How much does an off-center edge annoy you?

[knifetester]

When changing the profile make sure that you reduce the edge angle and not just apply a relief grind because you want to make the edge the weak point. It is much better to see a slight deformation in the edge, rather than ripple the relief grind.

Interesting, I had never thought about that. Yes, you would want the edge to be the point of damage rather than extending into the primary grind.

What I tend to do is blend my relief grind into the primary grind, then add a micro bevel to the edge.

My grinds have become much more acute, as my awareness for performance potential increases. I also don’t mind a little damage on most of my tools, like Machetes, sine I just grind it out. On my GB axes though, where any significant damage entails a lot of metal removal to fix, I use them with extreme care, probably too conservative

 

[Cliff Stamp]

Yes, you would want the edge to be the point of damage rather than extending into the primary grind.

This is the biggest problem with some knives like the Becker Patrol Machete, Ontario RTAK, and Fehrman Extreme Judgement. The edge angle is way more obtuse than what is necessary to cut even the worse wood, there is no way to dent or roll it, but the primary grind can't come close to that strength, the design is incoherent.

What tends to happen is you push on the knife on harder and harder wood working to judge the scope of work and the edge remains invunerable and then *blam* the primary grind is rippled. A damaged edge just needs to be sharpened, blow a dent 1/2" up into the primary and the blade needs to be annealed, hammered straight and rehardened.

On my GB axes though, where any significant damage entails a lot of metal removal to fix, I use them with extreme care, probably too conservative

With cheaper knives I run the bevels to the point where they tend to get damaged in use, on more expensive knives I usually leave the bevels to the point where they can stand the occasional sloppy hit, primary because I am willing to use up a machete in a couple of summers.

-Cliff