Question for Benchmade.

[wade7575]

I have a Barrage 581 and a DLT 551 Exclusive knife with the carbon fiber scales,I was wondering is the angle on edge of both knives.

I like to sharpen my own knives and I read in the stuff that came with my Barrage that Benchmade recommends between 30 and 35 degree's inclusive or 15 to 17.5 degree's per-side,I would like to sharpen mine at the same angle as what Benchmade does from the factory.

 

[luke86]

Doubt that's possible due to Benchmades grinds on the edge are hardly ever even. Chances are one side is steeper than the other. Even if they are the same it wont have the same angle as another Barrage or DLT leaving the factory so whatever someone chimes in with probably wont be the correct angle anyway. From knife to knife Benchmades edges vary quite a bit, even among the same model. Even if the edges were even it would be difficult to match the factory edge perfectly with anything of hand sharpening. I usually stick with anywhere between 15 to 20 on all my knives. You could just split the difference and go with 17.5. If you really are set on matching the factory edge as closely as possible the sharpie is your friend. Mark the edge and use a higher grit stone to see if it takes all the marker off. Adjust as necessary. Good luck.

 

[wade7575]

I know Zero Tolerance say they recommend between 18 to 22 degree's per-side,I find that 20 degree's per-side on a ZT 0566 works nice for being sharp and a good slicer and still has good edge retention but at 18 the edge dull's fast.

But with the Benchmade 581 and DLT 551 I noticed the blade is thinner like my Japanese chef knives and they also take a lower angle,I was also thinking 17.5 would be a great place to start.

The 581 one I got the grind is perfect from side to side and the edge's are identical maybe I was lucky and got a good one,I have not gotten my 551 yet that should be here Monday.