Case sharpening angle

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Impelican

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Sep 11, 2016
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I was looking to sharpen a Case knife that I have but the only means I currently have of doing so is a lansky 4 rod turn box. It sharpens at either 20 or 25 degrees, however on Case's website it says that their grinds are about 15 degrees. Would sharpening at 20 degrees do any harm? This was my very first pocket knife that I got when I was a kid so it has a lot of sentimental value and I wanted to make sure I didn't ruin it or anything. Thanks for any help.
 
Rule in simple terms:

Wider angle sharpener over smaller angle edge = fine
Smaller angle sharpener over wider angle edge = umm?

Closer the match, the better to maintain original edge.

IMO, Case blade is so thin and relatively soft, any angle will do. Just don't force it. Use weight of blade to carry it. You'll be fine. Case is a good knife to sharpen.

Good luck.
 
I have that same sharpening box and I use it for my case trapperlock. I do a few passes on the medium rods at 20 degrees then a few on the white rods at 25 degrees. Afterwards a quick strop and it's slicing paper easily.
 
Impelican said:
I was looking to sharpen a Case knife that I have but the only means I currently have of doing so is a lansky 4 rod turn box. It sharpens at either 20 or 25 degrees, however on Case's website it says that their grinds are about 15 degrees. Would sharpening at 20 degrees do any harm? This was my very first pocket knife that I got when I was a kid so it has a lot of sentimental value and I wanted to make sure I didn't ruin it or anything. Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

You won't ruin it using either angle.

I have a fair number of Case knives, in both Tru-Sharp and CV.

Case runs their Tru-Sharp stainless pretty soft (~55HRC). IMO, it benefits by using a wider angle so that there is more steel to support the edge. That way you get less edge deformation, which is one of the most common ways to "lose the sharpness". I use a Sharpmaker, which has options of 15° or 20° per side (30° or 40° inclusive). I use the 20° setting, and it gives me good results.

Case is said to run their CV blades harder, but I still use 20° per side and get good results.

edited to add:
And while we're at it, let's move this to Maintenance.
 
Just to echo Frank on this - I have a lot of Case knives in both SS and CV. I will occasionally freehand them on oil stones (Norton India + soft/hard Arkansas) but that is usually to get the initial bevel set. I then use the 20 degree slots on my Sharpmaker to keep them sharp. I strop on a leather belt with some green compound afterward. I have some fancier sharpening tools but for Case knives, basic techniques and tools work just fine.
 
I freehand sharpen and cannot be sure of the exact angle because my angles are from muscle memory from having sharpened a lot of knives. This said I do know it is close to 20 degrees and have never ruined a knife while always getting sharp results.
 
Case's own sharpening instruction page recommends anything between 10-15° per side (20-30° inclusive). Just let your own usage and preference determine what works best for you. Most of my own edges, including those on a lot of Case knives I use & carry, fall right in the middle of that range, around ~ 25° inclusive.

(Text below is quoted from site -->: http://www.wrcase.com/case_college/collector_advice/caring.php )
"Re-sharpening Your Knife

Hold the blade at a 10” to 15” angle from the surface of a sharpening stone. Maintain a constant angle and stroke the blade as if shaving a thin layer from the stone. Repeat the stroking motion along the entire edge of the blade starting at the blade heel and working to the tip. Turn the blade over and repeat the process. "
Click to expand...


David
 
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I sharpen all my Case knives at about 15° angle per side and then I put a 20° micro bevel per side with the sharpmaker. I find it gives me the best results in general cutting and it's so easy to touch up.
 
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