Edge angle for skinner in M4?

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bludog2

Joined
Sep 4, 2018
Messages
36
Hi All,

I'm having a knife built patterned after the Loveless Skinner. It's coming in M4 at 63-64 HRC, and primary use will be for skinning and processing game. The maker is currently planning on 21 degrees per side. Would a steeper angle with this hard steel, say 17 degrees, provide better overall performance for this intended use?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

bludog2

I also posted this question in the General Knife Discussion forum but have yet to receive a reply. Thanks.
 
I have done a few kitchen knives in M4 64-65 at 15 dps. They are crazy sharp and hold the edge for months. No issues with chipping or edge rolling.
 
You will be fine with 15dps, even less. Between 0.005”-0.010” (at the thickest) before sharpening. Unless you hammer through bone with a skinner.
 
Thanks this seems to be the consensus. Not planning on doing anything stupid, just want a good, consistent, long-lasting slicer/trimmer/skinner, with occasional kitchen duty when needed.
 
bludog2 said:
Thanks this seems to be the consensus. Not planning on doing anything stupid, just want a good, consistent, long-lasting slicer/trimmer/skinner, with occasional kitchen duty when needed.
Click to expand...

I’ve got customers using skinners in z-wear, which is slightly tougher, at Rc63, 0.005”, 11dps, and they hold up well. These steels can use much more aggressive geometry than we have traditionally used for knives.
 
That was my thought, just based on what I've read on this website. It seems like the steeper edge angles really get the best out of these higher end steels. If slicing is your main intent, at least.
 
I didn't see a thickness for this blade posted. Keep in mind, cutting ability not only depends on the angle of the edge but the thickness of the material behind the edge. A blade made from 3/16" will not cut as well as a blade made from 1/8" thick material. It would take a substantially different grind geometry in order to have both blades cut equally well.
Regards, Fred
 
I would do 15DPS and if it has any issues ( which I doubt) just re-sharpen at 17DPS. It will only take a few strokes to increase the angle.
 
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