Factory edge sharpness - who is best?

T

TrojanMike

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May 12, 2015
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I have a modest collection of Hinderers, CRK, Strider, Spydies, Benchmade, and Lionsteel. Spyderco consistently cuts better in every model that I've ever owned. Benchmade and Lionsteel are pretty good with factory edges and of the "Big 3", I would rank them CRK, Strider, with Hinderer coming in last. I'm not slamming any brand, just making an observation and I've owned several models from each maker.

What other brands, production to mid-tech come phone paper slicing sharp?
 
I agree that Spyderco is consistently the best.

Survive! does a very good job as well.
 
I also say spyderco....
My southard (while not considered sharp out of the box) was much sharper than my sebenzas.
I'm starting to think, the cheaper the knife the sharper it comes?

My most expensive blades came the most dull.
 
The couple of Viper knives I've handled have had superb edges. Of the more "mainstream" companies, Spyderco is definitely the best in this regard.
 
Rockstead is the best at factory sharpness, no doubt.

I recently got a Spartan Phrike, and I was pleasantly surprised at how sharp it was!

I've never been too impressed by Spyderco and CRK. They weren't dull, but definitely not what I'd consider "exceptionally sharp".. I've had 3 CRK's and at least 6 or more Spydercos (can't remember).
 
Pro Tech TR-3......screaming sharp.
Hogue EX-04........totally demonic edge.......the entire edge front to back.
Spydie Southard.....WOW sharp.
Benchmade 943......massive massive slicer.

Massive disappointment in regards to fondleability.....Spydie Pac Salt......horrible.
Spydie Endura with CE.
 
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My rankings:

Excellent sharpness: Spyderco (except for the Volloten, which is an abnormally thick blade) and ZT

Good sharpness: Kershaw (edges generally very good, some points have burrs), Ken Onion's work for CRKT, Benchmade, Victorinox (great considering price and volume, again issues seem to be mostly burrs on the point)

Fair: Buck, Leatherman

Poor: CRKT, Gerber
 
My sharpest factory folders have been Shirogorovs hands down, but Shun kitchen knives win all time factory sharpest in my experience.
 
I have had good luck the past few years with the Kershaws I've purchased. Consistently very sharp out of the box, even more so with a good stropping.
 
TrojanMike said:
I have a modest collection of Hinderers, CRK, Strider, Spydies, Benchmade, and Lionsteel. Spyderco consistently cuts better in every model that I've ever owned. Benchmade and Lionsteel are pretty good with factory edges and of the "Big 3", I would rank them CRK, Strider, with Hinderer coming in last. I'm not slamming any brand, just making an observation and I've owned several models from each maker.

What other brands, production to mid-tech come phone paper slicing sharp?
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I've had two Spyderco Southforks in S90V which were the two sharpest NIB knives I've seen. And Spydercos in general are the sharpest, IMO.
I've had many CRK's and love 'em, but only one came really sharp...the Sebbie 25.
 
Nothing is even close to Rockstead - we all know why. Shirogorovs are very sharp out of the box too.
From cheaper brands Spyderco hands down.
 
berthellen said:
...Shun kitchen knives win all time factory sharpest in my experience.
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Can't argue with that. :cool:

Lately I've been very impressed with the sharpness of Lon Humphey's forged knives.

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One of the sharpest out-of-the-box fixed blades I've handled recently is an Arno Bernard 2015 Featured Knife. Downright spooky. :eek:

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Tom @ KnivesShipFree
 
Sonnydaze said:
I've had two Spyderco Southforks in S90V which were the two sharpest NIB knives I've seen. And Spydercos in general are the sharpest, IMO.
I've had many CRK's and love 'em, but only one came really sharp...the Sebbie 25.
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Similar experience for me on the Southfork and 25. After I've sharpened the 25 it stays that way with minimal stropping, maybe my most carried folder.
 
Seems like we are doing this thread every week or so now. Sharpness out of box only matters if you can't sharpen your knives. If you use your knives they will get dull. I've had dull knives from many companies folks mention as the "sharpest".
 
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