Best bevel angle?

[ironrangenate]

Hey fellas, new to the art, but think it's awesome. I want to make a single bevel knife, and from what I've heard, 30 degrees is what I'm hearing. Is this right, or is there a more optimum angle, and if so what, and for what reason? It is for hunting if that matters. Just trying to learn fellas. Thanks. I bought the 50 dollar knife book, I like it. Good info. A little vague for a newbie.

 

[Soilarch]

Welcome aboard


Sadly there's no answer to that question. Different steels, different uses, and different users require different angles for "optimum".

 

[HoB]

There is no "best" edge angle like there is no "best" steel. The edge geometry must be chosen compatible with the steel and the intended task. That said, most factory geometries are way to obtuse. Meaning, both the steels used as well as the most commonly performed tasks would allow for a more acute geometry. For most steels and tasks 30 deg included is a good starting point, however, the better steels will allow for an even acuter geometry as long as you don't intend on shaving copper or similar. If you have some really abusive work, it may be beneficial to keep a knife with a more obtuse edge angle, more towards 40 deg include. Beyond that, I would generally consider too obtuse for a pocket knife, even for the toughest tasks. I keep my hatchet and axe at around 40 deg included and my 9" chopper is at about 15 deg included.

In the end you have to find what works best for you yourself. Just keep lowering the angle when ever you resharpen your knife a little bit at a time. You don't have to do all the work at once. When you notice that your edge shows excessive rolling or chipping you simply apply a microbevel at a higher angle till the chipping or rolling stops and you've found your own ideal angle.

The advantage of a lower angle is of course a sharper edge and a higher cutting ability. A thicker wedge will always require more force to penetrate a material than a thinner wedge.

 

[Blop]

Excuse me, if i am wrong, but didn´t you ask for a single bevel blade, scandinavian style?

I understand that factory made knives usually feature two bevels, one for the blade mirror and the second forms the edge (you may count the other way, but still there are two bevels)

That one, that forms the edge can be set on 30° which is good for hunting purposes in general. Some steel grades take these angles good, some not.

40°, which is, what many factories offer is secure for any high alloyed stainless (well, say any steel grade you usually read about here) like S30V, 154CM, 440C.....

In that way for a single bevel knife 30° is obviously to much. The bevel is determined by spine and heigth of the blade.

For added strength you may consider a convex grind.