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!!!

Great pics tyger, thank you for sharing!

Great job, those knives look good!

Thanks guys.

I plan to do some more of my blades this week, most likely one of my SODs, and either my S6 or maybe my DMDC. Maybe I'll even work up the nerve to do my DFLE.... we'll see.

I'll post more pics as I do each blade.

Well done and great pics

Thanks for sharing

Dan

Great pics...you have a nice collection too

nice pics thanks

some good looking edges. I am jealous of the SY mudder family pic. I only have 2 of the 4. I need to work on that.

The more I look at the machine and fine work you do with it I am tempted into investing into one of these machines. Then it hits me, I am not too good with power tools. Think of Tim the Toolman--yup, that is where I end up even with the best intentions.

That's a nice setup Tyger! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great pics and great job on the blade!!!



BTW,Tyger your PM box is full , I've got something that I've been trying to send to you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Great work Tyger....you have fathomed the skills needed straight from the "off"!

I need to spring for a belt sander and learn how to sharpen.

I thought about that too, hate to screw up a good knife though.

Tyger-

From the pics it looks like you are able to do the convexing with the platen and back plate left on the grinder...? Do you just put the belt on real loose? I actually took those off of mine but I would like to replace them and still be able to do convex grinds.

Thanks.

I kept them on, and just do the convexing about 1.5" - 2" above where the back plate stops. I found it a pain in the "derrier" having to take it on and off, for when I'm playing with my woodworking.

So, I fiddled around, and found that by staying above the back plate, you can still get the convex edge, and it's not hard on the belt (Although I found I had to take a file to the lip of the top portion of the back plate, to remove an edge that would've caused problems.)

It is very tight between the motor and the mount for the platen and tool rest. Hard to get a wrench in there. The Delta was much easier, just loosen the socket screw and rotate the platen out of the way. For a full convex grind on a wide blade, I find that I need the belt flex of the whole distance between the wheels without the support of the platen to get the curved shape I want. When I desire a less curved grind, I grind closer to the top wheel and use less pressure. It is a pain to reinstall the platen for flat grind, though.

Thanks guys. I got my machetes yesterday so I'll be doing lots of practicing tomorrow. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm starting to think if I REALLY want to get into knife making, I am going to need a knife makers grinder. I can use this one for sharpening but the knife making grinder for blade grinding, shaping, etc.

Thanks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

NIce job on the sharpening.

I also *Love* the Diemaco C7A1 and the Elcan....

Tell me about the Elcan! Is it a great optic? I've never gotten the opportunity to use one.

You know your scopes and rifles; I'm impressed! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

To answer your question, I'd qualify it as a decent optic, but not a great one. It's selling point is its' extreme durability and easy click ranges. Again, it's not a piece of garbage by any means; but for what you pay for it, I'd buy a nicer Leupold or higher end model for my hunting rifles. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />