- Joined
- Dec 24, 2000
- Messages
- 1,055
Greetings!
I recently aquired a mini CQC7B in plain edge, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to get it to really sharp. I've run a search through this forum, and while there were some good tips, I still can't get it to where I consider "scary sharp". I also looked at the new site for EKI's recommended method- and that hasn't yielded acceptable results, either. I'm not an expert on sharpening per se, but I have enjoyed good success in the past sharpening other knives. I understand the concept of raising the burr and all that good stuff, but this one has me licked.
I have relied heavily on my Spyderco 204, and I also have a Gatco clamp and rod kit, that I never really liked. Thus far, I'm getting the impression that while the chisel grind is good for piercing and prying, it doesn't seem to reach the kind of "wicked sharp" that I associate with V ground blades. Am I wrong? It would in theory make sense that it can get really sharp, but I just can't seem to get it there.
First I tried sharpening it on the 204 justr by altering my hold on the knife to get the angle right. No go, to difficult to stay consistent- although I did get a burr to raise- it's just that once I knocked off the burr, it felt totally butter knife-ish again. Then I removed the rods from the 204, and proceeded to use the rods on the knife as shown on EKI's site, knife in one hand, rod in the other. This took a while, but I did get a burr to raise. Again, I knocked off the burr, and it seemed dull again. I dunno- I'm getting a bit frustrated by it. It wasn't really sharp when I recieved it, so I figured I could touch it up to the point where it could shave arm hair, but it won't even scrape it off. Oh, and I've been marking the edge with black marker to help me retain the angle as well.
Plus, the leading edge, (tanto point) seems to be ground thicker than the secondary edge. Which may be intentional for tip strength, but good luck getting that thing razor sharp. I've gotten to a burr on that one as well, only to have it return to basically dull immediately.
So what gives? I mean, if I pull the knife out of my pocket right now and run my thumb down the edge, it doesn't feel sharp until I really push it, then I can feel it start to grab and slice. I just think it should be able to reach a point where you run your thumb lightly down the edge, and you have to pull it away or risk a deep cut- you know- "SHARP".
Not so much a complaint as a cry for help- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I do like the knife a lot, it's awesome- in fact I just ordered a spear point version, "A" model, as I realized those were V ground, which I can hopefully deal with a bit easier. BTW, what angle are the V ground models at?
Thanks much for the feedback!
Firebat
------------------
Name's Ash......Housewares.
I recently aquired a mini CQC7B in plain edge, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to get it to really sharp. I've run a search through this forum, and while there were some good tips, I still can't get it to where I consider "scary sharp". I also looked at the new site for EKI's recommended method- and that hasn't yielded acceptable results, either. I'm not an expert on sharpening per se, but I have enjoyed good success in the past sharpening other knives. I understand the concept of raising the burr and all that good stuff, but this one has me licked.
I have relied heavily on my Spyderco 204, and I also have a Gatco clamp and rod kit, that I never really liked. Thus far, I'm getting the impression that while the chisel grind is good for piercing and prying, it doesn't seem to reach the kind of "wicked sharp" that I associate with V ground blades. Am I wrong? It would in theory make sense that it can get really sharp, but I just can't seem to get it there.
First I tried sharpening it on the 204 justr by altering my hold on the knife to get the angle right. No go, to difficult to stay consistent- although I did get a burr to raise- it's just that once I knocked off the burr, it felt totally butter knife-ish again. Then I removed the rods from the 204, and proceeded to use the rods on the knife as shown on EKI's site, knife in one hand, rod in the other. This took a while, but I did get a burr to raise. Again, I knocked off the burr, and it seemed dull again. I dunno- I'm getting a bit frustrated by it. It wasn't really sharp when I recieved it, so I figured I could touch it up to the point where it could shave arm hair, but it won't even scrape it off. Oh, and I've been marking the edge with black marker to help me retain the angle as well.
Plus, the leading edge, (tanto point) seems to be ground thicker than the secondary edge. Which may be intentional for tip strength, but good luck getting that thing razor sharp. I've gotten to a burr on that one as well, only to have it return to basically dull immediately.
So what gives? I mean, if I pull the knife out of my pocket right now and run my thumb down the edge, it doesn't feel sharp until I really push it, then I can feel it start to grab and slice. I just think it should be able to reach a point where you run your thumb lightly down the edge, and you have to pull it away or risk a deep cut- you know- "SHARP".
Not so much a complaint as a cry for help- any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I do like the knife a lot, it's awesome- in fact I just ordered a spear point version, "A" model, as I realized those were V ground, which I can hopefully deal with a bit easier. BTW, what angle are the V ground models at?
Thanks much for the feedback!
Firebat
------------------
Name's Ash......Housewares.
