BK11 Necker - Sharpening Issues

rhino

rhino

Joined
Dec 30, 2000
Messages
3,822
I recently obtained one of the Ka-Bar BK11s. Overall, I like the changes from the Camillus version, including the flat grind and a better sheath.

I am, however, having some sharpening issues. The original primary grind of the edge was uneven, especially at the point, and too thick for my preference. That's not a big deal, as I tend to reprofile all of the knives I intend to use.

So I've made the edge bevel about even with the side of the knife (can't make it much thinner than that), which went fairly rapidly with diamond rods.

The problem has arisen with actually sharpening/finishing the edge. The burr/wire edge forms easier than any knife I've ever sharpened. Naturally with the wire edge visibly there, it feels pretty sharp. When I apply a microbevel to remove the wide edge, though, it leave an edge that will only tear paper. I've tried with both diamonds and cermics, with equally poor results.

I'm used to knives made from 1095 and similar carbon steels taking wickedly sharp edges rather easily, so I am puzzled why this particular knife has been troublesome.

Is it possible that my knife is a little too soft? I tend to think so because of how easily the wire edge forms and that it can't seem to support a thin edge.

Ideas?
 
rather than applying a microbevel, try stroping it on some leather to remove the burr/wire edge . this way, you wouldnt have to add the obtuse microbevel.
 
You might have weakened steel at the very edge. The solution is to make a very light pass on your finest diamond or ceramic at 90° (can't emphasize very light enough) and then resharpen from scratch. If weakened steel was the issue, most of the burr problems will go away and your final edge will be more pleasing.
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

I've never really tried stropping, as I've never needed it. I'll have to get one or a piece of leather to give it a try.

thrombogan ... what do you mean by "weakened steel"? Maybe some impurities or some other irregularity? I pretty much did what you mentioned several times.

I tried again today and the results are a little better, but not what I'd like. My benchmark for sharpness is the kind of edge I was able to get on my large Cold Steel TwistMasters (and I seem to have lost all of them).
 
Ah! Thanks for the clarification.

-------

Ethan Becker ... thank you for sending email to me. I tried to reply, but my response bounced back with the error message that your mailbox is full.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top