Kershaw Outcast again.

udtjim

udtjim

Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
6,583
I had one of these for quite a while but never used it. I sold once when I found myself sort of long in the big chopper dept. I looked at a new on today at a gun show and almost bought it until a Kabar showed up that I had been watching for. Anyway It got me thinking about some recent talk here about it. Most agreed that it's a tough SOB and a good chopper for the money. However several of you talked about working on the grind to get the best from it. What needs to be done to accomplish that task. Do you mean convexing the edge or just changing the edge angle? One would not want to thin it much would he? Thanks:)
 
I convexed mine, reducing the bevel from the shoulder by about 50%. Vast improvement. Doing it by hand takes a LONG time. I love it now.
 
I convexed mine as well, although the main thing was reducing the edge angle, mine could chop a 1" manilla, but for cutting it was just too obtuse.
 
I've convexed mine also. But I didn't go as thin as J did. I still wanted some beef in the grind. I've used it to clear brush, vines and small trees along a fence line, split kindling, and also sliced a few tenderloins. It also works great for quartering a deer, too. Goes thru bone in one easy whack.

They are a lot of knife for the money.
 
I should get another one and send it right to siguy or richard. I can maintain a good convex once I have it done right.
 
You've gotta love a good convex edge on a big blade. :D

When Kershaw designed the Outcast, they did it on the "Go Big or Go Home" philosophy, but they no doubt did it well.
 
It benefits a lot from a convex grind. I thinned mine out and took the edge to 40-degrees inclusive. I started with sandpaper, but getting fed up with that, took it to my diamond lapidary equipment. Finished it up with sandpaper and put a microbevel on with the sharpmaker. It easily shaves and push-cuts, but is durable enough to withstand heavy work.

Phillip
 
udtjim said:
I should get another one and send it right to siguy or richard. I can maintain a good convex once I have it done right.
Click to expand...

I can't speak for siguy's work, but I know richard j will have that puppy shaving sharp!
 
i sent you a pm udtjim. macgregor22 was amazed at what i had done to his. chuck geyer and joe south both loved it too. if i were to compare the sharpness to another knife it would be the one i made for michdad. check out the vid in my sig line. if you get a set of the wheels, you can maintain the edge a lot longer without having to work up a burr or spend a long time stropping it. the paper buffing wheel takes the place of a leather strop. in this vid i'm removing a burr on macgregor22's ash. i gave it a few extra passes just to make sure i had it sharp. http://www.myculpeper.com/rj/2008richardj4.wmv i had just convexed the edge on my belt sander. he cut himself later that day on it.
 
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My Outcast is really amazing. I haven't modified the edge and it lops branches off like no body's business. I got it in a trade from a BF member.


One of the best choppers out there. Anybody get a new sheath or mod the sheath for more comfortable carry?
 
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