Recent content by Diamond G

Look up High Temp Refractories in Missouri, they are reasonable and carry most refractory supplies. Darren Ellis is another option, but he is a bit higher but deals in small quantities, God Bless Mike

The ABS classes are hard to beat. Having said that, I payed MS Smith Jim Crowell for a 5 day one o one class for about the same money. Check with known local makes near you, most are open to this arraingment. God Bless Mike

Ive used a piece of 4"x5" of I think D-2 that a guy had at a hammer in, It was sunk in a bucket of packed sand. I was amazed at how well it worked! He stated he got the bar from a scrap yard for $30. Might be worth checking your local scrap yard for a suitable size piece. Workd very well and...

He seems to be a legit guy, no smoke or mirrors. While I like his blade designs, his handles seem a bit radical. But not having tried them I can only guess. On using a side grinder, as a part time maker myself, you sometimes use whats available. May not be the best or most economical way to...

Glad to hear you got a disc grinder Dave. I think in time you will find it is a great time saver for you. It is pretty darn amazing how high a finish you can put on a blade with slow speeds, jumped my hand finish work up several notches. Don't take near as long to hand sand when you finish out...

Dave your work just keeps getting better! Looks like you have the etching problems worked out. Dont know if your familiar with Ernie or not, but he has been a huge help to me in the past with my etching issues. Also he does custom stenciles at VERY reasonable prices! Here is a link...

I dont know if this would work for your friend, but Ive used dry coffee creamer, butter salt and pepper for whipped potatoes. Worked great for me, and I think its non dairy creamer! God Bless Mike

Just curious, what steel thickness are you starting with, and what RC hardensss are you shooting for with the O-1? In your experience is O-1 one of the better steels compared to say 52100 or W-2? Thanks and God Bless Mike

Great work Mike! God Bless Mike

Does Holly Stabilize well? Ive got several blocks, but have been turned off to the discoloration when grinding and buffing, mine has looked "dirty" when finished. Thanks and God Bless Mike

Using the personalizer plus also, and have settled for doing a deep etch then coloring in with sharpie, then sand with 1000 grit. Leaves a nice dark filled etch. God Bless Mike

I have a Frink 9" vari speed w/ a 1 deg disc. would hate to work without it! Its one of the handiest tools in the shop! Its amazing how not flat your flat grinds are until they hit the flat disc! God Bless Mike

living in Arkansas, and not being a full time maker, I have thought about checking into getting a booth at the Arkansas Food Shows. There is one in Little Rock and one in Ft. Smith. Question for all you Food Folks. Are food shows the venue for higher end kitchen cutlery? Thanks and God Bless...

May not be an acceptable answer, But Ive had to file handles before due to heat issues. Its suprising how fast a 10" bastard file will shape a handle. Not nearly as fast as a grinder, but an option. God Bless Mike

I to am getting a W2 blade ready, mine is 5/32, and in a French chefs stle blade of 12". What is the optimum HT temp and what s the optimum tempering temp? Is clay required to get a good hamon, or can it be edge quenched to recive the same effect? Thanks and God Bless Mike