It's got the S30V CPM blade and I've carried it for years.I've always used the sharpmaker to sharpen it and it always gets "hair popping" sharp but it doesn't hold that edge very long.I can cut a few light things and the edge is gone.Is it time to use the 30 degree back bevel on the sharpmaker or should I try something else? I know this steel can do better than this...thanks
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My military won't hold an edge
- Thread starter wasp
- Start date
yablanowitz
Platinum Member
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- Apr 14, 2006
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- 10,099
My (admittedly limited) experience with S30V is that while it will take a very fine edge, it loses it fairly quickly, but it remains usable for a very long time after that hair popping edge is gone. I tend to sharpen my S30V blades at 40 degrees or a bit more and use them hard. I don't generally try to get them hair popping, just a good utility edge.
I know others disagree, but I personally like S30V for hard use and VG-10 for lighter use where a finer edge is needed.
I know others disagree, but I personally like S30V for hard use and VG-10 for lighter use where a finer edge is needed.
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2005
- Messages
- 2,402
Is the edge gone as in dead dull, or still somewhat shaving or at least a good working edge? If it is dead dull it may be that you have a wire edge that isn't being removed during sharpening, and it breaks off when you cut something leaving it dull. Another possibility is that the heat treat may be off causing the edge to crumble, but my most likely suspicion would be the wire edge, since you say you only cut a few light things and the edge is gone. If it still has a good working edge but isn't hair popping sharp after a few cuts, that is just the nature of most steels. On high carbide steels like S30V they can get very sharp but lose that high level of sharpness quickly, but continue cutting for a very long time with a working edge.
Mike
Mike
it does keep a working edge but not like it did when I first got it.I do stropp it to remove the wire edge when using the sharpmaker.I guess I'm just expecting more from this steel...
I've got a lot cheaper knives with low tech steels that really seem to keep an edge much longer than the high dollar stuff.THANKS for the replys
I've got a lot cheaper knives with low tech steels that really seem to keep an edge much longer than the high dollar stuff.THANKS for the replys