BK-11 CSM Edge chipping:eek:

K

Kelly Willis

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
153
Hey Guys, quick question. I purchased a BK=11 CSM last year, hand sanded and polished the blade and didn't
use it much. I did notice though with use, i get quite a bit of edge chipping. Not much, but noticeable.
My Camillus BK-2 and my BK-15 NEVER chip.
I've tried steeper angles and even convexed the edge using 2000 grit sandpaper then dressed leather.
I've sent an e-mail to Kabar, and was wondering if anybody here has seen this. Thanks!
 
Is it a standard bk 11 with 1095 cro van or is it the San Mai version?

Edit: oops, I over looked the CSM....

I've heard that the factory edge can chip at 1st but after reprofiling they usually dont have an issue.
 
What are you cutting or chopping with it? Hitachi white is a much harder steel and therefore more rigid than 1095. I could see it chipping if used aggressively.
 
Nothing more than light cutting, soft wood etc. I have an old BK-2 for rough and nasty stuff. I always strive to use the correct tool for the job, The '11CSM was intended for edc use and occasional bottle opening missions. I use a D-2 bladed folder for rougher/harder cutting
tasks at work.
 
i'd probably just see if you can wear past the first mm or so of edge. if it still does it, i'd wonder...
 
Believe it or not, I thought about that when I first noticed the chipping. My Norton 10" oil bath tri stone set got quite the work out.
Coarse, then medium, then the india fine followed with a 14,000 grit diamond charged strop. Still chipping. I tried steeper bevels, and then worked the edge on leather charged with diamond lapping compounds to a convex edge. I used diamond grits because that is what I use at work as a jeweler and gemcutter. I inspected the edges under 60X magnification and could not see any wire edge. I would then check my edge shaving hair off my arm, no pulling, split a hair, no problem, shave down a soft piece of pine, {no knots}, 2 or 3 slivers and i would start to feel it drag. Inspect it under a jewelers loupe, and would have chips all along the edge. I don't know, maybe a heat treat issue?
 
I have put mine through quite a bit. I carried it around my neck a lot in the Florida swamps last year. I have used it to start multiple fires using pitch wood and a ferro rod, and have used it to do some fire starting demonstrations where I used the edge to strike a ferro rod. I have even used it to whittle small piles of shavings from a mischmetal rod for tinder like magnesium. I have used it to split into crustacean shells like blue crap, stone crabs, and langouste. I have seen less damage with the CSM than I have with my 1095 BK-11s and BK-14s, and I never had much with those. I have never looked at it under a jewelers loupe afterward, but hardly ever feel much roughness with a finger nail. I think all I did last time was clean it up with a ceramic stone afterward and only feel a couple of slight rough spots with my finer nail now. I'll take some macro shots later and add them to this post. If you are having continual chipping even after re-sharpening then Tooj may want to take a look at it.
 
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