Factory edge or sharpen?

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Pcgjr47

Joined
Dec 16, 2018
Messages
35
Just curious how many crk owners keep your factory edge as long as you can then send it out to factory for a sharpen ?
How many just say F it and sharpen themselves ?

I have a few CRK’s now I’m on the fence about sharpening. I use my wicked edge on all my other knives with great results but something about touching my reeve edges makes me cringe
 
After my factory edge was beyond stropping to get where I wanted it, I put a straight V edge on my Large Inkosi at precise 20 degree per side bevels. It is a far better performer now, and has held that edge extremely well, in fact the best performing S35VN I have had in many, many examples. Frankly, it has become my favorite steel/edge combo (and I have owned practically every "super steel" out there, with the notable exception of Magnacut - gotta' try that one next). I know switching from convex makes purists cringe, but I like this knife so much better now. (done on a Wicked Edge WE130)
 
Ages ago, I bought the spyderco sharpmaker. I was surprised to see it mentioned on the card that comes with CRK as a way to sharpen (not sure if it's still listed). I generally just keep it touched up with really good results. My CRK's aren't hair popping sharp, but they do their job. Then when it's time for a spa, I let CRK take care of it.
 
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Stropping on basswood (with 1 micron diamond) and bare leather are usually the first line.
Sharpmaker is also an easy way to go for a quick tune up or microbevel.

Otherwise, freehand, and lastly, the Edge Pro if I need to fix an issue or be more precise. (I rarely ever use the Edge Pro. I just like to keep it simple.)

With my new MagnaCut tanto, I plan to strop as long as I can to maintain it.

I have no plans to send my knives to Idaho barring something major.
 
I sharpen my own knives when they need it. I use a ceramic rod and strop to maintain the edge between sharpening's. I also keep the factory angles to prevent from removing too much steel from the blade.
 
A few other things to consider. First, the factory will use a belt grinder, which removes more steel than necessary. Second, you will get better edge longevity from your aftermarket edge. If you have the means to maintain your own edge, you'll get more out of your knife. Third, you can choose your own edge finish. And for me, fourth, I feel more like the knife is mine after I sharpen it.
 
Another thing to consider is that manufacturers often sharpen at a relatively obtuse angle, and they often have different angles on each side of the blade. I've seen factory edges that are 25° on one side and 20° on the other. The average is around 20 degrees per side, but they're all over the map. Twenty dps really isn't ideal for most EDC users. It won't cut as well, and it will dull sooner than an edge laid back to 15-17 dps.
 
Pcgjr47 said:
Well seems Im just being a pussy.
Thanks for the feedback I guess it’s time to get crackn and just touch them up a bit
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I will offer this. You don't have to learn everything in one day or one sitting. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

If you are apprehensive about messing up your expensive knife, and you'd be right to be cautious...practice on your kitchen knives and less expensive pocket knives until you are reasonably confident that you can restore an edge...before even considering reprofiling.

Lots of folks have lots of opinions about what is best and what is ideal, but the bottom line is your satisfaction that the knife is performing the tasks that you want it to...in an appropriate fashion.

Don't jump into the deep end of the pool before you feel ready. Some of us never feel the need to go full...ret... blast.
 
Pcgjr47 said:
Well seems Im just being a pussy.
Thanks for the feedback I guess it’s time to get crackn and just touch them up a bit
Click to expand...

This is precisely why I use budget folders. I would be way too timid to beat the hell out of $500 folder. Thats just me though, because some people defibitely do!
 
I'm a bit of an oddball that likes thin edges, so CRK factory edge geometry doesn't really suit me at all. They get sharpened. (Freehand on diamond stones)

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If you have the Wicked Edge, I'm not sure why you're apprehensive. It's one of the easiest sharpening systems out there. Matching the factory angle should be simple if you don't want to go with a sharper angle.
 
tokerblue said:
If you have the Wicked Edge, I'm not sure why you're apprehensive. It's one of the easiest sharpening systems out there. Matching the factory angle should be simple if you don't want to go with a sharper angle.
Click to expand...
This is true. Even I can use it, and I'm half dumb ass and the other half klutz.
 
Crk edges are pretty bad from the factory. The angles are waaaaay to obtuse near the tip to be a good cutting tool out of the box. I don’t understand why they give the knife pry bar edge geometry and then tell their customers that prying voids the warranty.

So i sharpen them myself. 17 or 18 degrees per side seems to be a solid middle ground with their folders.
 
I've always sharpened my own knives, axes, wood chisels, plane irons, etc. I used a set of Japanese water stones for years to keep things razor sharp, but I bought a Sharpmaker about 10 years ago & that's about all I use on knives anymore. 20 degrees on the Sharpmaker gets the CRKs about the way I like them. I'll occasionally strop the edges on a cardboard box when one's available.
 
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