So, Let's look at the garage, and see what I can do for fun.

Let's put on some tunes, and look around here. That bench looks a little bare.


That's better. Now, what can I use to play with these?

Let's look in my toolbox, there might be something there..




Oh yeah, there's plenty to play with in here! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
But first, I'll practice on some cheapo blades, to make sure I'm ready. (There was plenty of practicing, but I'll only show the final two! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)
There's this piece of junk blade I picked up at one of the bazaars while in Kandahar...

[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0011.jpg[/img]
Yeah, it took an edge pretty good. Now, let's try something a little more serious, like my Cold Steel Tanto.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0013.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0014.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0015.jpg[/img]
Yup, I mussed it up a bit when first trying to do the angled tip, but it came out looking pretty nice, and is shaving sharp. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Awesome.

Okay, deep breath.. now it's time to put my amateurish skills to the test, and try sharpening some of my Bussekins. First up, the MudPuppy.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0016.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0017.jpg[/img]
Okay, that was pretty easy. Now, the Bird Dog.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0018.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0019.jpg[/img]
Alright, I'm liking this; this is coming out pretty decent. My Bird Dog is a serious slicer now!

What next... what next?
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0020.jpg[/img]
Hello there! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0021.jpg[/img]
You all thought I was gonna go for the Crash axe, didn't you? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0022.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0023.jpg[/img]
I'm really liking the edge I put on the Tan Yardkeeper; it's my #1 fave EDC right now. I wish I had bought two of these when they were offered. Oh well, at least I got the one. Time for a break, and enjoy a nice relaxing cigar.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0024.jpg[/img]

Okay, so that was all good, and now it's time to do some more.. what's next...
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0025.jpg[/img]
Oh yeah! C'mere you beautiful piece of steel you!
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0026.jpg[/img]
Dang, that's looking nice!

Okay, one more...
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0027.jpg[/img]
Ooooh, okay , this one I don't want to reprofile, just sharpen it up a little, since it's currently my #1 knife in my Tac vest gear.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0028.jpg[/img]

And, a little group photo of the four original Scrap Yard Mudders.
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0029.jpg[/img]

And one little flashback photo I came across, to April of 2008, when I first became an addict to the Scrapyard Knives. Yes, these were the original three I started out with, and managed to have shipped to my while in afghanistan. Needless to say, I felt pretty safe and secure having these three! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
[img]http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn382/tyger75/Kalamazoo0030.jpg[/img]

All in all, I'd say I'm really getting the hang of belt sanding my blades now. I'm nowhere near doing the massive reprofiling/modding jobs that HornDog does, but I'm definitely enjoying myself here.

Nice pics and post. Thanks.

Welcome to the madness! Good work, tyger. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Very nice Tyger...May I ask what your routine was? What grit did you start with and what did you go down to? Just curious...Very good work! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Wow, so nice for your first time..

I think I need to invest. How much do these Kalamazoo's run?

When reprofiling, I started with a 150 grit, then moved onto 220, and 320. When I was done with those aggressives grits, I moved onto the Aluminum Oxide belts, starting at 500, 800, 1000, and finally 1200 grit (These were actually Micron belts, I'm giving the grit equivalent). From there, I went onto the leather belt with green honing compound. Very little work was needed on the leather belt, since any significant scratches, etc had been removed by moving down through the other belts.

The only one of the blades I had to worry about overheating was the BDLE, because of the tip and how narrow it was. After every run over a belt, I would dunk the tip in a bucket of water I had set to the side, just to be safe. After the first pass, and noticing how hot the tip had become (Couldn't put my finger on it!), I wanted to play it safe. Thankfully, there was no discoloration at all, and I've tested the tip, and found that the temper of the steel hadn't been compromised. Big relief for me!

All in all, I'm very happy with my progress so far. My neighbor has already approached me and had me sharpen his set of Henckel kitchen knives! LOL!

P-Easy, I paid $230 USD for my Kalamazoo, plus $35 shipping and handling. I was fortunate that I was allowed to order straight from the company. They are well worth the investment in money. I can't imagine not owning one now!

Very nice!

Great job. Your edges look like you have been doing this for years.

Very nice indeed, a real pro job <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for posting this picture. I needed my platen for some flat grinding today and forgot how it was installed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

No problem, HD; glad a pic could be of service to someone like yourself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the thumbs up, BTW. That means something from someone with your experience at doing this.

This forum only gets better... thanks Tyger!!!