I purchased a Snody Shank in BG42 from another forum member and I really like the knife (and Wookie Kydex) but I could use some sharpening help. I've been trying the Spyderco set with the diamond inserts and have removed most of the sharpie I put on the edge (having trouble at the tip) but can't get it sharp. Am I almost there or in the wrong completely?
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Sharpening BG42
- Thread starter adanac
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2006
- Messages
- 5,612
BG42 can get pretty wear resistant up around RC 62 or so. More so than just looking at the chemistry would have you believe. We are getting used to, and taking for granted steels that couldn't even exist if it wasn't for the PM process.
In BG42's case You can really tell the difference on the stones going from RC 58 -59 to RC 62. It becomes almost a different steel. Some find it difficult to sharpen despite the fact it's not all that different from CPM 154 ingredients wise. Only 1.2% vanadium separates them, yet IMO, it acts completely different at the higher hardness.
Those bearing steels really seem to do pretty well when used in knives. 52100 is another prime example.
BTW, BG42 is the stainless version of M50 bearing steel. It's also one of my favorite stainless steels.
In BG42's case You can really tell the difference on the stones going from RC 58 -59 to RC 62. It becomes almost a different steel. Some find it difficult to sharpen despite the fact it's not all that different from CPM 154 ingredients wise. Only 1.2% vanadium separates them, yet IMO, it acts completely different at the higher hardness.
Those bearing steels really seem to do pretty well when used in knives. 52100 is another prime example.
BTW, BG42 is the stainless version of M50 bearing steel. It's also one of my favorite stainless steels.