Benchmade Mini Grip 154cm - can't get a good edge

[deziner75]

Benchmade Mini Grip 154cm. Just CAN NOT seem to get a good edge. I originally re-profiled to a convex edge using 600-1000-1500-2000 grit and finished with stropping.

Didn't make a whole lot of difference, so I took it back to my Lansky system at 20deg. and re-beveled (coarse-medium-fine). Still about the same "less than factory sharp" edge.

I've had great luck reprofiling other steel to shaving-sharp. I can't figure this knife out! Any advice? At this point, I'm willing to send it to someone to put a nice convex edge on it that I can just maintain after that. Suggestions or who wants to re-profile it for me for a fee?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I went through the same frustration, when I started using my Lansky. In the end, most of the trouble came down to not going quite far enough with each of the hones. In other words, not making sure I'd completely apexed the edge. Use a 10X or better magnifier, under bright light, to inspect the edge closely as you go. Under good lighting, if the edge isn't completely apexed, it'll show up as a sliver of light along the edge. When the edge has been completely apexed, that reflection of light goes away (I know the edge is very sharp, when it 'disappears' as I turn the blade side-to-side under good light). With the coarse hone, you're looking for complete apex of the edge, and also to see if a burr has formed. Once that's done, the subsequent hones will serve to gently remove the burr and refine the edge. Never stop using the magnifier, it'll also help you make sure there isn't anything else going wrong with technique, like variation in the angle. Make sure to reduce pressure as you progress. By the time you're finishing up with the finest hone, pressure should be feather-light (it's all about polishing, at that point).