Bevel angle for CRK S30V

justsomedude

justsomedude

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So I am having the edge of my new s30v Umnumzaan redone by a highly skilled professional sharpener in my area, but I am not sure what angle to tell them for the bevel. It will be a convex edge so this number will be a rough average for the angle of the curve so the final edge will probably be a little over the number I give them.
Honestly at this point in my life the main uses for this blade will be moderate to light duty, cardboard, food, packages, and wood if I try it out for whittling but not a priority. Basically I am looking to improve slicing ability and bring it to a finer point. I am thinking of telling them 15 per side (30 inclusive).
Your thoughts and insights would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Ben
 
I tend to just match the factory bevel as best I can, I free hand sharpen everything and don't concern my self with numbers much at all. I find the standard edge geometry and grind work very well as they are. I think one always thinns out the bevel naturally when sharpening the knife any way, it's especially easy to do when the edge is convexed. If you want the point to be a bit finer you can just have him sharpen the swedge but only put a cutting edge on the first ~10mm so it can't cut you when closed.
 
Whats wrong with the standard 20 degrees per side...??? I am not into micro bevels and all that jazz. I believe by doing a full 15 degrees per side, you might get a razor sharp edge, but it will not be a durable one. It will dull easily, will chip and roll. There is a reason CRK uses the bevel that they use.
 
I've never found the need to keep a EDC knife at a steeper than 20⁰ per side. At that angle, the blade is easier to maintain and, properly kept, will cleanly slice anything you're likely to run into. S30V (or S35VN for that matter) isn't known for its extraordinary ability to keep a razor edge at tighter angles anyway. Unless you just want to experiment, 40⁰ total should keep you plenty happy.
 
I have taken edges to 15*(30*Inc). I don't recommend it. Stay at 20*. Great edge and if you have one the Sharpmaker will touchup the edge in seconds. Once sharp the key is maintenance of that edge and regular touchups will take care of that. Remember, once gone -you can't put material back.
Stay with 20* is my vote. I just did my one Zaan and that is exactly what I did. Worked out great.
Depending on his sharpening method and how he is going to convex may determine how exact that bevel angle will be. I use a Wicked Edge and a Sharpmaker. Nice for repeating the exact settings on a particular knife.
 
I recently reprofiled my large sebenza to 18 degrees per side with my wicked edge and am happy with the edge retention so far. Then again I don't use my knives for much more then light cutting tasks. Chris Reeve recommends that you maintain a bevel angle between 18 and 20 degrees for best results. I'm sure the man has his reasons.
 
I think I might go with 18 because that would put the edge at about 19 or 20. He sharpens by hand on Japanese natural waterstones including Aoto, Nagura, and several Awaseto. One can purchase small natural stones in his shop with $3,000+ price tags, I have had him sharpen my Damascus kitchen knives before and shaved tomato slices off that looked like pink cellophane paper. I highly recommend to anybody in the norcal area checking out his shop especially if you have an interest in woodworking. Call in advance to schedule a sharpening though because his services are in high demand, I called yesterday and my drop-off is March 29 with pick-up on the 31.
 
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