Questions on sharpening the BK9

[Yojimbo]

After a couple of months of use the BK9 finally needs some sharpening. Following the suggestions here I have purchased a 8" Norton Fine India stone. I can get a decent sharp edge that can slice paper but I can't seem to get back that hair popping edge it came with.

How are BK9's sharpened at the factory and what is the correct edge angle. I would be intrested to know what sharpening stone or paper grits are used and what order.

My lack of skill in manual sharpening is probably the main cause but any help will be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[frank k]

I don't know what the factory specs are (if anyone dose please let me know), but my BK9 came with a factory bevel 0.122" wide and a blade thickness of 0.055" just behind the bevel, this works out to a bevel angle of about 13 degrees per side (INVSIN[(thickness/2)/width]=INVSIN[(0.055/2)/0.122]= INVSIN[0.225] this can be approximated by dividing the thickness by the width and multipling by 29).

My BK7 came with a bevel 0.074" wide and 0.050 thick, working out to about 19 1/2 degrees per side.


-Frank