[Andrew Garrett]

There is never a shortage of opinions on grinders choices for newbies.

Your biggest problem with a 1x30 is going to be speed after heat treatment. When you do secondary grinding (that which is done to achieve final dimensions post-heat treat) you need a slower belt to keep the heat down or your temper is going to be compromised. The knife won't hold an edge and you'll be wondering why.

I still have my old 1x30 and it gets some tasks now and then narrowing pin-stock and such, but it touches no blade.

I started on a 6 inch Delta bench grinder with a stone wheel and a 1/5HP variable speed motor. I thought I was UPTOWN with that variable speed baby! I even hollow ground my first knife with the stone!

From there, I went to a 2x48 Multitool II which still sharpens blades in my shop. That is a fine tool with an 8" serrated wheel and a platen. I hooked it to a 1/3HP 9" variable speed Delta bench grinder where it remains today. I made many knives with it (slowly, lol).

I built my 2x72 with a 2HP farm duty from Tracy Mickley's plans for sale at USA Knifemaker's Supply. Love it!

There are many paths, but know this:
If someone had told me when I started out 12 years ago that I could only be happy as a knifemaker by spending $2000 or even $600 on grinder..., I would not be a knifemaker today.

There is always an easier and arguably better way. In the end, the quality of knife you make is a function of your individual technical skill and your artistic talent. Tools be ####ed.

If you don't acquire the skill or develop the talent, no KMG, Uber, Wilmont, Burr King, Bader, Tw-90, or any other 'comma grinder' will make a difference.

...one man's opinion.