Bear MGC Razor Style Knives

[Thomas J Ekman]

I bought two razor style knives from BearMGC from knifecenter, and received them a couple of days ago. The blades are razor style, so I wonder how I should sharpen them - like a normal blade (they are ground on both sides now) or try to make them chisel ground like a razor.

 

[Thomas J Ekman]

Me, being rather naive, thought I could use these knives as a straight razor, in case my Puma razor broke. It seems that they can only be used as "regular" knives.

 

[Bugs3x]

Could you please explain your second post, Thomas? People have been known to shave with "regular" knife blades. Why can't one shave with the Bear MGC razor blade?

 

[The Magician]

but, I think I read somewhere that the razor style blade origionally came from people rthat could only use one hand. They would take thier pocket knife to the blacksmiyth who would remove the end of one of the blades. The way it was cut off, what was left could easily be hooked on the seam of the pants or a handy table edge etc. With a bit of practice, it could then be opened with one hand. It sure looked like a razor afterward too. I think it was even known as a "one arm razor knife." Like I said, this may be completely wrong. It does seem to almost make sense though.

 

[Thomas J Ekman]

To succeed in shaving, the blade edge must be very thin, to the point that it will almost bend when touched with a finger. At least, that's what I've been told. My Puma Razor's edge is way much thinner than the Bears.
If it can be done with the BearMGC, I'll try to sharpen it with the Sharpmaker, using the 30 degree setting.

Besides, BearMGC seems to produce good knives at a rather low price. The smaller of my razor style knife has a mother of pearl handle. Looks rather nice.

A year ago, I bought a Damascus hunting folder from Bear, and it seems to be very ok. I haven't heard so much about the brand. What is the brand's "status" among knife "nerds" like you and me?

 

[Social cameleon]

I really like the cross section on old razor blades. The hollow grind on a flat, rod, or occasionaly concave back edge is remarcably stiff, and slides throuh flesh like a soldering iron throuogh butter. At one point, I was homeless, and had only a straight razor with a round tip for a knife. With practice, I was able to get good enough to cut veggies, and meats with it like a small chef's knife.
On the other hand, I've played with the tipless folders, and found them pretty useless myself. They don't appear to do anything better than a tipped design, (Except for poen on you'r pant's leg, something I was never brave enough to try.) All the ones I've seen had flat sided wedge cross sections, which is less optimal, and I still managed to gouge myself on the corner.

 

[Kodiak PA]

I would use a benchstone to thin the edge. Would be a lot easier than the Sharpmaker IMO. If you have a fine DMT whetstone or something similar use that.

Why do you need to shave if you use a ski mask>