edge performance factors

[rayback]

Is maintaining equal angles in both bevels not crucial, or not the most important factor as far as edge performance concerned?

What are the most important factors ?

Thanks
Ray

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Is maintaining equal angles in both bevels not crucial, or not the most important factor as far as edge performance concerned?

It makes little difference in performance. The limiting factor in sharpness is the level of damage or debris left on the edge after sharpening, commonly called the burr. You want the edge to meet in as crisp a line as possible which means not using excessive pressure, not trying to form an edge on weakened steel, not using heavily worn/loaded stones, etc. . At a given sharpness, the largest factors are the angle and the finishing grit.

-Cliff