Sharpening angle on Spydercos

[almark]

Hello,
I own a serrated Delica, serrated Merlin, Civillian and a plain edge Endura. Is there a recommended sharpening angle fpr the plain and serrated blades?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Clay Kesting]

Mark,

From what I've learnt here, it seems that Spydies come from the factory with a fairly thin edge (about 30 degrees included angle on the plain edges, not sure about the serrated). This is the reason for the hair poppin' sharpness. However Sal has recommended here (and in the Sharpmaker instructions) using the 20 degree rod slots (40 degree included angle) for a more durable edge. Hope this helps.

------------------
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

 

[almark]

Thanks Clay. Appreciate the info. Hope all is well in Sydney. Any travel tips for those of us who like to have a blade along for the ride while visiting Australia? The wife and I may be heading that way.

Thanks again,

Mark

Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Mark,

From what I've learnt here, it seems that Spydies come from the factory with a fairly thin edge (about 30 degrees included angle on the plain edges, not sure about the serrated). This is the reason for the hair poppin' sharpness. However Sal has recommended here (and in the Sharpmaker instructions) using the 20 degree rod slots (40 degree included angle) for a more durable edge. Hope this helps.

 

[Clay Kesting]

Mark,

Here in NSW we have a law which prohibits the carrying of any knife in a public place "without a lawful excuse". Finally it is up to the courts to decide what is a lawful excuse but I think "travelling" would be one. In reality the law is being used to disarm gang members in known trouble spots. I carry a knife all the time (in a school too, which is another no-no) and have not had any problems, but then I'm a 55 year old, grey-bearded school teacher

. I don't even bother unclipping my knife from my pocket anymore even when I'm somewhere I know the police will be on the lookout.

Bottom line, if you're sensible and well behaved you won't have any trouble carrying a folder although, to be on the safe-side I would keep it under about 4". Just don't try to bring a flick knife or balisong through Customs though. I'm having a bit of trouble bringing a scrimshawed Moki Evrina in at the moment, Customs seems to think it is real ivory

.

Oh, BTW, as my mate Ferret said in an earlier post, there are other states like the Northern Territory where it is probably compulsory for everybody over the age of 2 to carry a knife

.

Take care,
Clay

------------------
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[This message has been edited by Clay Kesting (edited 08-18-2000).]

 

[Joe Talmadge]

If you like the out-of-box performance and your edge hasn't been chipping or otherwise showing durability problems, there's no reason to go to a thicker edge format. The difference between a 20-degree edge and 15-degree edge is very noticeable.

What I recommend -- and what I thought Sal recommends, too -- is to use the Sharpmaker 204 to get a 15-degree bevel first, and then just take a few strokes on the 20-degree slots to grind off the burr and make the very very edge tip a little more durable. This 15/20 edge will perform much better than a straight 20-degree edge!

My other recommendation is, if you do more slicing than push-cutting/shaving with your edge, when you got to the 20-degree slots, finish up on the gray stones, not the white stones! For slicing the rougher finish from the gray stones blows away the more polished white stone finish.

Joe

 

[almark]

Joe, I appreciate the info and the insight. I spent a lot of time yesterday reading your writing on steels and blade design / sharpening in the Knowledge Base section of the forum. Great info. I never though of using a rough stone to create an edge for cutting rope, etc. The learning curve is skyrocketing. Thanks again.

Mark

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge:
If you like the out-of-box performance and your edge hasn't been chipping or otherwise showing durability problems, there's no reason to go to a thicker edge format. The difference between a 20-degree edge and 15-degree edge is very noticeable.

What I recommend -- and what I thought Sal recommends, too -- is to use the Sharpmaker 204 to get a 15-degree bevel first, and then just take a few strokes on the 20-degree slots to grind off the burr and make the very very edge tip a little more durable. This 15/20 edge will perform much better than a straight 20-degree edge!

My other recommendation is, if you do more slicing than push-cutting/shaving with your edge, when you got to the 20-degree slots, finish up on the gray stones, not the white stones! For slicing the rougher finish from the gray stones blows away the more polished white stone finish.

Joe

 

[almark]

Clay,
Sounds good. I shouldn't have any problems keeping the blade under 4" or acting sensibly and behaving well. Would "in case of emergency" be a lawful excuse? Like you said, it probably depends on the judge.

Good luck getting the Moki Evrina in.

Thanks for the info. Hope to be visiting your country soon. Is Midnight Oil still playing there?

Mark

Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Mark,

Here in NSW we have a law which prohibits the carrying of any knife in a public place "without a lawful excuse". Finally it is up to the courts to decide what is a lawful excuse but I think "travelling" would be one. In reality the law is being used to disarm gang members in known trouble spots. I carry a knife all the time (in a school too, which is another no-no) and have not had any problems, but then I'm a 55 year old, grey-bearded school teacher

. I don't even bother unclipping my knife from my pocket anymore even when I'm somewhere I know the police will be on the lookout.

Bottom line, if you're sensible and well behaved you won't have any trouble carrying a folder although, to be on the safe-side I would keep it under about 4". Just don't try to bring a flick knife or balisong through Customs though. I'm having a bit of trouble bringing a scrimshawed Moki Evrina in at the moment, Customs seems to think it is real ivory

.

Oh, BTW, as my mate Ferret said in an earlier post, there are other states like the Northern Territory where it is probably compulsory for everybody over the age of 2 to carry a knife

.

Take care,
Clay

 

[almark]

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge:
If you like the out-of-box performance and your edge hasn't been chipping or otherwise showing durability problems, there's no reason to go to a thicker edge format. The difference between a 20-degree edge and 15-degree edge is very noticeable.

What I recommend -- and what I thought Sal recommends, too -- is to use the Sharpmaker 204 to get a 15-degree bevel first, and then just take a few strokes on the 20-degree slots to grind off the burr and make the very very edge tip a little more durable. This 15/20 edge will perform much better than a straight 20-degree edge!

My other recommendation is, if you do more slicing than push-cutting/shaving with your edge, when you got to the 20-degree slots, finish up on the gray stones, not the white stones! For slicing the rougher finish from the gray stones blows away the more polished white stone finish.

Joe

 

[almark]

Joe,
This is not directly related to Spyderco knives, but, any info on BT2 coating on blades? What is it? Why do some blades need it? Corrosion resistance or is there more to it than that?

Thanks.

Mark

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge:
If you like the out-of-box performance and your edge hasn't been chipping or otherwise showing durability problems, there's no reason to go to a thicker edge format. The difference between a 20-degree edge and 15-degree edge is very noticeable.

What I recommend -- and what I thought Sal recommends, too -- is to use the Sharpmaker 204 to get a 15-degree bevel first, and then just take a few strokes on the 20-degree slots to grind off the burr and make the very very edge tip a little more durable. This 15/20 edge will perform much better than a straight 20-degree edge!

My other recommendation is, if you do more slicing than push-cutting/shaving with your edge, when you got to the 20-degree slots, finish up on the gray stones, not the white stones! For slicing the rougher finish from the gray stones blows away the more polished white stone finish.

Joe

 

[Joe Talmadge]

This is not directly related to Spyderco knives, but, any info on BT2 coating on blades? What is it? Why do some blades need it?

almark,

No steel necessarily needs a coating like Black-T or BT2. These particular coatings are used to either 1) make the blade look cool, or 2) enhance stain resistance. Often, companies will coat their non-stainless steels (like M-2) to enhance stain resistance during regular usage. And they'll coat their stainless steels to enhance stain resistance even more, for people who don't take care of their knives that carefully, or who are going salt water diving or whatever.

Joe

 

[Clay Kesting]

Mark,

I think Midnight Oil still plays ocassionally, but Peter Garrett is more involved in "green" politics now. Ferret, you're an inner city bloke, is Midnight Oil still doing the traps?

Not sure about "in case of emergency" as a lawful excuse. You may need to be more specific about the type of emergency as "self defence" is not accepted. Here is a link to a NSW Government website which has some examples of "lawful reasons". Note that it is not exclusive and, ultimately, it may be up to a court to decide if a reason is lawful or not. Since "food preparation" is lawful all you need to do is carry some fruit in your bag

. Let me know if you do make it down here.

------------------
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

[This message has been edited by Clay Kesting (edited 08-18-2000).]

 

[Barry H]

I assume that the angle on the Military is coming out from the factory at the 30 degree angle. Are there any thoughts pertaining to the Military's blade design and steel composition which would indicate that the 30 degree angle should be maintained? Or do you think that for most applications, that blade be brought to the 40 degree angle?
Thanks!
Barry H.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Barry - We recommend the 40 degrees for the Military with 440V because some "claim" it's a brittle steel. Although in all fairness, I must say that I'm currently carrying a plain edge Military held at the 30 degree bevel. I've been doing this for a while to test (push) the steel. So far no probs.

sal

 

[almark]

Thanks Joe, that kind of what I thought. I believe I saw a Benchmade of M2 steel with BT2 coating advertised. Is this the same coating you see when blades are available as plain or Black?

Thanks again,

Mark

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge:
almark,

No steel necessarily needs a coating like Black-T or BT2. These particular coatings are used to either 1) make the blade look cool, or 2) enhance stain resistance. Often, companies will coat their non-stainless steels (like M-2) to enhance stain resistance during regular usage. And they'll coat their stainless steels to enhance stain resistance even more, for people who don't take care of their knives that carefully, or who are going salt water diving or whatever.

Joe

 

[almark]

Hi Clay,

Glad to hear the fellows in Midnight Oil still play every now and then. I had heard that Mr. Garrett had become politically active. I just kind of "re-discovered" this band a year or two ago. Pretty good stuff. I understand the "in case of emergency" may be too vague. I wouldn't have any trouble with the food preparation "excuse" though. At 6'1" and @ 240 lbs., no judge would doubt that I need to EAT.
Thanks for the info. I'll e-mail if/when plans for the visit to Australia ever get finalized.

Mark

Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Mark,

I think Midnight Oil still plays ocassionally, but Peter Garrett is more involved in "green" politics now. Ferret, you're an inner city bloke, is Midnight Oil still doing the traps?

Not sure about "in case of emergency" as a lawful excuse. You may need to be more specific about the type of emergency as "self defence" is not accepted. Here is a link to a NSW Government website which has some examples of "lawful reasons". Note that it is not exclusive and, ultimately, it may be up to a court to decide if a reason is lawful or not. Since "food preparation" is lawful all you need to do is carry some fruit in your bag

. Let me know if you do make it down here.

[This message has been edited by almark (edited 08-21-2000).]

 

[Clay Kesting]

Mark,

I thought you might be interested to know that Midnight Oil are playing their 20th anniversary concert in Sydney as I type this. My how time flies, I remember when they were just starting out as though it was yesterday

.

Take care,

------------------
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

 

[almark]

Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Mark,

I thought you might be interested to know that Midnight Oil are playing their 20th anniversary concert in Sydney as I type this. My how time flies, I remember when they were just starting out as though it was yesterday

.

Take care,

 

[almark]

Clay,

20 years! I can't believe it. You're right, time truly does fly.

Thanks for the info. Stay safe.

Mark

Originally posted by Clay Kesting:
Mark,

I thought you might be interested to know that Midnight Oil are playing their 20th anniversary concert in Sydney as I type this. My how time flies, I remember when they were just starting out as though it was yesterday

.

Take care,