Relative Sharpness

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
6,504
I've noticed my Endura '98, though sharp, never feels as sharp as my Delica or Calypso Jr.Micarta, for example. Is this just a natural "feeling" due to blade thickness? My Endura (plain edge) seems to cut fine...not the hair-popping sharpness of the smaller, thinner blades, but it can shave hair off my arm, which I did after a recent session on the Sharpmaker.
I also notice when I cut food with it, especially fruits like apples, etc., the cuts are not nearly as smooth as the Calypso and Delica. When I lightly rub my thumb across the edge (of course, never ALONG the edge!) it just does not feel as sharp as my thinner blades. Is this normal?
Jim
 
Jim - Get a magnifier (8x to 12x lupe). Take a close look at the edge. You might be able to "see" the difference, like a burr.

Shouldn't be a difference in sharpness capability.

sal
 
One of the things I've fouond is that if you put a really fine edge on a blade it is possible to roll to edge over by using too much pressure when shapening (I'm using the 204, I'm not sure how this applies to benchstones). Once I've got the edge sharp enough, checked to make sure I have an even grind, and then lightly stroke the stones as if I were steeling it.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.
 
James Y must be my astral twin.
smile.gif
Actually I' ve a similar situation. My Endura plain edge never seems to get that hair popping sharpness. I' ve purchased, owned, used, traded, lost and have sharpened Spydercos for years and have only experienced this "phenomena" with this particular Endura. It never did come strait from the box nor back from warrantee as sharp it should be. Perhaps faulty heat treatment?

L8r,
Nakano
 
Could it be that it is ATS-55 instead of AUS-8 (or AUS-6, or GIN-1)? In other words, could it be its similarity to ATS-34 (which, I understand, is notorious for just not feeling sharp)?

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Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug.
Outlaw_Dogboy


 
James,

You've piqued my interest.

I went to the knife shop today and picked up a Sharpmaker 204 and a micarta Calypso Jr. (I've been wanting to get both of these any way and now I've got them.) As soon as I got home I read the instructions and started to sharpen my Endura plain edge '98.

I've never been terribly successful at getting the razor's edge on my knives but this new sharpener really simplifies the work. I tested the sharpness of my Endura which is about a year old against the factory edge on the Calypso Jr. and the Endura is really SHARP. Wow.

I see what you mean though. The blade doesn't really FEEL as sharp as the blade is. My Endura could probably split atoms now it's so sharp. But I don't get that "don't run your thumb over the blade" feeling that I get with other "scary sharp" blades.

Strange. Well, at least I've got a few new toys.

Brian.
brianthornburg@home.com
 
I would just write it off as ATS-55 not being as fine-grained as some other steels except that Sal doesn't expect you to see the difference. He should REALLY know. Edges are funny about feeling and acting razor sharp. It can relate to what you use to sharpen them. Make sure you clean your ceramic rods with something like water and scouring sink cleanser. You might want to see if an extra-fine diamond hone gives you an edge with a nicer feel. Go to your local knife store and see if they have some demo hones you can try. It's funny how certain blades like certain hones better. Try a little stropping on leather when your done.

If you are used to the feel of well sharpened AUS-8 you just may be out of luck. You may never get the same feel with ATS-55. Go try the Calypso Jr. Lightweight with VG-10 and really get spoiled.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 28 October 1999).]
 
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