BK 14 and sharpmaker

troutfisher13111

troutfisher13111

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Mar 30, 2006
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I have tried several times to get a good edge on my 14 with a sharpmaker without success. This is the first knife I have had this issue with. Any advice?
 
I don't have any experience with the sharpmaker sorry, but did yours come really dull from the factory? I bought one a couple days ago and it's pretty dull, seemed like a poor grind as the tip is off center on it as well. I don't have these problems with my bk7, so I'm just wondering if its normal to get such a dull 14
 
Yeah, I just got it and it was pretty dull. I can't seem to get a good edge. Never had this problem with any kind of carbon steel before.
 
I've had a couple of 14's and always sharpened by hand. Never had a problem getting em to shave sharp. But I've never used a sharpmaker so I guess I don't really have anything to add to this thread. :o
 
I also had a problem with sharpening my 14 with the sharpmaker, and I think I know why.

Spyderco says to use the 40 degree inclusive setting for all knives and use the 30 degree inclusive for back beveling (which is taking off the shoulders so it cuts better) but Ka-Bar factory sharpens the BK14 at 15 degrees on either side (30 degrees inclusive). Try sharpening at 30 degree setting, you might get better results.

Hope that helps

-orangish ducktape
 
The old trick with the sharpmaker, or any sharpener at that, is to take a permenant marker and color the edge. Then use the sharpener for a few strokes and see if you are contacting the edge. If the marker is disappearing then you are on the right path.
 
Agree with using the sharpie trick. You might only be hitting the sholders of your edge. Sharpie line will let you know what part of the edge is making contact with the sticks.
 
I rebevelled mine with an edge pro and have sharpened since with the sharpmaker. The trouble is probably that you're not "getting to the edge". I'd use the "back bevel" setting and sharpen until you raise a burr along the entire edge, then sharpen on the other side until you get a burr. once you raise a burr on both sides, then you can alternate sides and sharpen it pretty easily. The marker trick is a good way to visualize your progress, but the burr is the true proof that you've rebevelled it. I hope this makes sense...


--Matt
 
I got my 11 sharp on the sharpmaker. But I reprofiled the blade while doing so and it took a while. Very happy with the results though. Keep at and you'll get there.
Bob
 
I used my sharpmaker on the 30 deg side, with the coarse diamond rods on the 14 shortly after I got it. Once I had the angle set and the edge sharp, I've touched it up with the fine and ultra fine rods from time to time. Works great!
 
Just got my bk14 Saturday. I can confirm that the 30* side of the sharpmarker does the best on that knife. I will try my BK2 tonight. Took about 30 passes per side to get the edge where I wanted it before moving from the coarse stones. But now it is shaving sharp!
 
I had same issue with my 14 a year ago. I ran it through my works sharp on 3 different occasions before I had an edge I was happy with. I believe I had to knock the shoulders down to get there and that was on the 20 degree per side guide.
 
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