Losing weight

Not me, but the blade. I am getting ready to start on my first knife and have some L-6 I got from Admiral which mikes out at .225 thick. I am going to use this to make a 4 inch drop point hunter blade but it is pretty thick and heavy. I was originally going to flat grind this blade but I also have a 10 inch wheel. Will the hollow grind remove alot more weight than a flat grind? Also, is this too thick of steel to make a good hunter out of? I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks,

Shawn

Shawn, that's pretty stout stock for a 4" blade. You might want to reserve that piece for a larger knife, though some folks like 'em thick.

I would use 5/32" stock for a blade that size, and hollow grind with my 10" wheel. If you flat grind clear to the spine, any difference in weight would be negligible.

I'll have to agree with Don. Flat or hollow grinds will yield basically the same blade weight if done properly. I would worry about the heavy stock getting real handle heavy.

On big knives this is not an issue because of the amount of steel out front.

For your own sanity too I would recommend going to a 5/32 or 1/8" stock. A 4" blade out of .225 stock will have some serious plunge grinds and a lot of room for slip ups.

Good luck and most importantly have fun grinding!

Thanks for the suggestions. Admiral had it listed as 3/16 but it measured .225. Quite a variation. I am going to go with the 5/32 as suggested in another steel.

Shawn