Modifying Emerson chisel edge

A

Alberta Ed

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Jun 29, 1999
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After playing with my shiny new CQC-7A for a day or two, I decided to change the chisel edge to a conventional V. Nothing wrong with the Emerson chisel grind, it cuts OK and I supposed it's easier to sharpen than a V, though the technique is basically the same. But I prefer a conventional V edge. So I clamped an ancient Buckmaster honing guide on the back of the CQC-7A so it would produce a more acute angle and went to work on a DMT ultra coarse hone clamped in a workbench vice. Starting with the flat side, I worked it back and forth with moderate pressure until the straight portion of the blade had an even bevel on each edge. That took about half an hour and several thousand strokes, stopping every so often to clean the hone. That was the easy part. The curved tip was harder. I went to my Ryobi rotary tool (Japanese Dremel), and with a round diamond rod at low speed, and the blade held against a thick piece of leather, worked the bevel back around to the tip, very gently so as not to overheat the steel. A nice burr was formed along the entire cutting edge. Then it was on to the DMT bench stones, regular (red) and fine (green), to work off the burr. Ended up with an even, polished V edge that rivals the sharpest blade in my collection, a Scandi in 1070 by Ivan Campos. Emerson CM154 really takes a fine edge; it now easily pops a standing hair. It didn't require taking much metal off, and it was fairly simple to do.
 
Pics would be good. I cheated. I have a couple of duplicate models, so I sent a pair off to Marcel at Wicked Sharp Edges to make into double beveled knives. He has a micro-Commander and an Endeavor that he's modifying for me. I have another one of each in Emerson's standard V-ground, single beveled blade and I'll see how they cut and touch up side-by-side. I'll take some pics and post them when they get back.

My 7AW is one of my sharpest Emersons already and really easy to maintain, so I'm leaving her alone.
 
Tried getting a photo of the finished edges but my camera (and talents) aren't adequate, sorry. Both bevels came out nicely polished, however, but doubtless not as good as a pro could do. Cuts like a screaming witch, though. My opinion of Emerson CM154 has gone up. I would go to the Dremel first if I ever do another, probably get the job done in 10% of the time.
 
Just curious, it didn't change performance by shifting the cutting line? I believe Emerson has a lefty chisel (flat on right side?), so it would of moved cutting line the height of the steel removal, but maybe too small to notice..
 
I am interested in how you like it long term. I was playing with a friend's Emerson chisel blade just the other day. He was not thrilled with how the chisel grind performed and we were contemplating how/what to do with it.
 
HwangJino said:
Just curious, it didn't change performance by shifting the cutting line? I believe Emerson has a lefty chisel (flat on right side?), so it would of moved cutting line the height of the steel removal, but maybe too small to notice..
Click to expand...

Even the left models have the same grind as the right handed knives. The only difference is the clip and liner lock. It's strange that sharpening a V also voids the warranty completely. I don't understand that one, but such is life. Also for those that are unhappy with the regular 7, they do make a 7V which is not a chisel grind at all, it's a v ground knife with the same chisel cutting edge, not to be mistaken with the grind as so often happens.
 
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