micro teeth-sharp

Lycosa

Lycosa

Joined
Aug 24, 2007
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I read an article in a knife mag. a few years ago on obtaining the sharpest edge. From what I understood, the "teeth" on the edge should be micro.As small, uniformed and polished as possible. The smoother, the edge, the better. The "teeth" information, stating teeth made the sharpest edge, was incorrect. True or false? Thanks.
 
As far as ultimate sharpness sure, but as far as cutting performance? Try it yourself sometime. Sharpen up a knife to a really super-smooth polished edge and another to an equally sharp medium coarse edge. I'll take the toothy one thanks :) I've found about the best compromise is the edge I get off of a 1000 grit shapton waterstone, very "grabby" yet will easily treetop hairs. The best performing edge I ever managed was with a belt sander on a worn out 120 grit belt, the teeth were large enough you could see them but after a quick stropping it would treetop hairs without any sort of pull, and thick nylon rope was cut with no effort. It also held that edge for a good long time. I've never quite been able to replicate that edge even on the same knife with the same belt, it just never performed quite the same.
 
There is no single perfect edge. We discussed it on different thread and grid of sharpness may be different - sizes of micro-tooth (which always present - think about how abrasive affects the edge). Edge with 0.15 micron polish able to whittle hair, edge with 3 micron polish will not whittle hair but will cut more with pure draw cut. We learned it already with experiments I posted on YouTube.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Also somewhat contrary to what many believe I like to use a toothy edge on my kitchen and edc knives and a polished edge on large chopping blades. The polished edge works better and seems to be more durable cutting through wood and bamboo although you do give up some slicing aggression. When I have to trim the bananna trees though alot of times it's better to have a long blade that slices well. It's a simple matter to alternate with a diamond rod or stone and a ceramic stick. Hit it with the stick to put on a quick polished edge, and if you want tooth for cutting performance a few licks on coarse diamond (or a belt sander for machetes) and a quick strop will do you good.
 
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