How long do your hair whittling edges last?

[Ankerson]

A hair whittling edge will stay sharper longer than a less sharp edge - it should be able to do quite a bit of cutting before it isn't 'shaving sharp' any more. But is wont stay 'hair whittling sharp' for long if you cut paper with it - paper is abrasive! If the edge is only just 'shaving sharp' then any dulling and it wont shave but if an edge is 'hair whittling sharp' then it can lose a bit of sharpness and still shave hair or slice tomatoes or whatever.

In my experience my sharp knives are easy to keep sharp - I just strop 'em regularly. It's only a first sharpen or a repair that need any real work.

You made a good point, it's always easier to keep a sharp knife sharp than to sharpen a dull knife. Once the edge is as good as it can be it only takes mins to literally bring it right back to the level it was. :thumbup:

 

[termiteslayer]

The whackjob boatbuilder Swede that I apprenticed under was obsessed with the 'sharpening curve'.
The higher up the sharpening curve you are the easier it is for your tool to stay sharp.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to be more true for my high carbon steels.