REVIEWS
“Very versatile, high-performance machine. It is exceptional in rapidly obtaining very fine finishes while working on blades by reducing the number of different grit belts used. That reduces the time spent on blades and helps us gain time in production.”
— Julien Baillon
“I fully endorse all the Moen Tooling products. I’m a user of all the grinding fixtures Jerry has produced. He has made upgrades in the current grinding fixture using some of my personal modifications. I also use the Series 1 (blue) rotary grinding platen and love it. I have followed the development of the Series 2 (red) multi-station rotary grinding platen, which is far more useful—not only can you flat grind on it, you can also hollow grind, slack belt grind, and use the 10-inch and other two small diameter wheels to refine your work. I would own one of the new ones, but it won’t fit my Wilton Squarewheel grinders, which is the only disappointing thing about it. Using the new platen and grinding fixtures will greatly jump-start new makers as well as old-timers in accomplishing more accurate grinds. The user can hog off stock and also do the most delicate jobs. Overall, I love it and highly recommend it to anyone interested in doing top-drawer workmanship.”
— Tommy Overeynder
“These days, I spend about as much time teaching knifemaking as I do making my own knives. Most of my ‘Dress Tactical Linerlock’ students are established makers looking to expand their skill set and offer new products to their customers. One of the most important techniques students look to learn in my classes is how to create high-precision bevel grinds with beautiful sweeping plunges and reduce their time hand-finishing their blades.
This is where the Moen Tools platen and fixture system excel. I teach students to dial in their grind angle to one-tenth of a degree using the Moen Tools blade fixture, thereby ensuring identical full flat grinds from side to side. Additionally, since the fixture is designed to allow the knifemaker to see both sides of the blade at all times, matching the grinds is a simple matter. The blade fixture also gives makers the needed control to delicately sculpt a gorgeous sweeping plunge.
Additionally, the rotary platens run significantly cooler than a standard platen, and the backing belt reduces the bump from belt splices to near zero. Reduction of the ‘splice bump’ greatly reduces hand-finishing time once a blade comes off the grinder. Students in my classes finish their grinds with a 15-micron belt and typically invest about fifteen minutes in completing a beautiful hand finish.”
— Bob Ohlemann, Rangermade Knives
Grinder and Platen
Two grinders: large and one-inch.
For a beginner knife maker or craftsperson, the Moen Platen takes a great deal of guesswork and error out of the learning curve. When you’re unsure, second-guessing yourself, or wishing your teacher or mentor could be right there to guide you, that’s when this platen becomes invaluable. Jerry developed it from his own experience as a knife maker—never forgetting how humbling all beginnings can be, including his own.
As always, if you know Jerry, you know he wanted to lend a helping hand to new knife makers—especially those aspiring to join the Guild or members who wanted to keep improving. Since he couldn’t be everywhere at once, Jerry invented a tool that perfectly assists knife makers as if he were right there beside them, guiding and helping them improve their grinds.
That wasn’t enough for Jerry. He continued improving the platen, listening to feedback from all over the world—from Canada to Switzerland, from the U.S. to Thailand, and from top makers like Tommy Overeynder.
Now, the new and improved version allows craftspeople to improve even faster, work more comfortably, and be more precise—not only in removing material but also in finishing. You can achieve a mirror polish using the grinder without tedious stoning or hand polishing. Both beginners and experienced makers will notice that grinding and polishing can now be done at lower temperatures than on other equipment.
For knife makers, craftspeople, and hobbyists with limited space, Jerry has also created a new one-inch grinder designed to work with his platen. This compact setup saves floor space and stores easily. Smaller pieces, blades, and parts are easily handled on the narrower belts while maintaining full control thanks to the platen.
For blades specifically, the platen can be used for both flat and hollow grinds. Beginners will improve at an impressive rate, while seasoned craftsmen will find it speeds up their process and allows them to experiment with new finishes.
Originally designed for knife making, the Moen Platen—along with the grinders—has become a must-have tool in metal workshops and art studios. With speed and precision, it removes metal quickly using rough grits, and when paired with fine belts, it produces a wide range of matte finishes or even a mirror polish.
Brass, copper, Monel, nickel silver, and of course any steel can be shaped and finished not only with precision and beauty but also with exceptional efficiency.
Buckles and Belts
Texans have never shied away from a statement buckle—it’s a quintessential accessory in Texas. Whether bold or subtly elegant, every buckle makes a statement. Moen Designz meets the standard of those larger-than-life Texan expectations.
Jerry’s new belt buckles and belts feature clean lines and refined elegance. The Damasteel DLC-coated inlays create a distinctive look that exudes style and quality.
For corporate orders, the belt buckles can be personalized with logos or initials. Team members and associates will appreciate wearing a stainless steel buckle with a Damasteel DLC-coated inlay paired with an imported alligator belt.
These corporate orders make excellent gifts—each one a limited-run, custom-designed piece that reflects the value your company places on its leadership team, associates, and clients.