Knife Edge Degree Question

[fairhaven]

I am thinking of buying a Spyderco Sharpmaker. How does one know what degree the edge is on any given knife?

 

[me2]

The only real way is to buy one and measure it. There is a lot of variation even on the same model from the same manufacturer.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

The only real way is to buy one and measure it. There is a lot of variation even on the same model from the same manufacturer.

^^That, in a nutshell.

Many manufacturers claim a certain 'target' value for their edge angles, but it's rare if they actually hit the target each and every time. And for some makes, it's even rare if they hit it a few times. Sad but true.


David

 

[Twindog]

It's true that factory knives are going to have edges that vary from knife to knife, even within the same model.

You can measure the edge angle with a laser protractor, which is not too expensive. Or you can paint the edge of your knife with a Sharpie and then make light passes on the Sharpmaker at both the 30- and 40-degree stone settings. The part of the edge where the stone scrapes off the ink will give you a rough idea of the edge angle.

 

[hiwa]

one of these:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/images/item/woodworking/sharpening/50k0901s1.jpg