Having issues with catches in blade after sharpening

[Asterisk]

Hey everybody,

I am brand new to this website. I have found lots of useful information on this site before, so I decided to try my question at an issue I have. It's not super serious, but I would like to resolve it.

I am a novice sharpener, and knife enthusiast (strictly budget pretty much). I currently own a Gerber Strongarm, Mora Companion, Kershaw Brawler, an old Leatherman Supertool, an old Bear MGC lockback (which I love), and a Steel Will Cutjack (D2/FRN, my current EDC).

I use a 1000/6000 King whetstone, along with a 120/240 tool stone, and a plain leather strop. I am to the point in sharpening where I can produce edges that are quite sharp, not bleedingly razor sharp, but satisfactory for me at the moment. They pop hairs off, and they cut paper very well. (As a point of reference, I had a WSKTS, and the edges I can get are a bit sharper than anything I got on the Worksharp.) They slice catalog paper well too, but the issue is that there is always a catch in the blade. There is always a spot where the edge catches and tears the paper. It is still very sharp and functional, but it is a bit frustrating to always have that. So my question is, what do you think it is that causes that? Is it improper burr formation, or not enough metal removal, improper angles, or something else entirely? I would very much appreciate it if you guys can help me get to the bottom of this.

Thanks in advance,

-Joshua

 

[Blues]

Assuming there is no chip, you probably have a burr remnant that hasn't been properly removed.

There are a thousand threads on proper burr removal here in this sub-forum so I won't go into that.

(It is also possible that during your initial sharpening you didn't quite apex that section but that will usually cause that portion of the edge to skate if you test it on a fingernail or with an edge tester.)

 

[Asterisk]

Alright, I will look into that, thanks.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Welcome. If you don't already, use a marker along the bevel to ensure you're getting to the full apex on the entirety of the blade. It's possible there's some uneven factory grinds at play.

Do you have a loupe to help see the edge? That might reveal the issue.

 

[Asterisk]

I don't have a loupe, but I will try the marker method. It's been awhile since I used it, and perhaps I should re-visit it. I should mention that I do raise a good burr along the whole edge (although sometimes it's iffy in places)