Thread: First kind of attempt...

Well it isn't really a full blown attempt, more like seeing what works and what doesn't. I don't have any type of grinder so after reading the knife forums I decided to try it with a couple of files, and thought I would give the dremel a try.

The dremel didn't work out, it was too hard to get an even grind. The files worked pretty well. I had a look around B&Q for bigger round type files but they didn't have any. So any ideas how I can make BIG grooves without a grinder?

Btw I messed it up and it was only the first stage of grinding/filing. But now I have an idea of how it works

Sure ... decide what radius you want for your big hollows and cut a piece of wood to the correct radius. Tape down some sandpaper on the outside of the curve and a lot of arm strength later you'll have a non motorized hollow grind. Change the radius and you'll change the depth of the hollow.

You'll also have a lot more control over the process and many less mistakes. For that matter, you'll have a much better foundation for grinding later if or when, you make the move to a motor grinder.

Thanks Mike, that's a really good idea. I suppose that way the choices are endless. I'm going to start again tomorrow and see how it goes, thanks again Mike.

Had another go today, used a hacksaw and some files. Found a bigger file Mike, so didn't need the sandpaper. (Ended up not using it though) I was going to try a japanese type razor with no scales, but kind of messed it up by not cutting it straight. So now my razor has a huge tang

I need to do some more filing and whatever else, but so far it seems to be working. It is slow, but it seems to be coming along.

It is looking good so far.

I am just thinking out loud,
1) file to a true wedge
2) rough file hollow
3)sand to radius and blend in using the method Mike suggsted

It is like my shop teacher used to say, "the file is a poor mans milling machine"

Charlie