Need input on XM18 wharnie

[chopsaki]

Sooo. I just got in my first Hinderer XM18 3" wharncliffe and so far I'm loving it! Perfect size, top notch build quality and finish. Strong detent, just overall spectacular.

For a factory edge it is actually pretty decent out of the box. It was sharper than most factory edges IMO but it isn't as even and as sharp as I can get it and my OCD has kicked in and I am thinking about putting an edge on it. It is just uneven enough for it to bug me.

I plan on using this knife every day. My EDC tasks are pretty light push cutting and slicing, ie. opening plastic packages, breaking down boxes ect. I am debating on what kind of edge would be best. It seems a polished edge would look out of place on this knife. Should I take it to say 600 grit and strop at 6 or 3 micron diamond paste? What would the experts do here?

 

[115Italian]

If you're using the knife everyday I wouldnt waste the time on a polished finish. I would go down to a fine grit and then strop as you indicated. On my work knives I never use my ceramic or sapphire.

 

[chopsaki]

If you're using the knife everyday I wouldnt waste the time on a polished finish. I would go down to a fine grit and then strop as you indicated. On my work knives I never use my ceramic or sapphire.

Yea it's really not about the time, I just want an edge that will be the best fit. I guess a low angle and a 600 grit would probably be good I just wanted to see if I was overlooking anything so I posted here. Thanks for the response.

 

[REK Knives]

A low angle on that will take a while and widen up the bevel significantly if you're ok with that... In my experience hinderer are around .030" thick at 25 dps or so. But I would certainly recommend you reprofile it as it will cut much better!

 

[chopsaki]

A low angle on that will take a while and widen up the bevel significantly if you're ok with that... In my experience hinderer are around .030" thick at 25 dps or so. But I would certainly recommend you reprofile it as it will cut much better!

Thank you! I will do that. It does seem pretty obtuse right now so I will take your advise and bring it down. I wanted to remove as little metal as possible but I do feel the edge is not slicing as smooth as it could for that style of blade..