Been experimenting with different edge finishes on my Case Bose Bullnose Trapper in 154CM. Started off taking it up to 1200 grit on an Atoma diamond plate followed by a strop. It was hair popping sharp. It cut cardboard boxes fine. Then tried cutting some 3/4" 100% Manila rope, which can be challenging to cut. While the edge shaved hair easily, it would not cut the 3/4" Manila rope unless very heavy pressure was applied. After just a few cuts, it was apparent the finely finished edge was not working well. So, went back and used only the Atoma 140 followed by just a few passes on a horsehide strop to clean off the burr. What a difference. The edge still shaved arm hair, but importantly now also cut the 3/4" rope cleanly with 3 - 4 slices per piece. After 80 cuts on the rope, it still cleanly cut flimsy newsprint. So, bottom line, the Case 154CM performs well with good edge retention, but does better with a "toothy" edge than a highly refined edge at least for this type of use.
This is my quick sharpening set up for testing the different finishes on this knife. It is a very simple setup and quick and easy. The Edge Pro suction cups stick best to the stove enamel, which is why it is on the stove. The 154CM took under ten passes per side with the Atoma 140 to produce a nice edge followed by just a few passes on the horsehide strop. Below is a quick and very rough video (Francis Ford Coppola is not losing his job to me lol
) the back porch testing this last edge with some newsprint cutting testing after 80 cuts on the 3/4" rope. Total time to sharpen and strop is under two minutes total. fwiw - I use mineral oil on the Atoma plates as they were rusting after years of using water. So, now I use only mineral oil on these Atomas for the Edge Pro and also on my full size Atomas.
This is my quick sharpening set up for testing the different finishes on this knife. It is a very simple setup and quick and easy. The Edge Pro suction cups stick best to the stove enamel, which is why it is on the stove. The 154CM took under ten passes per side with the Atoma 140 to produce a nice edge followed by just a few passes on the horsehide strop. Below is a quick and very rough video (Francis Ford Coppola is not losing his job to me lol
) the back porch testing this last edge with some newsprint cutting testing after 80 cuts on the 3/4" rope. Total time to sharpen and strop is under two minutes total. fwiw - I use mineral oil on the Atoma plates as they were rusting after years of using water. So, now I use only mineral oil on these Atomas for the Edge Pro and also on my full size Atomas.
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