Here is a picture demonstrating the variations of a convex edge i can see happening.
Let's examine the red and the black.
This is the only scenario I see of a convex and "V" having same apex angle. The convex edge in this case has an advantage over the V as it doesn't have the shoulders and it's a better cutting geometry. To hit the apex the angle to the abrasive will have to be the same between the two as demonstrated by the yellow line. As
FortyTwoBlades
said when you make a mistake and go shallow while sharpening you are not going to touch the shoulder ( of black ) and will be closer to the apex of the convex (red) eventually having higher chance to abraid down to the apex. Hence the ease of maintenance. Voila! It is true in this case.
However, we compared a primary ground convex geometry to a flat ground one with a
secondary grind V edge of same angle. It should really be compared to a zero grind to be fare. Zero grind is not pictured above, but it can be imagined as a straight triangle connecting the three points and it's going to reside
inside the above diagram.
I say it's just as easy to stay off the shoulder while sharpening V and by doing this you will be hitting the apex.
When we compare apples to apples answers are more obvious. Convex grind in this example is ofcourse stronger and it's one of its key benefits.
So again compare first two pictures from the new picture exhibit^ presented. That's why i said it's easier to get to an apex of "V" vs a "U" without degrading performance while at it.
Now take something like sebenza we see a convexed
secondary angle that is like the blue or green in the first picture. In terms of this thread, in sebenza example, I don't think it's practical. It cuts poorly and the strength is not really an issue. The (green from first picture) edge is what happens as a result of overstropping or various sharpening abilities and perhaps we can agree it is not ideal. It gets progressively harder to get to the apex with future sharpening and performance keeps on degrading.
This is probably the case of why people here state their V (black triangle) is better at holding the edge over convexed (green) edge. V is simply sharper geometry wise.
I'm not an expert, I'm not afraid to be mistaken so #correctmeifimwrong.
I don't believe we are overthinking things in this thread. I think it's good to get your theory straight so you have a clear understanding of what you are doing while sharpening.
Some of you here just blurred the line between convex and free hand sharpened V.
Its two different things, with different ideology behind it. When a skilled
freehand sharpener puts these out, the two are easily discernable. This post almost feels like whatever mickeymouse stuff you do on your edge will just produce a good convex.
Its easier for manufacturer to produce a V for a reason. #geometrymatters
M
marcinek