OK, so what am I doing wrong?

H

Helderberg

Joined
Dec 8, 2013
Messages
322
I have a small group of Benchmades. I have the Spyderco triangle sharpener. I have a leather strop with red jewelers rouge. I can not, for the life of me, get a sharp edge on my 710 D-2. I have a Rift that will shave your arm and the same for my Grip's. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. It is not dull but not sharp by a long shot.
Be safe, Frank.
 
D2 is my favorite Benchmade blade steel choice, and a favorite steel overall. Spydie ceramic stones, while useful on the corners for blade serrations, are my least favorite for tool steels. Not sure if they still make the diamond sleeves for the Spydie stones, but a relatively narrow diamond stone capable of handling the 710's recurve would be my suggestion. Diamonds for D2 works best for me.
 
Just a little trick to use is the black sharpie on both sides of the blade to check where you are contacting on the stones and can be used on the leather strops, but another issue you may be having is the Spyderco triangle sharpener has fixed angles and that won't work on some knives current angles also it makes reprofilling very hard and slow. Even if your system doesn't match the angle it should be able to provide a micro bevel which should be very sharp and usable. Don't give up on the D2 I think its Benchmades best bargain for absoloute strength aside from the rare M4.
 
I love D2 also, but on a Sharpmaker is a bear to get that toothy edge. If you can afford them, first step is to get the diamond stones. As mentioned the Sharpie trick is a good one. Between this and the diamonds, with patience you can get good results. ...and another idea is consider sending your knife to Benchmade and have them put a good factory edge on, supplemented by your touching the edge up on the same stones.
 
Thank you for the feedback. The D2 steel is hard. I realize the Grip and Rift are easier to maintain but I like to be able to do the basic maintenance on my knives. I think the diamond sleeves are a good way for me to go as I do have other D2 knives. I had read about the sharpie trick given to another poster and it is a great way to judge your work.
Thanks for all your help, Frank.
 
Helderberg said:
Thank you for the feedback. The D2 steel is hard. I realize the Grip and Rift are easier to maintain but I like to be able to do the basic maintenance on my knives. I think the diamond sleeves are a good way for me to go as I do have other D2 knives. I had read about the sharpie trick given to another poster and it is a great way to judge your work.
Thanks for all your help, Frank.
Click to expand...

Benchmade puts a more obtuse edge on their knives, so you are basically reprofiling that 710... on a Sharpmaker. Without the Diamond rods. I feel sorry for you.

Even with the diamond rods it will take an eternity. Just remember: do not press hard. It will not make things go faster, and it will knock the diamond chips out of the nickel substrate, turning your diamond rods into nickel rods.
 
loonybin, very good info. Thank you and I may just have to break down and send the knife to Benchmade to reset the mess I have created.
That way I have a clean sheet to work from and hopefully not repeat the same mistakes.
Thanks again all, Frank.
 
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