Question for the convexers

[jlamb]

I think I understand the convex edge- no real bevel, just drops to the point? right? Secondly, when people strop the edge with lets say sandpaper or leather, how does that exactly sharpen the blade? It seems counterintuitive to me since normal sharpening requires going in the opposite direction. Sorry if this has been beaten, but I am not finding the answers.

 

[DennisStrickland]

check with Knifenut1013, he's the man on bevels & sharpening.

 

[dannyp]

A convex edge can be put on any knife instead of a v grind and is just at the cutting edge of the knife. A full convex grind is one that goes from the spine of the knife to the edge in one continuous grind without any bevels.

The stropping motion is done edge trailing because with the soft backing or leather the knife edge would dig into it. It abrades the steel the same way as stones do creating a burr. With a stone it doesn't matter if you do edge leading, edge trailing, or even a circular motion because it's a hard, flat surface. Convex edges are easy to pick up because the give in the backing or leather doesn't require as consistent an angle as stones do.

 

[jlamb]

Makes sense, thanks

 

[A.L.]

I've always been a bit suspicious on stropping. I use leatherbelt in hopes for removing the steel junk that stays on the edge after sharpening hence cleaning the edge and prolonging it's life.

 

[BryFry]

I love a good convex edge, I've been converting more and more of my knives lately. I think it realy does make a noticable difference in cutting performance.

You can learn alot about it by checking out videos on youtube, or I think Bark River and maybe knivesshipfree have some good explainitory vids you could watch.

 

[udtjim]

When I convex a edge or blade with the belt sander, I get a burr. I seldom do when using the sandpaper and mouse pad. I really like a flat ground edge to convex.:thumbup: