Sharpening Angles

T

twalters1959

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Feb 8, 2014
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I just thought I would throw this out there for some of the more knowledgeable knife collectors that frequent this forum. I see people that are selling and / or just discussing there knives talking about the exclusive angles that have sharpened there knives at. My question to all of the more knowledgeable knife collectors / users / owners, is what is the best sharpening angle for your EDC knife. Does blade steel determine the angle, or does use determine the angle. I am a big fan of Spyderco's and I see the Spyderco Sharpmaker is designed to use a 30, and 40 degree angle. Is those angle degrees the best , or is that just Spyderco's recommendations. Just wondering. Hopefully I can get some good advice from you guys
 
twalters1959 said:
... Does blade steel determine the angle, or does use determine the angle.
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Yes.

The optimal angle is dependent of steel, grind thickness, usage and personal preference. Recently I've been doing most of my EDC blades at 18DPS (36* inclusive) but I always do my choppers and hard use knives at 20 or even slightly more (but never greater than 50* inclusive) then my ZDP dragonfly, which is strctly light duty is 12DPS just to have a tiny little laser beam in my pocket.

In short, there is no right answer. And the 30 or 40 settings on the SM will pretty much take care of everything, you could actually just do everything at either of them and never have a problem, it's all preference and what works best for you.
 
How about sharpeners. I would love to have the edge pro, or wicked edge sharpener, but just is not in the budget right now. I presently own the lansky sharpener witch is in the same ball park price wise as the Spyderco SM, so my question is witch would you guys recommend?
 
I think it depends on steel first, and your intentions.

Like above posters shave said, light work (like paper slicing) can get super thin edges, something like 15-20 inclusive is a super sharp edge. Something that will see some impact should be getting 40-45 degree inclusive.

I prefer conveying my edges.
 
The steel & heat treat will determine the lowest angle at which the blade's edge will still be acceptably durable in a given use, without significant rolling or chipping of the edge. Most decent knife steels will usually be safe at about ~25-30° inclusive or more, though better steels can go quite a bit lower.

The use of the blade will determine the rest, in terms of how it performs (in cutting) at a given angle, and tailoring the angle to individual preferences, beyond that.


David
 
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My yanagi is about 12 degrees inclusive (not even sure this is proper term as only 1 side is sharpened) , which is the sharpest I can get it. But it will not last in normal cutting tasks.
 
Blade geometry and intended use is what I consider when choosing an edge angle. Don't put an edge on a camp tool you can shave with; don't put an edge on a kitchen knife you can split wood with. My rule of thumb. :)
 
My sharpening angles have been getting lower and lower. I have my work knife (Salt 1 from Spyderco) at 12°/side with a 15 dps microbevel. I also have a large chopper (heavily reground Barong machete from Cold Steel) sharpened just slightly higher at 15-17 dps. No durability issues with either one through some pretty rough work.
 
I taped 10 quarters to the holder to try and help me with a consistent angle. This is temporary, I know as I flatten the stones the angles will change. I'm using knifenuts methed of one handed making a X corner to corner. I was having a huge problem when bringing the knife to me. My angle was way to low, visually, it was looking o.k. But it wasn't. If that makes sense. Practice, practice.....
Trying to feel my edge also like heavyhanded said. Since I've gotten my stones the only time they dry up some what is at night. Thanks to everyone.
 

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I think many people would be surprised at just how acute they can take knives without the edge exploding or crumpling. Here's an older post of mine:

Cynic2701 said:
The Caly 3.5 is a very good EDC. I prefer the ZDP-189 version over the VG-10 version, as it can take and hold a more acute edge.

Between the Caly 3 and the 3.5 I think that the 3.5 wins hands down. I do still keep my CF/ZDP Caly 3 because it has a smaller, more people friendly blade, and because my Dad bought it for me.

Here's a few pics of my 3.5 that I've taken down to 20 degrees inclusive:





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I sharpen EDC to about 30 deg inclusive. If it won't cope with the work, I increase the angle.
There is no perfect angle for everything. There are a lot of variables.

When you're reading threads about angles here, look at what they are using it for. Tree topping hair is very different to 2 hrs of cardboard cutting.
 
I take it down to the lowest my DMT Aligner allows me so it's about 17degrees per side give or take a little. No problems so far and makes cutting things a lot easier, if I had the option I take it down lower on some of my knives but I don't unless I freehand and well I am not that good yet.
 
HwangJino said:
Cynic, I never tire of seeing your impressive pictures!
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Thank you! :)

Here are a couple I just took of my CTS-XHP Military:




CTS-XHP seems to take a polish much easier than something like S30V. I was surprised at how much easier it was to get a mirror polish on the bevels. To be honest, though, I think I took this one a little too thin--it is currently 11 degrees per side (22 inclusive) and I think it would do better at about 24 or 25 inclusive. I'll microbevel it and it should be fine.
 
I think only you will know through trial and error what angles will work best for you. A good place to start is 15-20 dps. It will depend on your needs are.
 
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