top of the spine. A 6" will work fine, but result in a heavier grind

There is a lot of good advice above. My suggestion is to learn with a 1/4 hollow grind. It is a lot easier, and more forgiving than 1/2 or full hollow. For a 1/4 hollow grind on a 6/8's razor, an 8" wheel is a good size.

I heat treat by blades with the edge 0.030" thick. Then, scribe a straight center line using a surface plate and height gauge. Grind up to, but not in to, the scribed line. With an 8" wheel, you shouldn't "tin foil" the edge.

I hope this helps.

Wheel size and final edge thickness prior to heat treating have been eloquently covered.
The other thing that will eat a blade below the grind line is trying to rock the spine forward toward the wheel to clean up the grinding groove.
This will move the point of contact with the wheel down and bust thru a blade.

You could move your technique forward a lot by getting some hands-on tutoring.
If there is not a razor smith in your area (not listed on your posting?) - there are knifemakers everywhere.