Edge geometry on bk2 - V vs convex and polished vs coarse

[dallastxco]

We all know that the bk2 is not the easiest knife to sharpen. It takes more patience than with most knives because of the angles, weight and dimensions of the knife. Edge geometries generate a lot of controversy and confusion among knife enthusiasts, so I decided to see what my fellow beckeroos have to say about the topic.

1. V vs convex. Convex is durable for field use, however V seems more useful, specially when combined with a coarse edge.

2. Polished is great for push cutting and useful in an urban environment, however but it takes far more time and dedication to maintain. It also seems to lack bite with natural materials whereas the coarse edge seems to be more than sufficient for bushcrafting, survival, etc.

3. I was recently advised to put a V "toothy" or coarse edge on field knives rather than a polished edge. So far I'm satisfied.

Your thoughts?

 

[vittorioe89]

We all know that the bk2 is not the easiest knife to sharpen. It takes more patience than with most knives because of the angles, weight and dimensions of the knife. Edge geometries generate a lot of controversy and confusion among knife enthusiasts, so I decided to see what my fellow beckeroos have to say about the topic.

1. V vs convex. Convex is durable for field use, however V seems more useful, specially when combined with a coarse edge.

2. Polished is great for push cutting and useful in an urban environment, however but it takes far more time and dedication to maintain. It also seems to lack bite with natural materials whereas the coarse edge seems to be more than sufficient for bushcrafting, survival, etc.

3. I was recently advised to put a V "toothy" or coarse edge on field knives rather than a polished edge. So far I'm satisfied.

Your thoughts?

1.) I find a polished convex to be superior for fine work.. ie. whittling, fuzz sticks, cleaning animals. Toothier edges seem to cut ropes and things better but a polished edge can get the job done.

2.) I would dispute this. I have used the back of my sheath to quickly freshen up a convex edge on occasion. It is very easy to keep up with once you are familiar with it. Much easier than carrying a stone or something with you.

3.) Depends what you are doing in the field. Both have their pros and cons and are better suited for different tasks.

 

[JWL]

All I can say is I'm thrilled with the polished convex edge I put on my BK2, and I can't imagine using something else. That said I'm still pretty much a newbie and don't pretend to know everything. But convexing my BK2 took it next-level for me.

 

[jim62]

We all know that the bk2 is not the easiest knife to sharpen. It takes more patience than with most knives because of the angles, weight and dimensions of the knife. Edge geometries generate a lot of controversy and confusion among knife enthusiasts, so I decided to see what my fellow beckeroos have to say about the topic.

1. V vs convex. Convex is durable for field use, however V seems more useful, specially when combined with a coarse edge.

I am curious, in what way is a V Bevel more "useful" than a convex? Please be specific.

 

[DerekH]

For me, convex, with a slight "toothy-ness" to it. Say green strop compound at best.

 

[bdmicarta]

If you start with a Becker it has some form of V already on it. If you convert that to convex it seems that essentially you are "streamlining" the edge, IOW just taking off the corners. This would probably improve the cutting performance in most materials and might or might not make it easier to sharpen because you have reduced the amount of micro V right at the edge. Each time you sharpen it by removing material you take it closer back to a V.

If you make a knife from scratch with a convex edge then it seems that the blade right behind the edge is probably fatter than it would be if it was ground with multiple V's and thus it might be stronger for chopping, but when starting with a knife already made you don't have this option unless you move the edge back and regrind it.

 

[Shotgun]

I've found the exact opposite to be true. Either edge angle works but convex is easier to maintain IMO. A polished edge is also easier to maintain. The key is to keep it sharp. Letting it get dull and starting the sharpening process back at 600 grit and working up is a pain. My Izula 2 has a 2000 grit, stropped with black bark river compound, and then stropped with green compound edge on it and I'm thinking of upping to 2500 grit before the stropping. I edc it and sharpen it maybe every couple of weeks for all of 5 minutes each time with just the strop. I even sharpen my choppers like this.

As far as use, polished edges are king on wood. The more polished the better. When making fuzz sticks a polished edge slides through the wood like butter. A toothy edge grinds and requires more force to accomplish the same task. Like vittorioe89 said, the only area where a toothy edge will be better in the field is if you're cutting a lot of rope. A LOT of rope or IMO it has no advantage. I would be interested to know the experience level of the person who told you a toothy V grind is best for the woods.

 

[SoldMyHat]

I say, whatever edge you can best maintain is the best for you. Doesn't matter how good it is if you can't keep it sharp. There is a reason that knives have girl names. Some like blondes. Some like brunettes. Some chubby girls. Some skinny girls. Whatever works best for you and you can maintain is what you should go with. Play with all the options and have in doing it.

 

[tomsch]

Give me a chubby blonde Really through I have the best luck with V edges. Not because I think they are the best, it is more that they are easy for me to maintain. I do have a goal to get good at convex edges over the spring though and will probably start with my BK9.

 

[GingivitisKahn]

I convexed my BK2's edge a year or so ago and haven't looked back. Spent about two minutes tonight with sandpaper and non-slip shelving material and then about thirty seconds on my strop and it seems sharp enough for rough work anyway...

Never found the BK2 to be particularly difficult to maintain.

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Beckerhead #42