Problem sharpening Bulldog

B

Brasso2

Joined
Jan 18, 2003
Messages
4
I just recently purchased a Bulldog Large Congress and it is giving me a fit. No matter what I do it will just not take an edge. It is the stainless steel, and I know it won't sharpen like carbon will, but this thing is just plain dull. I've tried sharpening it on every type of stone I have and when I'm done it's about as sharp as a butter knife dragged over a brick. Never had this problem with any other knife I've ever owned. Is this common with Bulldog knives?
 
I must say that I've had similar poor experiences in the past with Bulldog (carbon steel) knives which were subsequently given away. I'd even gone so far as to have shown them to some purveyors and makers at a local show some years back. Their evaluations were in line with my own observations.
 
I too have had similar experience with Bulldog knives and mine were all carbon!

I think they are built more for the collector than the user but any knife that wont take an edge I think shouldent be sold!!

Mine we all very well built and pretty but were useless as cutting tools so I dont own one single bulldog anymore.
 
In my humble opinion, Bulldog/Parker knives are safe queens with questionable future value. I just paged thru the latest Bulldog catalog, filled with the usual dribble about how valuable these knives are.

On page 42, there is the usual selling pitch for a lot of Shapleigh knives from the early 60s that were 'found' (funny how often the Parkers find these secret caches of old, valuable knives) and even come with the wonderful 'cetificate' that will certainly add to the collectibility. On the very next page are some even older ones, that are 'Worth' $200. but for sale at only $40 or so dollars.

You just cannot expect more than 'pretty' out of these blades.
 
Brasso2, I don't know anything about bulldog knives, but I have found with my schrade knives that if I sharpen the knife and it won't get sharp all I have to do is lightly pass the blade over a ceramic stick at about 60 degrees on both sides twice, then pass the blade over the ceramic stick at the original angle a few times. I don't know what it does, maybe something with a wire edge, but it works for me. Hope this can help you.

-Dan
 
Brasso-

Eye Brand carbon steel is a good performer. Sharpens up to a great edge, and holds it. They come out of the same factory as the Bulldogs, but must get a different heat treat.
 
I'm liking the steel in my Eye Brand Sodbuster. Some fit and finish issues for the knife itself though, but the snap is great. I'd love to have the chance to hand pick some one day. This internet buying can be a little hit and miss with slip joints.
 
I just got a bulldog viking that was a replacement of a bulldog trapper that had serious problems, and I can't get the viking sharp no matter what I do. Sits in the drawer now.

Ed
 
Are you sure that the Eye Brands come out of the same factory as the Bulldogs?? They are such different looking knives I never would have though that.....are the Eye Brands hammer forged also? I know that they used to be. I have always thought of Eye Brand as being higher quality than the current Bulldogs.
 
Suerte
Are you a cocker?I see your avatar and where you live I thought you may be
I am a big Mug fan,they are just flat out fast and aggressive
 
I don't fight any birds, but I'm a fan. My favorite black breed is Black Roundheads (PC term) ;) . I see that you are a Knife Maker; do you ever make gaffs or knives?
 
I have heard from a few sources that Eye Brand, Bulldog, Buck Creek, and Indian Head are all made by Olbertz. But just because they come from the same manufacturer doesn't mean that they all have the same quality. It all depends on what the contract requires. Remember that most manufacturers (such as CRKT, Buck, Kershaw, etc) have different knife lines of different quality. Even semi-custom makers like William Henry do this.

All of my Eye Brand knives are etched hammer forged on the blade, and are all carbon steel, although they do make some models in stainless.
 
I have several Bulldogs that I have put razor sharp edges on. I tend to buy the ones with the Fighting Dogs stamp on them Are the ones that you guys are having trouble with have the fighting 2 dawg stamp?
Greg
 
I posted a photo of the Fighting Dogs Stamp. This is the same, but not as precise, stamp as the original Bulldogs. There are a few versions of 2 dog stamps. But as far as I know there is only one of Fighting Dogs. I think, but can't swear to it, that Parker uses this stamp from time to time to keep the patent on it from expiring.
Greg
 
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