Sharp Edc Recommendation Needed

Tsujigiri

Tsujigiri

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May 25, 2009
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Hi, I'm looking for a really sharp folder that's not too expensive. I really like my Kershaw Shallot and composite Leek, but I'm finding that my Spyderco Delica 4 FFG is way sharper than either. I'm not sure if this is because of the steel or the grind, or if I'm sharpening the others wrong, but I really like this blade. Are there any knives out there particularly known for sharpness? I like metal handles (grip is nice, but I don't need it too much), assisted opening is cool but not necessary, and I'll be using it for mostly light-duty tasks like cutting paper and plastic. So far, I've been looking at the Benchmade 943 (it seems that this is a sharper and lighter duty 940?) and ZT 0400. Thanks in advance!
 
The Benchmade 940 series is very nice The ZT series is also a great knife. Both are usually very sharp so it will be up to you about which design you like
best. Good Luck. Kevin
 
Factory sharp is like a box of chocolates, ya never know what your going to get.


Your delica probably seems sharper because its thinner, in general FFG knives cut very well even when dull simply because they are thin. When it comes to sharpness pretty much all steels reach the same level with only a few becoming above average. Edge angle also plays a big role in how a knife will cut and how sharp it feels.
 
The sharpness of a blade made of quality steel is entirely dependent on geometry and edge finish. While there can be a difference between the sharpness steel alloys, it's (literally) just splitting hairs. This means that any decent-quality knife can be made to any level of sharpness by simply changing the grind and edge geometry.

I'm assuming that you don't want to go through the hassle and expense of re-grinding. If that's the case, look for a knife made from thin stock that is ground to a very thin edge. "Hard-use" knives are not what you want. The problem with most production blades is that they have relatively obtuse edge geometries. When you first get your new knife, experiment with different sharpening angles. Try an angle less than 15-degrees per side. Keep going thinner until you start to get unacceptable edge damage from the type of use you intend on doing.

My sharpest production knife is usually either my Kershaw OD-1 or my Kershaw JYDII. The edge on the OD-1 is less than 10-degrees per side, and the JYDII has been completely re-ground and profiled. Neither of these blades will stand up to abuse, but they make excellent light-duty slicers.

For the record, the ZT0400 (or any ZT) is not the greatest slicer. The grind is thick and designed for durability, not slicing performance. It takes a nice edge once it's been re-profiled, though.

A thin slipjoint might be the best bet. Or maybe think about getting your favorite knife re-ground.

Phillip
 
Tsujigiri said:
Hi, I'm looking for a really sharp folder that's not too expensive. I really like my Kershaw Shallot and composite Leek, but I'm finding that my Spyderco Delica 4 FFG is way sharper than either. I'm not sure if this is because of the steel or the grind, or if I'm sharpening the others wrong, but I really like this blade. Are there any knives out there particularly known for sharpness? I like metal handles (grip is nice, but I don't need it too much), assisted opening is cool but not necessary, and I'll be using it for mostly light-duty tasks like cutting paper and plastic. So far, I've been looking at the Benchmade 943 (it seems that this is a sharper and lighter duty 940?) and ZT 0400. Thanks in advance!
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Are you talking "sharpness out of the box" or "blades that I can sharpen to a very fine edge"?

- Spyderco probably has the highest rating for out of the box sharpness.

- I find that AUS8 takes a finer edge than most other stainless alloys.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Hi, I'm looking for a really sharp folder that's not too expensive. I really like my Kershaw Shallot and composite Leek, but I'm finding that my Spyderco Delica 4 FFG is way sharper than either. I'm not sure if this is because of the steel or the grind, or if I'm sharpening the others wrong, but I really like this blade. Are there any knives out there particularly known for sharpness? I like metal handles (grip is nice, but I don't need it too much), assisted opening is cool but not necessary, and I'll be using it for mostly light-duty tasks like cutting paper and plastic. So far, I've been looking at the Benchmade 943 (it seems that this is a sharper and lighter duty 940?) and ZT 0400. Thanks in advance!
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Not at all. the 940, IMHO is a much more useful knife even for lighter duty.

And, if sharpened appropriately, any knife can get to the level of sharpness you want. Buying a knife based on its out of the box sharpness doesn't mean that i'll be the sharpest later on, or the easiest to get sharper.

The recurve blade of the shallot is a bit harder to return to it's factory edge (i've got one), so perhaps that's why you're finding it less-sharp than your delica.

The 940 has a nice and straight edge, which shouldn't be too hard to maintain (i have yet to touch mine), and it is made of a tough steel, so it'll stay sharp longer.

just my $0.02
 
I also have an FFG Spyderco Delica 4 (awesome EDC!) and yes it cuts very well. My other main folder is a Gerber EZ Out and it cuts as good as my Spyderco and the quality is top notch. Made in the USA and under $30 bucks on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-06701-E-Z-Skeleton-Knife/dp/B00004WA56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1278908113&sr=8-1

I carrry my Spyderco as my urban EDC and carry my Gerber EZ Out on backpacking trips when I can't take the weight of a larger fixed blade. The EZ carves wood almost as good as my Mora (that's saying something) and is great at food prep with it's 3.5" blade. Built tough, weighs only 2.8oz and holds an edge well for the type of stainless it has (believe it's 420HC). I had a Benchmade 551 Griptilian but sold it because the EZ Out cuts better, is more comfortable, and is half the weight at only a 1/3rd of the price of the Grip. Best folder for the money I've ever tried with the Spyderco FFG Delica 4 being a close second!
 
Thank you for the replies! I hadn't heard of the Fallkniven, that one looks very interesting. Mr. Dobson, I'll experiment a little with the sharpening and see where that leads me. Also, Dnullify, are you sure that the 940 is a better slicer than the 943? I know the 943 has a thinner blade at the tip, so I thought that might be to make it better at slicing.
 
Tsujigiri said:
Thank you for the replies! I hadn't heard of the Fallkniven, that one looks very interesting. Mr. Dobson, I'll experiment a little with the sharpening and see where that leads me. Also, Dnullify, are you sure that the 940 is a better slicer than the 943? I know the 943 has a thinner blade at the tip, so I thought that might be to make it better at slicing.
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I like my 940 a lot more than the 943. the blade shape lends itself to a lot more uses. Whereas, i find the 943 a little too knife and not a whole lot tool. sharper tip, which IMO doesn't feel quite as strong. the 940 may be a bit thick, but it's still sufficient at slicing.
 
My Kershaw Skyline is one of my sharpest EDCs with its thin blade and hollow grind, and the 14c28 steel takes a wicked mirror edge when sharpened at 15 degrees per side then stropped.
 
Sevorius said:
My Kershaw Skyline is one of my sharpest EDCs with its thin blade and hollow grind, and the 14c28 steel takes a wicked mirror edge when sharpened at 15 degrees per side then stropped.
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Yeah, the Skyline is another excellent blade for the money and a great cutter. If Kershaw would make the liner lock easier to close the blade it would be an incredible deal. I tried 3 of them but they were all hard to close because of the way the liner lock is recessed and it is stiff. Went to the EZ Out and Delica 4 FFG and haven't looked back.
 
Tsujigiri said:
...or if I'm sharpening the others wrong,...
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How are you sharpening now? Looking for a sharp knife IMO, isn't the answer... looking for a better way to sharpen what you have would better fulfill your need. Your two Kershaws should get plenty sharp... especially the composite Leek.

cbw
 
cbwx34 said:
Your two Kershaws should get plenty sharp... especially the composite Leek.
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Yeah, I just thought of that. Those CB Leeks get freaky sharp.

Tsujigiri, I definitely recommend practicing on that knife. Put an edge on it at about 12-degrees per side and then remove the shoulders at an even lower angle. With the right stones and technique, you'll be whittling hairs and push-cutting paper with ease.
 
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