Sharpening it went ok. I started with a 220 grit SiC waterstone and ground a uniform thin bevle on both sides. I worked up to an 800 grit waterstone and then a fine ceramic rod. It shaved easily and did most other things ok (push cut paper etc.).
However after running it 4 times in cutting comparisons with other blades I was not overly impressed with its edge holding ability. It was significantly outperformed by a D2 blade I have at 62 RC, and performed just a little above an ATS-34 blade (Buck Strider).
I used both 3/8" hemp rope and cardboard as blunting stock. A couple of tests were run more than once to insure stability. I have gathered some decent polishing abrasives and will run the work again probably this weekend and see if the results get any different in regards to the D2 vs CPM-15V.
I did a soak on the other blade, the one not in the folder and it rusted very quickly compared to even a simple tool steel like what is in the Beckers. Too bad I don't have time lapse equipment. Extent of rusting is one of the things I am working on ease of quantification this year.
-Cliff
