Nice looking edges Gideon...Hard to believe you did those on a hand sander. Very impressive! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I'm still trying to master it on my belt grinder. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />
I'd be a lot more confident trying to get those kinds of edges by hand than on a belt sander. Sanders can remove a lot of material really quick if you're not careful. It's harder to screw up when you're doing it one swipe at a time.
You have to remember, the amount of steel taken off is going to depend on the grit you're using. I'll be using a variety of grits, including the 15 Micron, which is the equivalent of a 1000x Japanese waterstone.
Look at the link below, and you'll get an idea of the variety of belts and grits available for something like this.
Lee Valleys' list of 1"x42" sanding belts Not to mention the leather belts will do more honing and polishing of the edge than metal removal.
I'm also going to practice on cheap knives and lawnmower blades before ever putting one of my Bussekins on this thing. Maybe I'll prefer the belt sander, once I've perfected it, or maybe I'll go back to hand sharpening and stropping.
I've gotten pretty good at reprofiling and sharpening by hand, I've just personally decided to try something different. After seeing the work guys like Horn Dog have done with a belt sander, I want to take a try at it, and see what I can do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Take a look at some of the vids out there of guys who belt sand their blades:
Knife and Belt Sander Vid 1 Knife and Belt Sander Vid 2 NOTE: The belt sander in the vids is the exact same one I ordered, and Hon Dog is currently using for his convexing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
