convex and a stone

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

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Mar 22, 2006
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I don't know if it's true but I heard that people who free hand sharpen end up with convex grinds obn thier knives by default, because they never keep the same angle....I was wondering if you free hand sharpen a convex grind on stone if it would still maintain its convex properties...
 
I use a smith diamond rod which is about the size of a pen, you've probably seen them, blue case with chrome looking "tightening piece" that allows the rod to slide in and out. I use the flat side of the diamond rod and lay my blade edge on it to where I can eye the blade to make sure that I am keeping the original angle by gently pulling the knife down and then doing the same when pushing it back away from me. As far as I know, I have kept the factory angle on my blades. Interesting info though, J.
 
A lot of people use water stones on their convex edges. Your not using the same motion as you would use on a flat ground knife.

The easiest fastest way to get a good convex edge is the belt sander. I have removed the factory flat grind on several of my knives.
 
There's a couple of ways to do it.
One is to hold the blade stationary, where you can see the edge profile, and move the stone, keeping the convex.
Another to use (best with large bench stones) is to use a stropping motion rather than drawing the blade over the stone.
 
RescueRiley said:
I don't know if it's true but I heard that people who free hand sharpen end up with convex grinds obn thier knives by default, because they never keep the same angle....I was wondering if you free hand sharpen a convex grind on stone if it would still maintain its convex properties...
Click to expand...


I do. With good results and anyway better than with the sandpaper on a mousepad. I sharpen by twisting my wrist to follow the curve from the very edge to the spine. So, i keep the convex grind and slightly thin the blade which keeps its cutting ability. No difficulty. In case of hard use i only add a tiny secondary bevel. I have had the possibility to compare the edge of my F1 with the one of a new in box and, well, honestly, i was happy of my job.

dantzk.
 
Once you learn what you're doing with a benchstone, you can maintain a flat grind secondary bevel, rather than accidentally convexing it.

On the other hand, I like a convex edge, and find it's easy to do even with a benchstone. It's all technique you develop with practice.
 
I'm with Esav, you can't beat a convex edge. That round surface sure cuts through stuff well.
I sharpen my knives regularly, (well, the ones I use regularly) and with a free hand. I don't mind if they start to look ugly, that's what happens to tools with use, as long as they're sharp!
 
For anyone who does mind if they get ugly, get some wet-dry sandpaper and go over those edges, it will polish them nicely. :)
 
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