What is the best knife grinder

[sarichardson723]

I am interested in purchasing a knife grinder and would like some opinion on the subject from some of the experts out there. I am kinda leaning toward a Bader. I have also looked at the one that Grizzly offers, it is a lot cheaper but you probably get what you pay for huh? I also have a set of plans from off ebay which would bring me in a lot cheaper than a bader but still has some significant cost due to the motor and wheels. Also I know there are more brands out there but I do not know of them.

[survivor711]

Not sure what you are looking for but if you are looking for a nice sander for making knives, check out the Ickler below. I don't have any experience with the New Model but have used the older version and it is superb.


http://www.ickler.com/products_and_serv ... ander.html

[Hukk]

I'm kinda partial to my Bader III, 220v 2hp with the DC variable speed control. It may be pricey but that variable speed control is a real nice thing to have whatever brand you have. I have 2 flat platens, 14, 10, 8, 6, and 4 inch wheels, and a small wheel fork attachment. Pictures are of the large flat platen and one with the small wheel fork attachment with a 1/2 inch wheel on it. Also a picture of the DC variable speed control made by Baldor.

I have not used it much lately because of a couple medical issues but I'm hoping that those will clear up.

I heard good and bad about the Grizzly and have heard good things about the KMG as well.

[orvet]

Hi sarichardson723.

I moved this topic to the Knife Repair & Restoration Forum where those of us who like to grind pieces of steel into pointy knife shaped objects are known to hang out.


I personally have the Grizzly and I am very pleased with it.
The $2000-$3000 difference in price can buy a lot of other equipment!
I have not had any problems with mine. I love it!

Dale

[knifemaker3]

I've had a grizzly for more years than I care to admit. Been a good servicable machine. I made the fixed blade knife in the fixed blade tutorial here on the forum with the grizzly grinder.

Would the Bader or KMG with all the bells and whistles be better? Absolutely. But, like Orvet said, the 2k-3k you save will buy lots of equipment or supplies.

[sarichardson723]

Preciate the feedback! Maybe I'll give the Grizzly a whirl. I noticed that Grizzly was running a sale on the machine at just under $400.00. Seems reasonable!

[Hukk]

Not A bad deal when you consider a top of the line Bader III (2hp 220v DC variable speed control) with a 10 inch wheel is near $2600.00 from Pop's with shipping. I know Colin (Realmontanan http://www.patersoncustomknives.com ) hated his Grizzly because he could not use it to do something - I don't recall what it was. He ended up with a KMG last I talked to him. Yeah, all the stuff I have, I think I'm over $4,000.00 now. My Bader III at the time was only $1800.00 from Pop's. In 3-1/2 years they have gone up $800. That is the price if you pay with a cashiers check. I paid about 5% less than a Credit Card customer would. Pop's had the best deal I could find at the time. Shop around for grinder prices but NEVER go cheap on belts - you will regret that one.

At the time I balked at the price ($1800), but NOW it seems reasonable when $2500 to $2600 is the cheapest I can find.

[knifemaker3]

If I remember right I think I paid $295 + tax for my Grizzly. Yeah, I've had it awhile. Been a good machine though for what it is.

[justold52]

Perhaps you mite take a look at this grinder.

http://www.kalamazooindustries.com/belt_sanders.asp

[jkf96a]

The vast consensus on Bladeforums is to go with the KMG from Beaumont. The grizzly runs very fast, and can't be slowed down.