New to Super Steels

[Elliot44]

I've been a fan of the Onion designs and own a few Leeks and Chives. I've just recently bought a Shallot which lead to an S110V and a JYG II composite just for good measure. I'll get a composite Shallot after the holidays.

I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker (old version - one 45 degree included angle.) Will this be Ok for light touch-up on these super steels. I don't plan on getting these dull as they will be mostly carried and not used too much. I have many beater knives that I actually use and sharpen on a regular basis.

I also have a complete Lansky system with a diamond hone. But, haven't used it in years. I keep a hone in my tool box for hand touch-up.

So do I need a new sharpening system for (D2, S110V and ZDP-189) - just to keep the edge fresh?

thanks

 

[J_Curd]

45 degrees is a bit "thick" for the super steels. I thin the primary bevel to 30 degrees and often take it completely to the edge on ZDP or S60v and above. For D2, I used 30 degree primary bevel with a 40 degree micro bevel.

I think in the higher end steels you will want a new SharpMaker.

 

[firebert]

To get the best performance out of these steels it would help to use a more acute angle than 45 degrees. You can still use your equipment, just change the angle of the blade and be consistent.

 

[SPXTrader]

Welcome to the forums Elliot!

As mentioned, 45 degrees is not the optimum angle for the steels you've mentioned.

Instead of going out to buy another Sharpmaker, place one of the rods you're not using under the middle of the base. Like a kids teeter-totter, tilt the base to the left when sharpening the right side of the edge, and to the right when working on the left side. This will decrease the inclusive angle of the edge, and without measuring, I'd bet you'd be close to 35 degrees like this.

ZDP will laugh at the medium rods the sharpmaker comes with. Yeah, you can make them work, but it takes a LOT of time. CPM D2 isn't quite as bad, and the 110V will burr up fairly quickly on the medium rods. Its a small burr, and fairly difficult to remove (which is a good thing), but if you keep working it on the fine and ultra fine rods you can eventually sharpen it away. If you have a strop it will help, too.

As you said, the best thing for these steels, especially ZDP, is don't let them get dull!

I hope this helps!

 

[shotgunner11]

Welcome to the forums Elliot!

As mentioned, 45 degrees is not the optimum angle for the steels you've mentioned.

Instead of going out to buy another Sharpmaker, place one of the rods you're not using under the middle of the base. Like a kids teeter-totter, tilt the base to the left when sharpening the right side of the edge, and to the right when working on the left side. This will decrease the inclusive angle of the edge, and without measuring, I'd bet you'd be close to 35 degrees like this.

+1

I sharpen all of my recurved blades on a sharpmaker including S30V and ATS34. It takes a bit longer but it works. I rarely have to do much more than freshen them up.