Mirrored edges, whats the point?

grand594

grand594

Joined
Feb 24, 2011
Messages
175
okay, so I picked up a ZT560 in the exchange and the previous owner put a mirrored edge on it...

I don't get it. it seems like a lot of work and that it would take a lot more work to maintain that glossy look. I haven't need to cut anything in the week that ive had it, so i don't know if it cuts better or if its a cosmetic thing. i understand how its done, i just dont under stand why.
 
Usually it will cut better(I guess that's a matter of opinion), it gives the knife a much finer edge. Some people love em some hate em. Part of it is cosmetic as well, but I think most people that do it also enjoy the process of doing it and maintaining it.
 
Different kinds of edges are better for different things too. Toothy edges are better for slicing, mirror edges are better for cutting. Even then though you have to factor in edge geometry, etc. Different strokes.
 
i think its more cosmetic. i tend to like coarser edges but i can give a coarse edge a mirror finish. i can use a concrete block to work up a burr and put a mirror finish on it in a few seconds that will shave and still cut like crazy.
 
Why? For all out performance (depending on what you are doing).

Think about it this way, if you have to slide two surfaces over one another, what is easier to move, two polished surfaces or two rough surfaces?

Granted, in the area of folding pocket knives, this is not a sizable difference (but it is measurable for push cutting;)). But in harder use blades, there is a distinct advantage to polished surfaces.
 
corrosion will degrade a polished edge bevel less, in my experience.
 
I do it largely for the bling factor. And as knife sickos, we are always after the baddest, sharpest edge we can get. A mirrored edge may be some objective evidence that we have a very sharp knife, and I think it just looks darn good too.
 
As far as refining an edge, the finer it is, the sharper. Thats why people would strop with a very fine compound after sharpening which gives it that mirror finish, as well as a razor sharp edge. However, you should note: every razor sharp edge(non toothy) would have a mirror polish, but every mirror polished edge doesnt mean its sharp.

Aside from sharpness alone, it has advantages. As someone mentioned, it will be more resistant to rust and staining. Also, it will have less surface friction, making it a better slicing tool. Its one of those things where the bling factor goes hand in hand with its performance and capabilities.
 
when i got an edgepro, i went all in on the mirrored edge. boy they were sharp and looked good too! but after dulling one pretty good i didn't feel like repeating the whole process to restore that mirror edge. i went to diamond stones and never looked back
 
In my opinion, there is no real practical purpose in having a perfectly even, mirror-polished edge on your knife. I think the folks who have said that it's primarily a cosmetic thing are right on the money. :thumbup:

In my experience, Perfectly even, mirror-polished edges do not cut noticeably better than a slightly toothier edge in practical uses (and with a lot of materials, they do not cut as well as a toothier edge), they take a disproportionate amount of time/effort/equipment to produce, and they don't really hold their edge any longer under actual use.

I generally sharpen my knives freehand on a 1000-1200 grit stone, then strop them a couple of times on diamond paste. They will cut absolutely anything that needs cutting.
 
I wonder how often people claiming that polished edges do not stay sharp as long are basing this claim on an edge from a guided system. Polished edges that are convex from freehand sharpening seem to last a good long while;)
 
I do it cause I like the looks of it, I generally add a Microbevel right after its done. It also reminds me how far my freehanding has come
2012-07-15_15-22-21_210.jpg
 
unit said:
I wonder how often people claiming that polished edges do not stay sharp as long are basing this claim on an edge from a guided system. Polished edges that are convex from freehand sharpening seem to last a good long while;)
Click to expand...

Wait, has anyone claimed that? :confused:
 
If you are like me you end up with polished edges on all your knives when you are attempting to get them as sharp as humanly possible. Do they work better? Not sure but there is a small sense of pride when you start with an uneven factory grind and produce what some of us consider to be a work of art;)
 
I'm always impressed when I see them.
By hand, or with a worksharp, followed up by coated and plain strops, I've never quite been able to achieve one myself.

I bought a used 0551 of the Bay, the seller said "sharpened." When I received it, id had the most wicked, highly polised, convex edge I've seen in person.
It shaves hair, slices paper, dices tomatoes, and cut/chopped a dozen small (1/2" to 1" dia) olive tree branches in minutes.
After that, I wiped it down, and it still shaves and slices.

I can't say for sure whether it's the Elmax, the polished edge, or a combination - but color me impressed.
Plus, it looks cool.
 
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