Question about a swedge

[Sticks]

I'm working on my second slip joint and would like to use a swedge in the design. I'm used to making fixed blades where warping during heat treat is not that much of a problem, but folder blades are so much thinner. I was wondering if the swedge(s) should be ground before or after heat treat. For that matter, if the swedge is done before heat treat, is it preferable to use files, for more control?

Sorry for the bad pic (cell phone camera), but here's my blade in progress. 1/8" CPM 154 hollow ground on a 10" wheel. It really does come to a point at the tip!


Thanks for any advice,

Jay

 

[Calvin Robinson]

I grind mine on a 2" wheel after heat treat. You just have to be very careful and not over heat that point,it's easy to do.

 

[Sticks]

Calvin,

Thank you for the advice. Frankly, I didn't think about over heating the tip. I was thinking I'd use a fine grade belt and working very slowly. If this doesn't turn out to be an embarrassment (or even if it does), I'll post a picture.

Jay