How sharp can U get w/ 2000 sandpaper?

[sizzler]

So, I have finally re-profiled my knife from a v bevel on fairly thick steel to a convex bevel. Had to go to 400 grit for quite a while with a heavy hand and took it up through 2000 grit on a thin mousepad on a phonebook. It finally shaves and slices paper reliably. It won't quite push-cut paper, but it is close. No hair popping yet. Does it get any better than this on sandpaper or is it time to move to the strop?

I'm new to the sandpaper sharpening technique so thanks for bearing with me.

 

[stoffi]

Finish off by stropping on the phonebook pages or a newspaper. May take some time though.

 

[Jason B.]

2000 should be at least hair popping with a polished but hazed look. The edge (if you started with fresh sandpaper) may still have a bit of toothyness to it but for the most part should feel smooth and nearly burr free. If the grind is thin enough and the grain of the steel is fine enough you might even be able to whittle hair.

 

[sizzler]

Not exactly a "thin" grind. That was part of the initial problem. Had to break the shoulder to get an acceptable angle and that took some work. It is O1, but I don't know if that matters.

Anyway, thanks, I'll keep at it with the paper for now.