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- Jun 4, 2010
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Hey Martin:
See if this diagram gets us on the same page....
However, when the edge height and edge width are held constant, the V edge will be more acute and the convex edge will be more robust.
Josey
My last contribution to this thread, as its not progressing.
This illustration shows exactly what I've been saying. Diagram H1 is essentially irrelevant to the discussion from my POV, those edges have different inclusive angles.
H2 shows a convex inside the boundaries of a V bevel, yet both have the same inclusive angle - this will always be true. At he same inclusive angle, a convex ground edge will always have less meat behind the edge = less resistance cutting many materials. Only a much more acute V bevel will fit inside a convex profile (illustrated by H1), and without making that edge more acute, one can make it cut more efficiently for many tasks by removing the shoulders and reducing their drag. You will not find a single quality axe or hatchet that does not incorporate a convex grind with the possible exception of the Fiskars brand - and these work far better if they are convexed. The same goes for machetes. This is not imagination at work, the difference is easily apparent and the recommendation to prepare choppers in this fashion is very well established. A V bevel will need a (much) more acute edge angle and will become weak for heavy use before it can compare to a convex at a slightly more broad inclusive. It will also loose most of its wedging action.
For day to day use with smaller tools I have no real preference, but I wouldn't think of using a chopper for any serious task that hadn't been ground convex.