Does Sharpness Matter ?

Kevin,

The way I think about it is, is it a deal killer? If I get a great opportunity to get a Virgil England piece, the fact that it isn't sharp wouldn't stop me. Obviously, all things being equal, I'd rather have a knife be sharp. This is not even worth mentioning.

To be meaningful, this question should be phrased differently, as in, what would you be willing to sacrifice in order to get sharpness? Is sharpness more important than blade materials? Than the maker's name? Than handle & fittings materials? Than the design? Etc, etc.

JD

Good points.
Don't know if it would be a deal breaker for me or not. Probably depend on the knife and situation.
Would be interesting to hear what collectors would sacrifice for sharpness.
 
Every knife, no matter the functional area, should be sharp. A knife cuts stuff, be it in a kitchen or at a camp. I have spent too much time sharpening to feel there is any blade geometry that is both acceptable for a knife edge and unable to shave hair from my arm. I have gotten axes sharp enough to shave, and can get an arm hair shaving edge with a single cut bastard file. I do not believe in a 'working' edge or one that is too obtuse to be sharp.
I have had a couple folders $500 plus that were dull, as in did not even have an edge bevel, only a primary grind. Utterly disappointing.
 
Quote hh: "I have had a couple folders $500 plus that were dull, as in did not even have an edge bevel, only a primary grind. Utterly disappointing."
this is the experience i had that precipitated my posting.
what i want to know is: why does a maker send a knife out without properly sharpening it ? need to hear back from a maker who does or has done this.
i have asked this of 2 custom knifemakers but received nebulous answers.
is it possible that after all the meticulous, carefully focused work to build the knife, and such relief when it all finally comes together with near perfection, that the energy to now focus on the final edge is lost ?
roland
 
I'm actually surprised in hearing that some makers don't sharpen their knives.
The term "collector edge" mentioned above even bothers me a little.

I have never received a knife from a maker that wasn't scary sharp even considering I buy collectible grade knives. Granted, I have only purchased a few higher end folders.
 
Agree the "fit for purpose" and geometry comments. With those aside and an appreciation for the historical significance of an older knife....

My knives must be sharp! The ability and willingness to apply the appropriate edge is a significant part of the makers skill set. Avoiding sharpening a blade with the rationale that it might impact the quality of the finished knife is like saying the handle has a poor fit because I might have damaged the mammoth ivory if I continued. Maybe okay for some, not for me.

Kevin, you're a car guy. Would you buy a "high performance car" that did 0-60 in 11 but looked like muscle? Tactical gun guys, would you buy a Les Baer AR if it shot 5 M.O.A. but looked really "tactical"? Shotgun guys, a Halloway and Naughton double where you couldn't get proper cheek weld because they didn't want to risk the aestetic? Even if they are garage or safe queens they need the ability to perform as intended or their value is diminished. For me, same holds for knives and sharpness.

Don, if you ever send me a knife that isn't scary sharp you and I are gonna get into a slap fight like a couple of little girls at Blade! :D
 
Agree the "fit for purpose" and geometry comments. With those aside and an appreciation for the historical significance of an older knife....

My knives must be sharp! The ability and willingness to apply the appropriate edge is a significant part of the makers skill set. Avoiding sharpening a blade with the rationale that it might impact the quality of the finished knife is like saying the handle has a poor fit because I might have damaged the mammoth ivory if I continued. Maybe okay for some, not for me.

Kevin, you're a car guy. Would you buy a "high performance car" that did 0-60 in 11 but looked like muscle? Tactical gun guys, would you buy a Les Baer AR if it shot 5 M.O.A. but looked really "tactical"? Shotgun guys, a Halloway and Naughton double where you couldn't get proper cheek weld because they didn't want to risk the aestetic? Even if they are garage or safe queens they need the ability to perform as intended or their value is diminished. For me, same holds for knives and sharpness.

Don, if you ever send me a knife that isn't scary sharp you and I are gonna get into a slap fight like a couple of little girls at Blade! :D

I'm with you buddy. :thumbup:
 
Don, if you ever send me a knife that isn't scary sharp you and I are gonna get into a slap fight like a couple of little girls at Blade! :D

No worries there, my friend!

Makers should already know how to sharpen knives before they start making them :eek:

This is very weird!
 
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