Need sharpening tips for my CRKs

[Axle77]

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post this but here we go..

I have a large Seb 31 and large Inkosi blk micarta, both drop point. Both are carry/users and I cannot for the life of me get either of these knives back to hair popping sharp after use. I know I do not need hair popping sharp as I'm not shaving with these knives, a good working edge is good enough. However it's nice to be able to get them there to start.

I have never dulled the blades bad enough to need to take the diamond stones to them so I'm typically just using a ceramic rod followed by a leather strop. I have had a lg Inkosi and Umnumzaan before and had no problem getting them back to hair popping sharp after use so I am very confused why I'm having issues now. I've messed around with different stropping angles and pressures and even just used paper on top of hardwood to strop to no avail. I have no issues getting my fixed blades hp sharp nor my other folders. My assumption is that it's due to the convex grind, either way it's starting to drive me a little nuts. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[TRfromMT]

Time for the diamond stones, setting the bevel and raising a true burr. CRK factory edges just aren't that great, so you could have some on the more obtuse side. Set the bevel to your liking and properly apex them.

My personal experience is that CRK edges generally benefit from a couple complete sharpening sessions. They seem to get sharper and hold the edge better after working that edge a bit.

 

[abbazaba]

The obtuse convex edge can be problematic for touch ups if you aren't using a convex sharpening method. I agree that a reprofile to your own angle can be key to enjoying the full potential of CRK.

 

[Axle77]

Good to know, I appreciate the information. Not sure I trust my abilities or the Lansky sharpener I have to treat a $450+ knife correctly. I've only ever tried reprofiling my sub $300 knives that I wasn't worried about messing up. I think I would prefer a flat secondary grind for ease of sharpening. Do either of you have a suggestion for a good contact for sharpening an expensive knife?

 

[Eliteone2383]

Good to know, I appreciate the information. Not sure I trust my abilities or the Lansky sharpener I have to treat a $450+ knife correctly. I've only ever tried reprofiling my sub $300 knives that I wasn't worried about messing up. I think I would prefer a flat secondary grind for ease of sharpening. Do either of you have a suggestion for a good contact for sharpening an expensive knife?

I need information on a trustworthy knife sharpener as well. I know I'm not skilled enough to sharpen a $400+ knife.

 

[Ajack60]

Good to know, I appreciate the information. Not sure I trust my abilities or the Lansky sharpener I have to treat a $450+ knife correctly. I've only ever tried reprofiling my sub $300 knives that I wasn't worried about messing up. I think I would prefer a flat secondary grind for ease of sharpening. Do either of you have a suggestion for a good contact for sharpening an expensive knife?

If you’ve used a lansky on any knife, using it for a CRK won’t be any different. As you know, a lansky is in increments of 5. I’ll mark the edge with a sharpie. Start at 30 for a few strokes to make sure I’m not widening the whole bevel. Then, I’ll inspect the edge and drop it to 25 if needed. I’ve never went below 25 on a CRK because of the 5 degree increments which means there’s a 4 degree variance. Make sure to clamp the knife as close to the point end as possible. This will prevent you from widening the tip end and have an even bevel. Don’t worry about the apex until the edge is at a vee grind. If you go slowly and take your time, you will be successful and feel confident using the lansky. Don’t use too much pressure and take off more metal than is needed.
I’ve never felt comfortable sending a knife to someone to have it sharpened. If an expensive knife I own is going to get screwed up, better me than someone else. Even the good sharpeners can have a bad day.