Diminshing Returns

[bnblazer]

As a hand tool woodworker, and turner, I can sharpen plane irons and turning tools to a mirror edge that is razor sharp. With knives I can get close (it's having 2 bevels that gives me problems).

With woodworking tools you can get a blade so sharp that you eventually get very diminishing returns. You see with an edge that sharp it has very little durability. You end up spending all your time sharpening and little time using the tool.

So after finally getting around to it, my question is if this also applies to knives. I am not as familiar with the steel in knives as I am with the steel used in woodworking tools. Can you get a knife too sharp and have it not be able to hold its edge?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[65535]

Generally a knive gets sharper at a thinner angle, so eventually the edge will be too thin for good use, if you notice for what you use your tools on (edged) causes them to wear out too fast, just increases the angle of the edge, sometime you will find a sweet spot where you get a wicked sharp edge that lasts and lasts.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Can you get a knife too sharp and have it not be able to hold its edge?

No. Edge holding will increase with sharpness. You can reduce the angle to the point where it will fail, but that is not the same thing.

-Cliff

 

[me2]

My experience is similar to Cliff's. I started sharpening my Kershaw Vapor 3" blade on a belt sander using a 320 grit belt and then a leather belt with white compound. This edge will split hairs held between my fingers and lasts for a long time. I sharpen at about 15 degrees per side, so touching up on a Sharpmaker at 20 per side keeps a hair popping edge for months, barring any heavy cutting, like sprayed fireproofing or sheet rock.

I also have an Old Timer in 1095 that I sharpen using the same procedure, and it was still shaving after over 100 cuts through aluminum drink cans.

So to answer your question directly, IME, no.