Sharp Out of the Box

[jayharley]

I find it odd that so many of my custom knives (some from well known makers) are not as sharp and crisp as many of my production pieces. When I first started collecting knives, I always presumed that a hand made custom blade would be much sharper than any production piece. Quite often I have been wrong about this.

 

[Sword and Shield]

I saw on TV (Hands on History?) where they toured the Buck plant, and yes, everyone sharpens on a wheel, whilst wearing Kevlar gloves.

As for OTOB sharpness, king has to be Spyderco. Schrade and Buck are hit-or-miss, while Vic sends with a nice utility edge. Queen is the most inconsistent, though. I've had knives that dry-shaved out of the box, and ones that couldn't cut butter.

Shaving is a problematic test for me, as I have very wiry, hard to cut arm hair. If it scrape-shaves on me, it will shave on a normal person like a straight razor.

 

[JDBLADE]

I find it odd that so many of my custom knives (some from well known makers) are not as sharp and crisp as many of my production pieces. When I first started collecting knives, I always presumed that a hand made custom blade would be much sharper than any production piece. Quite often I have been wrong about this.

I am often amazed at Knife Shows how many makers pay little attention to the edge - this is just as evident in working knives as "art" pieces. When I was making knives I always ensured that the edge was as perfect as I could get it.

As to what is the best test for sharpness - having exhausted the available hairs on my forearms I find that "skiving" the edge of soft leather to be the best test of sharpness - nothing but a razor sharp edge will take the edge off cleanly.