Thread: Steel thickness?

More then two years ago (after some good advice here) I bought a grinder with the intention of making razors. It's fair to say I got a little side tracked making knives but now mind mind is getting back into razor mode!

My grinder has an 8" contact so what thickness and width of steel would I be best to start off with?

Thanks

Michael

Oh by the way, here is a pic of one of my knives....

I cant answer your question but that knife is beautiful, the transition to making razor should be easy for you after making knifes.

I use 1/4"x 1" precision ground with a 5" and 8" contact wheel.

Eric.

I agree. That knife is dead sexy.
I look forward to seeing your razors.

Thanks for the complements. knives are a piece of cake compared to razors!

1/4x1" that's about 6x25mm for me. Thanks Eric.

So am I limited to these dimensions with an 8" wheel? I'm struggling to imagine what the effect would be if I used say 8x25mm stock. I'm sure the thing to do is just start grinding but I'd prefer to not waste steel if possible.

Your knife is beautiful.

The ideal ratio between blade width to thickness is about 3.5:1 or 16 degrees. There is wiggle room in either direction it does not have to be exact. I think anything in the 3 or 4 : 1 range would be fine.

Charlie

Thank you Charlie. I can just about get my head around those ratios

6mm thickness will allow you to grind up to 8/8. Anything over 6mm would just end up in sparks. An 8 inch wheel works fine for near wedge blades. If you want to go towards full hollow, you may want to get a 2 inch wheel. Good luck - pictures! A really nice knife, by the way. I like Scandi's, and the ivory inset in the handle really looks good - what is the material?

Thanks skipnord, the insert is moose antler.