For Newbies who might be wondering - How do MFRS put edges on knives

[Scott Hemleben]

I know seasoned Bladeformers probably already know this, but some of us curious newcomers might be at a loss as to how the makers get such "perfect" edge grinds. I found a video that shows just how it's done at Spyderco:

Fast forward to 7:25 to see how it's done

 

[ruddyduck]

I need that sharpening robot at my house. I don't know where I'd put it, but I need it.

 

[soc_monki]

And for all I know, and all the research I've done, spyderco is the only manufacturer to use a robot. Imo zero tolerance and Kershaw need one, although their edges have been better recently. I've seen some pretty terrible ones come from KAI though...

 

[Tony_A]

And for all I know, and all the research I've done, spyderco is the only manufacturer to use a robot. Imo zero tolerance and Kershaw need one, although their edges have been better recently. I've seen some pretty terrible ones come from KAI though...

FWIW, Leatherman sharpens their stuff by machine as well--using what looks like the exact same model machine that Spyderco uses.

 

[soc_monki]

FWIW, Leatherman sharpens their stuff by machine as well--using what looks like the exact same model machine that Spyderco uses.

An abb robot and plc? Probably because abb had already done it with spyderco and had programs and procedures in place. I installed a LOT of robots and plcs when I worked at Toyota. There's always tweaking needed, but having something to start with makes its orders of magnitude easier!

 

[Scott Hemleben]

FWIW, Leatherman sharpens their stuff by machine as well--using what looks like the exact same model machine that Spyderco uses.

I'm kind of surprised that more of the big name makers don't use robots to sharpen. Seems it would be cheaper, faster, and more consistent.

 

[Filthyj24]

I can't be the only one who wasn't thinking the OP meant MANUFACTURERS until I opened the thread...

 

[Scott Hemleben]

I can't be the only one who wasn't thinking the OP meant MANUFACTURERS until I opened the thread...

My bad. I should have written Mfr. Rookie mistake. But what did you think about the Spyderco robot? Cool? Not cool?

 

[Filthyj24]

My bad. I should have written Mfr. Rookie mistake. But what did you think about the Spyderco robot? Cool? Not cool?

I think it's a pretty slick MFR.

 

[peppercorn]

I can't be the only one who wasn't thinking the OP meant MANUFACTURERS until I opened the thread...

LMAO!

 

[halden.doerge]

I just assumed it was a question directed at me personally until I started reading the thread...

 

[Scott Hemleben]

I just assumed it was a question directed at me personally until I started reading the thread...

Actually it was directed at you. I hoped I'd garner a response. Now that you're here please give us your thoughts?

 

[halden.doerge]

Actually it was directed at you. I hoped I'd garner a response. Now that you're here please give us your thoughts?

Well, this MFR right here likes to put edges on using the Wicked Edge.

 

[Scott Hemleben]

Beautiful edges. Can't argue with that. Thanks for sharing

 

[Korean Hog]

I can't be the only one who wasn't thinking the OP meant MANUFACTURERS until I opened the thread...

I just caught on to that fact myself, for a second I thought he was just getting really fed up with the factory edges.

 

[marrenmiller]

This is sort of a funny thread to me, because aside from Spyderco and maybe a handful of other small companies, most big knife OEMs put out awful edges that are obtuse, uneven, dull, and/or heat damaged with alarming regularity.

Mad respect to Spyderco for using robots that deliver consistent and acute edges, but I wish Benchmade and KAI would learn that these things exist.

 

[sabre cat]

...respect to Spyderco for using robots that deliver consistent and acute edges, but I wish Benchmade and KAI would learn that these things exist.

IIRC, I have seen a video of CRKT
using a machine to sharpen their products as well.