Bob T Slipit + SHS + sharpmaker = failure

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
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Feb 2, 2005
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Well, I can usually get a somewhat good edge on S30V, 154CM and similar steels, with a sharpmaker. I let my Bob T Slipit get past sharp to almost dull, and decided to touch it up. I started out on the angle portions of the stones, and got it sharp enough to cut paper evenly, without snagging, not sharp enough to shave arm hair. Tried a couple swipes on the flat surface portion of the stones, no go. Removed the burr, removed the sharpness. Got a couple wire edges. I know it's hard to see where I'm messing up without a video. The knife is sharp, but not hair popping sharp. I started out with the 30 deg back bevel position, then switched to the 40 deg edge (I prefer an edge around 20 deg). I even messed around with it before work this morning. I think my biggest problem was that I got it to a good working edge, and still kept at it on the coarse side. I cleaned both sets of stones before using them, in hot soapy water with a scrubby. I will try again tonight. Any ideas? I can get a good edge on hollow grinds, and most tool and carbon steels on the Sharpmaker, getting good on a diamond folding hone with carbon and tool steels.
 
Pressure?

Perhaps you are using too much force (pressure)? I really can not tell from what you said (it is always difficult to assess the problem via text...or even video sometimes).

All I can offer is that the most common problem I see people having (after we get them using the marker test or otherwise determine that they are reaching the edge) is that they are using too vigorous of a stroke pressure and preventing a fine edge from forming.

Hope this helps.
 
Now that you mention pressure, I think that could be a big part of it.

Let me add though that I got a great edge on my Opinel, but that doesn't have S30V steel ;).
 
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I was able to get my Native III and IV, back to fighting shape, hair popping sharp. Got a wire edge on the Bob T. Gonna work on it after dinner tonight.
 
Sounds like you are heading in the right direction now.

Glad you figured it out!
 
It must just be a combination of a super steel, S30V, and an idiot sharpener (me, not my Sharpmaker or diamond fold ;)). I've had no problems with my other blades. Brought back "carbone steel" (my Opinel), 1095, O1, A2, D2 even, 154CM etc. Brought razor sharp S30V to hair popping scary sharp, but not "kinda dull" S30V. Time to take it to someone with a little bit of knowledge :o.
 
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I have always had a problem with 154cm and AUS-8 (& ZDP-189 - I know why I have a hard time with ZDP steel) for some reason. Hence I tend to stay away from those steels, particularly AUS. I was pretty bummed about the Manix 2 being made from 154cm (save for the ‘sprints’) and not s30v. I know they are good steels, but to each their own.
It’s all good though as I am getting a Para2 instead of a Manix.
 
dull s30v calls for more than the sharpmaker can handle in a reasonable amount of time. time for the diamon stones :D
 
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