Do you need a razor sharp knife for bushcraft work?

[Wind_Slash]

I have been pondering this....seems like if the edge is to thing than it could roll or bend easy doing bushcraft work.

 

[Shotgun]

There's a difference between razor sharp and razor thin. Razor sharp is great for bushcraft, razor thin is not.

My outdoors knives have a 2000 grit finish with some swipes on a strop after and I've seen guys go further with the grits.

 

[Fancier]

Sharp is always good, but there is such a thing as too thin edged for the work to be done.
For example a wood working scandi grind (zero bevel or flat ground) knife is often described as having a lot of steel behind the edge to support it, despite the fact that they are typically ground at lower angles and absolutely razor sharp.
You can also distinguish between toothy and polished edges, they are good for different things but both can be sharp.

 

[HwangJino]

I polish my outdoor knives but not a thin edge, but it is still polished and slices into wood easily.

I dont understand why anyone would want toothy if polished was an option, im beginning to think some must not have the opportunity to experiment on some high grit stones as I have.

 

[usframe]

as with any situation, very sharp is nice to have, but as long as the blade doesn't require unusual force to make cuts, you know, the sort of thing that causes one to think "this blade isn't sharp." all should be fine. We often have something along to dress the edge in the field.

 

[The Mastiff]

I've seen 50 degree inclusive edges that could shave hair. That is a quality edge, but a thick one. Would I want the edge from a cut throat type straight razor for woodwork? Nope. Sharp enough to shave? Maybe. It depends on the steel, edge, and work I intend to use it for.

 

[dogstar]

It's the same reason you want a sharp knife in the kitchen. A dull blade will force you to push harder, slips more easily, more likely to cut you.