Keeping it sharp

[joesrx]

Guys,

I have a well named knife made of 1095 and I can not keep it sharp. The only way is to buff it with paper wheels. This isn't a which system is better, but what is going on. It is not used heavy and really the only thing I cut with it is paper. Does paper dull a blade that quickly. I am really confused since all my other knives are scary sharp.

 

[rayban]

May be a heat treat problem? Most "well named" production knives would be pretty consistent, but if it's a custom, it's more likely to vary....just me 2 cents worth of guessing.

 

[joesrx]

Its a production and I don't want to name the brand since I own a couple that do take a great edge.

 

[BJE]

You say it only stays sharp if you use paper wheels, sounds like a burr to me. Some steels burr more easily than others, I don't have a lot of problems with my 1095, I would do a little research on this subforum about burrs and their removal. There is some very good info on here.

 

[richard j]

i think rayban might be right about the heat treat. you might consider having it checked out.

 

[RobbW]

If the heat treat is solid, I also suspect a burr. Try cutting harder stuff like wood to break/wear the burr down, then resharpen. Knives may feel sharp right after they're sharpened, but often it's a weak burr that feels sharp, not the edge itself. In my experience, working knives get sharper and stay sharper until a person understands how to work off the burr.