Ken Onion WS problems sharpening ZT 0561

[Terry M.]

I use the KOWS to sharpen all of my knives to a razor edge. I love the machine. But I'm having troubles getting my ZT0561 as sharp as I would like it. I'd like to have it shaving sharp but I just can't seem to get it there. I thought at first it might be the toughness of the Elmax but I've also sharpened my Benchmade D2 Adamas to shaving sharp with it.
Am I missing something or do I just need more patience on getting the edge I want out of Elmax?

Anyone have thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you.

 

[cbwx34]

Probably just need to be a bit more patient… I did a 0770 on the KOWS, and it came out great. One thing that Kershaw (and others) often do is buff one side (usually the left) at a higher angle… so it takes a bit to get this worked out. Even marking it with a Sharpie, it's sometimes hard to see whether or not you've reached the edge without magnification. But no reason you can't get it "shaving sharp". :thumbup:

 

[bgentry]

The most wear resistant steel I've done on the WSKO is probably ZDP-189. I've also done S30V. I think both are several steps down on the ladder of super steels from Elmax. That said, I didn't have any issues with either one. Both ground fine and produced very good edges that shave arm hair.

Have you produced a burr on both sides of your ZT 0561? Removed it properly? I'm guessing you haven't gotten a good full length burr yet. I'd also guess that you're trying to be nice to your knife and you are using something like an X22 belt as a starting point, or even the X4. If those things are both true, you probably should drop back to a more aggressive belt like the X65 or P120 and get that edge worked up to a proper burr.

I'll personally be interested in how you progress with this blade, and secondarily, how close my guesses are to reality.

Good luck,

Brian.