Back in 2002, when I got my new large regular Sebenza, its edge was actually dull, especially from the belly to tip. I used my Sharpmaker to reprofile the edge. Make no mistake, it took a LONG time, but that's how I wanted it. I did NOT want to chance messing up my blade with a super-abrasive system. Since the Sharpmaker removes metal very gradually, I could easily control the rate at which I was going.
I reprofiled starting at 15 degrees per side to thin down the shoulders of the bevel (which took the longest), then eventually finished at 20 DPS. When I finally felt it was satisfactory, I stropped the edge on cardboard. Which actually happened more than once, when I realized I really wasn't satisfied. Overall, I'd estimate I spent a few weeks at it (off and on, not continually) until I was truly satisfied. The bevels are still convex, though.
IMO, if CRK would just put a flat, V-bevel factory edge at 20 DPS, their blades would feel sharper and would probably be as strong, as well as even easier to resharpen. I also feel it would improve their 'bite' when they cut. Although I must say, my 2011 Umnumzaan and 2015 small and large Insingos came very sharp the entire length of their blades. The hollow grinds of the blades themselves, as well as the bevels, are more thinly ground, and are consistent from heel to tip compared to my large regular Seb. I don't know if it has to do with these models having swedges that thins out the blades at the tips, or if standard-bladed Sebenzas are always ground thicker and less sharp towards the tip.
P.S.:
If you use the Sharpmaker, don't run the tip of the blade off the rods on your sharpening strokes. I always end the stroke with the blade tip about halfway across the flat of the rod. Running the tip all the way off the rods can round it off.
Jim
