Convex ?????

[JUSTRIGHT]

Can a convex edge be done by hand without a machine ???? I've been trying but i don't know. FRANK

 

[Federico]

yes

 

[Josh Feltman]

They sure can: Convex link

This excellent info was put together by Buzzbait. It pertains mostly to maintaining a convex edge, but can be used to put a convex edge on a blade as well, just takes longer. By the way, you can usually find the finer grades of wet dry paper at automotive stores.
--Josh

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

THANKS That link was excellent reading,Isaved for future use.What do u think 150 to 250 or much higher,1200 grit or so. Thanks again Josh and Buzz,Frank c.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Thanks! Great site.

 

[Yvsa]

That's the best layed out explanation I have ever seen for maintaining and sharpening as well as producing the convex edge!!!!!!!

Frank I personally like a highly polished edge for hard working choppers as I believe there's less chance for any chipping of the edge.
However I don't use my khuks very often or very hard anymore so I can get away with with a less polished edge. I still like them razor sharp though.
And yet I doubt the khuks used in Nepal have polished edges so I wouldn't worry too terribly much about it unless you're a purist.
A 320 finish would be fine in my opinion.

 

[Josh Feltman]

Justright-- I usually start at around 220 for major reshaping of the edge-- this will take metal off pretty fast, so pay extra attention-- it's always easier to take more metal off than it is to put it back on. I usually jump to 600 after that, which leaves a nice toothy edge. 1500 grit puts on a nicely polished edge, but you can always go to 2000 if you want. I can get my khuks to shave decently, but they are not at the hair popping sharness of some of my folders. I imagine this has something to do with the overall thickness of the blade.
--Josh

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

For years I've marvelled at how well those inexpensive Opinel folders from France cut. If you have one, examine the blade carefully, it's thin and fully convex ground.

Sarge

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

EVERYONE I KNEW THERE WAS WAY TO DO this without spending a bundle.I looked around the house and found some 200 grit or so paper,an old leather belt to strop (which worked pretty well).I just have to get 1500 or 2000 grit paper to finish it off. Thanks all for u'r input.More is welcome .FRANK C.... P.S.YVSA,I use my 18"AK for almost everthing.and JOSH I'll let u guys know how it worked.

 

[Josh Feltman]

Let us know how that edge turns out. If you've not already done so, you might want to check out Joe Talmadge's Sharpening FAQ The parts about raising a burr on both sides and using a black marker on the edge to judge your progress apply to convex edges as well.
Good Luck!
--Josh

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

THANKS

 

[iqcomp]

You might want to try making a convex edge on a smaller blade first. I used a 8" Chef's knife. I have a 21" Chitlangi which I had problems manuevering on the mousepad. I liked the convex edge so much on my Chef's knive I convex edged every knife in my house! I managed to get the Chitlangi convexed up eventually. My convexing setup is the following: mousepad with 600 grit Wet/Dry sandpaper with a slurry of olive oil and 8000 grit honing compound.

Chris I.

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

Thanks Chris.

 

[Skeletor]

So what's the best way to start a convex grind? Just with a normal stone type sharpener?

 

[ferguson]

Originally posted by Skeletor
So what's the best way to start a convex grind? Just with a normal stone type sharpener?

See Josh's convex link above.

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

Finally done.It took a little time but i did it.I do need to get that 1500 grit though.Finished it off with my Spyderco TRI SHARPEMAKER using the white stone by hand,being careful that i don't flatten the work of the Convex Edge. THANKS ALL !!!!! FRANK C....

 

[Josh Feltman]

Justright-- glad to hear it. It's definitely worth the time it takes. Don't forget that the chakma works really well on a convex edge, both as a finishing step after stropping on the sandpaper and for touch ups in between sharpening, and it removes less metal than ceramic stones like the Sharpmaker rods. Geeze, this is starting to sound like a lecture or something
--Josh

 

[Bill Martino]

Good stuff and thanks.

 

[JUSTRIGHT]

JOSH, I will use the chakma .It's only fitting that it be used in the final step..It's not hair poping but the edge is much stronger for spliting wood etc.Yes the ceramics did take some metal off,It adds a great shine to the edge though. Don't worry about the lecture I enjoy it.