Bladesmiths are skilled in making a variety of blades including knives and daggers. Using quality materials and tools to create knives is vital for superior results, which is why at BND Abrasives, you’ll find the best selection of knife grinding belts and finishing tools to choose from. Shop the range of knife belts from 3M, Norton and more.
Choosing the knife grinding belt you need
Grinding belts will give you a top-quality finish on your knives, but choosing the right grain will depend on your project. This is why we stock an extensive selection of knife grinding belts here at BND Abrasives from the top belt manufacturers in the world.
First of all, you will need to choose the right size for your belt. We stock belts in 2” widths and various lengths. Choose from 31”, 42”, 48”, 72”, and 78” knife grinding belts to fit your machine, or contact BND Abrasives today to discuss your needs.
Knife grinding belts
One of the most important tools for making knives is the knife grinding belt. Most knife makers opt for a high-quality ceramic belt to bevel the knife. A P36 or P40 belt, such as the Awuko Gu65Y Ceramic or the 3M 784F Cubitron II are both excellent choices for bladesmiths.
Knife polishing belts
Polishing the knives helps to ensure a smooth surface and give you the final appearance that you deserve. We stock a range of knife polishing belts to choose from, with aluminium oxide belts from 3M to choose from. One of the reasons that many prefer to choose 3M belts is because of the microreplication technology, which delivers a smoother finish and leaves you with a razor-sharp sheen every single time.
The belt builder
At BND Abrasives, we know that one size does not fit all. This is why we offer not only a wide range of different knife grinding belts to choose from, but we also have our belt building service. The belt builder gives you exactly the type of belt that you need. It’s easy to use, as you just select the material, budget, mineral type, and add the size you need. We will then help you create the ideal belt for your belt sander.
Components for knife making
Knife making requires a number of steps to achieve the smooth and sharp final result. If you need additional knife making components, we can help. We stock aluminium oxide wet and dry sheets which can be used for a variety of surfaces. However, they are an excellent choice for hand sanding knives. We also stock polishing and grinding belt starter packers.
Additional knife making tools
Whether you choose to use knife grinding belts or you want to polish those knives by hand, we can help. Here at BND Abrasives, we stock a range of products including protective clothing, polishing mops and more. Speak to a BND Expert via the live webchat to discuss the knife making equipment you need.
Choosing grinding and polishing belts for knives
The finer the grain, the better finish you’ll get when grinding and polishing knives. This is why we offer such an extensive range of knife making tools and equipment. With knife grinding belt starter kits and more to choose from, you can get all of the essentials in one place, saving you valuable money and ensuring you get the best products.
BND Abrasives is an industry leader, as well as the first Authorised UK Distributor of Norton Abrasives. From Norton to 3M and more, we stock everything you need for your latest project. With free next-day delivery on orders over £85 and a wide range of products to choose from, you know that you are in safe hands with BND Abrasives.
FAQs
What belt sander should you use for knife making?
Many bladesmiths consider 2” by 72” belt grinders to be the best for knife making, as they are compact and offer high-performance. There are a variety of different belts you can buy to suit these machines, ensuring you get the best results.
What tools do you need for knife making?
Knife making requires different tools, such as angle grinders for cutting and shaping the metal, belt sanders for rapid grinding and polishing, and blade blanks. However, you can use dry and wet sandpaper if you’d prefer to polish your knives by hand.
What grit should you use to sharpen your knives?
When sharpening your knives, you should start with a coarser grit and build up to get the finer finish you need. Ideally, start with a 150-grit, moving onto a 240-grit and finally a 400-grit grinding belt. You can then use polishing belts to get the shine and sharp edge you need.
What type of belt should you use to sand metal?
High-performance belts are ideal for sanding metal, such as when making knives. Zirconia is a popular choice, but one of the best is a ceramic sanding belt. These belts last a lot longer than other types, such as aluminium oxide or silicon carbide, and resharpen through use, making them ideal for knife making.