Cleaver Repair

[The Nid Hog]

I have an old stainless steel cleaver that doesn't see any regular use--in fact, I can't recall the last time that I cut anything with it. However, I picked it up the other day and it looks like somebody used it to recreate a battle from the Crusades. The cutting edge has a number of nasty dings in it. Nobody seems to know how it happened--I suppose that some houseguest could have gone off in the middle of the night and tried to chop steel cables with it.

What would I need to do to go about putting the edge back in working order? As I said, I don't really use it and I could probably just toss it and never miss it. It just seems sad to leave it the way it is.

 

[Metalcrack]

Running out to your bench grinder wouldn't yield a veny nice/smooth edge, but see if there is a tool sharpening shop near your area. Most decent size cities have them, as sometimes a new bit can be outrageous versus a quick sharpening. Call them up for a quick estimate. Shouldn't be more than $20 cash (cash talks).

 

[gearchow]

Running out to your bench grinder wouldn't yield a veny nice/smooth edge, but see if there is a tool sharpening shop near your area. Most decent size cities have them, as sometimes a new bit can be outrageous versus a quick sharpening. Call them up for a quick estimate. Shouldn't be more than $20 cash (cash talks).

True, the bench grinder won't leave a finished edge, but you can certainly get it past the dings and use it to maintain the same profile. With a chisel, I will grind the edge flat to remove the dings and maintain the profile. Then a more careful approach needs to be done to put the edge on it.

It's a lot of "work" which also includes not letting the steel get too hot while doing all that grinding, maintaining angles, etc. That said, I used my wife's favorite cleaver for something other then vegetables (might have been romex) and put little dings in it. I ground it down and finished it off using a combo wet stone. Still has a lot of steel left.

If you have a grinder, you can always give it a go and still feel good about tossing it if the process gets out of control.

-jim

 

[Clem]

Personally, I would clamp it flat with a C-clamp and the use a cross cut metal file to create a new bevel. It's a slow process but you can easily control how much metal comes off. Also, you won't ruin the temper of the steel. In my opinion, a 28-30 degree bevel works best on cleavers. You could finish off the edge with a heavy grit sharpening stone. Just remember that cleavers and razor edges don't go together unless it's a chinese style cleaver.

 

[Orca]

I agree with Clem. But for under $20. you can pick up a 4 1/2" disc grinder from Harbor Freight . Clamp it down or in a vice and grind straight across the edge to remove the nicks. Then follow the angle of the cleaver's sharpened edge untill you get both sides to meet in the center. You can now finish the edge with a file by draw filling it. That is pushing the file side ways. Finish it by placing some metal sandpaper, known as wet/dry paper around the file to refine the edge.
* Do not heat up the blade with any type grinder or you will loose the hardness and anneal the edge making it soft.
Or you can send it to me and forget about it.

 

[Jim]

Chris,
I would use a file on it then a coarse and medium stone, it should take all of a few minutes unless we are talking 1/4 inch chunks taken out. I would be happy to do it for you if you are not so inclined.

 

[The Nid Hog]

Thanks for all the good advice, guys. And thanks for the offer too Jim. I've got the file and the stones, so I think that I'll take a crack at it. It's always good to create the impression around the house that I have some special skills!

 

[Greybeard]

Thanks for all the good advice, guys. And thanks for the offer too Jim. I've got the file and the stones, so I think that I'll take a crack at it. It's always good to create the impression around the house that I have some special skills!

I knew you'd have the stones to do it yourself.

 

[Topgumby]

Now, don't you worry, these Cleaver problems have a way of working themselves out.

 

[Chady]

Here's what you need.

Ahh I never grow tired of watching that video

[YOUTUBE]_hfLZozBVpM[/YOUTUBE]