How are knives sharpened at factory?

[jzmtl]

Just wondering. All the knives I have seem to have the same pattern at edge, very visible vertical grind lines, but the surface is quite polished. It's different from what I get from bench stones, or polished edge from very high grit sandpaper.

 

[nate1714]

it really depends on the brand and who makes it....i know some use belt sanders others use grinders....

 

[Kohai999]

Just wondering. All the knives I have seem to have the same pattern at edge, very visible vertical grind lines, but the surface is quite polished. It's different from what I get from bench stones, or polished edge from very high grit sandpaper.

Little frikkin' elves.

Power equipment, son...power equipment. Very similar if not the same to the 2" x 72" belt grinders used by knife makers far and wide.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson

 

[steelfury]

Hmm, I wondered this as well. no matter how hard i try to get my grind lines dead straight all the way along the edge it never 'looks' as good as the paralell factory grind. the sharpness is goodthough.

This is with an edge pro apex.

 

[richard j]

i was told that a few brand name makers use the cardboard wheels. i cant remember how many or who but i will find out. i think case might be one.

 

[5pins]

Buck uses large belt grinders. A worker stands there and grinds the knife sharp, checks it by cutting a piece of paper, puts it in a box. It looked pretty tedious. They work 4 10-hour shifts. I would think a person would get pretty good after awhile.

 

[spyken]

the spydie guys do the best job. I wonder what grit belt they use and the sharpener guy could easily work weekend jobs as a professional sharpener.