Imperfect polish on a perfectly sharp edge: Would you keep polishing?

BePrepared

BePrepared

Joined
Aug 26, 2010
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I have a laser sharp edge, that will split a hair, but it's not as polished looking as i'd like

i'm a bit concerned that if i try to polish it anymore i might lose that hair splitting sharpness... I probably won't but i'm not sure since i've never in my life gotten a knife this sharp before.

would you take the chance and go for perfection, or leave it alone?
 
If the knife is a user, then why worry about a polished edge... Get it sharp, then use it.
 
I'd have to forge ahead. If it ain't repeatable it isn't worth treasuring. A sharp edge with a specific characteristic is a fleeting thing, like being in shape for a given task, or having a camp fire just right. If you take it up a notch and it improves it for you then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. If you take it up a notch and it falls a step or two in your estimation then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. Laboratory and field work. Unless its for show only, sharp edges are only as sharp as you can maintain them. Soon you will have made many (or several anyway) knives "this sharp" as long as you understand what you did and practice it.
 
HeavyHanded said:
I'd have to forge ahead. If it ain't repeatable it isn't worth treasuring. A sharp edge with a specific characteristic is a fleeting thing, like being in shape for a given task, or having a camp fire just right. If you take it up a notch and it improves it for you then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. If you take it up a notch and it falls a step or two in your estimation then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. Laboratory and field work. Unless its for show only, sharp edges are only as sharp as you can maintain them. Soon you will have made many (or several anyway) knives "this sharp" as long as you understand what you did and practice it.
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:thumbup: :thumbup: (toes up too :D)

Around 3-4 yrs back I got those hair-splitting sharp with EP and was worried about losing my those precious edges, after all so much time was invested in making them that sharp. Well, I hacked a can of sardine into 2 one evening. The quest for predictable sharp edges begun.

BP - go tinker & learn. Polising edge/bevel/blade is a good place to start... fleeting/bleeding => yes!
 
Are you sharpening the knife to cut, or for it to look good?
 
It is truly a masterpiece when you can duplicate it. Congratulations, now go do it again.

Omar
:rolleyes:
 
HeavyHanded said:
I'd have to forge ahead. If it ain't repeatable it isn't worth treasuring. A sharp edge with a specific characteristic is a fleeting thing, like being in shape for a given task, or having a camp fire just right. If you take it up a notch and it improves it for you then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. If you take it up a notch and it falls a step or two in your estimation then it was worth it and you learned a bunch. Laboratory and field work. Unless its for show only, sharp edges are only as sharp as you can maintain them. Soon you will have made many (or several anyway) knives "this sharp" as long as you understand what you did and practice it.
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Best advice, ever. :thumbup:

This can be a win/win, all the way, no matter which edge type ends up being 'right' for you. Try as many variations as you have resources and time for, and the knowledge gained from all that will be well worth it. And even after you've 'tried' it a given way, it doesn't hurt to go back and try it the same way again. As personal skills improve by repetition, it's amazing how one's perception can & will change, and you'll find your 'conclusions' about certain edge types/finishes will continuously evolve, so long as you keep an open mind.
 
Go for it! You'll end up using the knife sooner or later, so might as well polish away and learn how to put that "perfect" edge on it for next time.

That's why we all have so many knives....so we can sharpen them to nothing :).

Keep in mind, I'm a little OCD with my knife edges...and I'm sure the wear on my knives are more from sharpening than from use ;).
 
Well, i decided to try again... i didn't end up getting the polish perfect, but i did manage to get it dull again, then back to hair whittling.

I also managed to get another knife that sharp, so i know i can reproduce that edge

i think i'm going to need another set of stones to get that perfect mirror edge, but at least i know that i can get my knives sharper than i've ever managed before.
 
If you can't repeat it, it's just an accident. Like taking 100 shots at a 1000 yard target and hitting one. It may be persistance, but it's not particularly impressive marksmanship. 10 shots and hitting one, that's a different story...probably.

Let me split the difference with you. I know how you feel. If you're knife is a user, use it. Cut some stuff...maybe a lot of stuff. Then it'll honestly not be as sharp as you had it and you know you'll want that edge back. Go for the same edge with the polish next time.
 
BePrepared said:
...
I also managed to get another knife that sharp, so i know i can reproduce that edge

i think i'm going to need another set of stones to get that perfect mirror edge, but at least i know that i can get my knives sharper than i've ever managed before.
Click to expand...

nice for you! makes me wanna go practice my freehand sharpening lol.
 
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