Maximizing Edge Retention – What CATRA Reveals about the Optimum Edge

Larrin said:
I don’t see how disagreeing with you has made the conversation unhealthy, or why the two sentences I wrote has made me “defensive.” You are interpreting a lot about my emotional state based on two sentences.
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Yes, Larrin has been very accepting, and patient of criticism, and I've seen no indication otherwise. I only jumped in here originally to make a statement of caution, about "reading more into the study and articles, than is constructive", but frankly, that should have been, and was, obvious to most of us. Larrin, I believe, gave us credit, that we would understand the limits of the test, and not jump to conclusions.

I have less faith in people, so I wanted to advise caution, specifically, as opposed to assuming that; "it goes without saying". In my experience, among enough people, nothing ever really is so obvious, that it doesn't warrant disclaiming, and I'm sure we'll still see makers pop up using extrapolations of this data, as their new found "claim to fame", proving how they're smarter than the rest of us, and making statements about how great their performance is, because they're following the magic formula, they think is laid out by this data.

None of that is on Larrin. He's been incredibly giving of his time and wisdom on this subject, and exceptionally open to debate, from what I've seen so far. I'll admit I was skeptical when he showed up, which is why I haven't said anything on his previous posts (and because I'm no better than an arm-chair metallurgist like most of us, so really what, do I have to say?), but we really should give the guy credit where due, and thank him for his efforts, to all of our benefit.

We've had overzealous self proclaimed experts do damage in this area of information, in the past, that wouldn't accept anyone questioning their "gospel". This clearly isn't the case.


Thank you Larrin. I appreciate, more than your contribution of knowledge, your openness, and willing to explore these things with us, and hope you will continue to do so.
 
I’ve gotten a lot of support from many people since writing articles and I would say that overall it’s been a very positive experience. I can’t pretend that there aren’t any comments that bother me but I’ve been on Internet forums plenty long enough to know to ignore the ones I can’t engage with in a positive or constructive manner. Internet communication can be difficult in that text is somewhat emotionless and I for one one do not often throw in enough smiley emojis. :) I’ve seen people talk their way off of forums and are eventually banned and I would like to think I am level-headed enough to avoid that. It does no good to my reputation or to promoting fruitful discussion to go bananas every time I disagree with someone.
 
Larrin said:
I’ve gotten a lot of support from many people since writing articles and I would say that overall it’s been a very positive experience. I can’t pretend that there aren’t any comments that bother me but I’ve been on Internet forums plenty long enough to know to ignore the ones I can’t engage with in a positive or constructive manner. Internet communication can be difficult in that text is somewhat emotionless and I for one one do not often throw in enough smiley emojis. :) I’ve seen people talk their way off of forums and are eventually banned and I would like to think I am level-headed enough to avoid that. It does no good to my reputation or to promoting fruitful discussion to go bananas every time I disagree with someone.
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To be clear, I want you to keep on doing what you’re doing and finding success, and I’m encouraging you to not take feedback or questions as criticism. There also might be a bit of lost in internet translation as you say. Just remember that’s folks perceptions have a sneaky way of becoming their realities. Keep being geeky with your steel.
 
Larrin... your "reading one chapter" book analogy was spot on. This was only a small part specific to one aspect of knifemaking. A tiny window within another tiny window. I think folks(myself included) tend to read beyond the scope of tests like these.

I am reminded of a funny quote... though, it is the reverse of what we are talking about here...
"There are two types of people in this World. Those who can extrapolate from incomplete data."
 
For what its worth I sharpened my straight razor last night with 600 grit DMT. I then stropped on a stir stick with green compound. It shaved pretty good but it was a relief when I switched back to my Gillet 500 bladed razor.

Its pretty impressive how good of edge can be given with just a 600 grit stone.

It makes me ask questions though. Are many abrasives burnishing rather than cutting in fine grits? I know some test show that lower grit edges last longer than high grit. Could the it be the fatigue from the burnishing action? It's a interesting question at least.
 
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