Glock Knife: to re-profile or not?

[Whisper21]

I bought a Glock field knife and I read that they come from the factory with a rather dull, bayonet type of grind and sharpness. If I were to sharpen along the factory grind can I get a very sharp cutting edge or must I re-profile?

 

[LeonJ]

From my experience with said knife/bayonet, you've got to give it a slightly lower angle to be able to use its full potential. The steel isn't hard enough to allow for very low angles without taking damage when used though, so it's a bit of a right rope between durability and sharpness.

 

[williamv123]

I have had my Glock 81 for about a year now and finally gave up trying to get a decent edge on the factory grind. Decided to take the Smith's system to it and after about 40min to an hour, and a few whacks with a ceramic rod, the profile is perfect and pops hair off my arm as well as the sharpest knives i own.
If the steel is in fact 1095 with a decent heat treat, (I tend to believe it is 1055)..It should hold an edge reasonably well. I can tell you that it WILL take a very keen edge, so dont give up on it. I havent really used it too much, but plan to now that it cuts well.
What amazes me about the knife is the durability....

 

[Chris Larrikin]

I had heard they used 5160 hardened in the low 50s but I dont remember where I heard it. It might even be a previous thread here.

 

[williamv123]

5160 sounds about right. I wouldn't be surprised if that is what is being used. It may not hold an edge that long but it's super tough. I don't know why, but I like most people on this forum find it imperative to know the steel used in our blades.

 

[Jason B.]

I re-ground mine to convex on a belt sanders and use a coarse stone to sharpen when needed, which is often. It's tough as a hammer but holds a edge like a sharpened copper pipe. Makes a great throwing knife too.

 

[HoosierQ]

I re-ground mine to convex on a belt sanders and use a coarse stone to sharpen when needed, which is often. It's tough as a hammer but holds a edge like a sharpened copper pipe. Makes a great throwing knife too.

This is my experience. It really is the sharpened prybar that people talk about. Which given what it was designed for, it probably a good thing. It will be a no use on the trail, in the camp, etc. If you need to punch a hole in a steel drum...you got something that will do it.