At what steel level(including RC) would a Norton Indica stone be not worth it?

[caseknife64]

Basically in your opinion(s) at approx what steel level would not be readily sharpened by a synthetic stone? or even high RC levels precluding stone sharpening, even when that steel could be sharpened at a slightly lower level of hardness. I guess next would be what is your best choice, diamond stones, sharpmaker, sandpaper. Stropping not an option, this is for say something with a nicked or rough edge needing abrasive. Thanks.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

India stones are going to be effective on any knife, no matter the hardness. The question is more of the percentage of vanadium carbides. In cases of very high vanadium steels it may be best to use diamond stones simply to avoid carbide tearout since vanadium carbides are harder than both aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, so they'll only be abraded by diamond or cubic boron nitride.

 

[caseknife64]

Thanks, that helps clear up the question. in your opinion, at what percentage of Vanadium will the <> stones be needed? The Case CV I've sharpened always sharpens right up. Thanks.

 

[Jason B.]

At 4% most standard abrasive stones start having issues.