Non-Symmetrical Blade Grinds

Joined
Mar 3, 2009
Messages
190
I'm still very much new to knife collecting so I'm looking for your wisdom. I just bought my 3rd Spyderco Tenacious and like the other two it came out of the box razor sharp, I love it. However, I just noticed with this one that the "V" edge is not symmetrical and after comparing it to the others, I see that none of them are symmetrical...Are they all this way? Are they suppose to be? Are most other knives (Spyderco or not) out of the box this way too? Do they need to be re-profiled? What's the deal?
 
Generally, they should be evenly ground unless the asymmetrical grind is intended like in a chisel grind (as found in Emerson knives). It doesn't have to be reprofiled but it can be if it bothers you. I'm sure you could always send it in to Spyderco if you want them to do it. It kinda sucks not getting what you should get, but that is the nature of mass produced knives. Sometimes the grinds will be a little off. It should not be expected in general from a quality maker like Spyderco.
 
If you are talking about the edge angles being uneven that can easily be fixed by some sharpening.

If you are talking about a blade that has been unevenly ground than that can't be fixed and yes it is common on cheaper knives. It also occasionally happens on more expensive sabre ground blades as well.
 
l_6bb203a8e8534d60a6247116e78d25cd.jpg


Here is a bad picture of what the grinds look like. The solid black rectangle represents the full flat ground steel before the grinds start and the unbalanced triangle is what the steel looks like once the grinds start on my Spyderco Tenacious.
 
It is probably cosmetic vs: functional but to me that definitely seems like a blem, even with the best of quality control it's bound to happen now and then. But you say you have 3 of this model, all with the same problem? That's very odd.

Also you are new to collecting and you have 3 of the same model already? Odd too, but to each their own!
 
Your drawing has the angles different on each side, which is probably the case with an uneven edge. In any event, it's good (if you are going to use the knife) to even the edge angle up and make it match the angle of the Sharpmaker (30 and/or 40 degrees) or to whatever angle your sharpening system dictates.

I make all mine 30 degrees (15 per side) so I can use the Sharpmaker to get a quick, sharp edge whenever needed.
 
These and most other knives are sharpened freehand by a worker using a belt sander/buffer system of some sort, I don't believe they use angle guides. If it's a user you will eventually correct this or make it worse with your own sharpening. There's probably only a couple folks who work the sharpening station, so their particular habits can show up in the finished edge. If it's a collector and this bothers you, I suggest making every effort to buy from a local shop where you can carefully inspect before you purchase.
 
My Endura's saber grind is uneven when comparing both sides. I guess it doesn't affect performance that much. Kinda disappointing, but it isn't too bothersome.
 
I think 50% of the lower priced knives I have bought have this problem. I have fivr Fallkniven U2 knives and none of them have the same grind. They are very uneven side to side and the profiles of the edges from tip to handle are all different. My Tenacious Is also ground way off center line with the algles way off. I started to work on it on my diamond stones and decided to chuck in in to a box of knives I just have and don't bother with any more. The new Buck Vantage Pro 347 has a fantastically ground blade as well as my new Benchmade Nagara, Ti Pika® II, and Rat 1. These four knives are in the same price range and have superior stee.
 
Back
Top