D2 MiniGrip and Sharpmaker

[TedGamble]

I recently got a D2 MiniGrip. This will be my first experience sharpening anything other than 1095 and 440 Stainless. With 1095 and 440, I use an EdgePro Apex to initially profile the edges at 27 degrees inclusive, then rely on the 30 degree setting on the Sharpmaker for all subsequent touchups. This has served me well on 1095 and 440.

My questions are as follows:

1. How much more difficult is D2 than 1095 to sharpen?
2. Will D2 hold up to the steep angles (27 back-bevel and 30 micro-bevel) or should I drop down to a 30 back-bevel and 40 micro-bevel?
3. I use all three rods (Coarse, Fine, and UltraFine) on the Sharpmaker. 1095 will split atoms if I go all the way to the UltraFine rods, followed by CrO strop. Will this technique work with D2, or should I not polish the edge as much?

 

[the_mac]

1095 is a pleasure to sharpen, D2 is a pain. But it shouldn't be too much of a pain, just take it slow and easy and don't try to rush.

The D2 should be fine at 30 inclusive for the microbevel, and you could probably even knock the relief down to about 25 inclusive to leave a little more room to play with on the sharpmaker. If you notice chipping (not likely), just do a few passes at 40 to toughen it up, but it shouldn't be necessary.

I like polished edges, and D2 can take a nice polish, it can also work well left coarser, but I prefer polished, so try it and see what you think.

 

[dalefuller]

I have a couple of D2 Grips. I do both of them at my Sharpmaker's 30 degree setting. They don't get real hard use, but they do get used. I've never had a problem with the 30 degree edges. I polish my D2 edges just a bit. I usually finish with a few passes on the U/F Sharpmaker rods for these knives.