Sharpening Convex Blades

[Paul D.]

I hope I'm using the proper term, but I was wondering if convex edges, like Fallknivens or Bark River knives, can be sharpened properly on regular stones or Spyderco triangle sharpeners? Or, do they have to be sharpened using some kind of stropping method instead? Thanks for your help.

 

[G. Scott H.]

Some are able to maintain proper convex edges on stones, but I am not one of them. I prefer fine grit wet/dry sandpaper over thick leather backing. Others use mouse pads or other compressible media underneath the paper (I find mouse pads too squishy, personally). Here is an excellent set of vids on convex sharpening: http://www.knivesshipfree.com/knife-sharpening-videos/

edit: Just noticed this is your first post. Welcome to the forums! :thumbup:

 

[RevDevil]

Have a look inthe sharpening section, it's where this topic is openly discussed.

 

[Paul D.]

Thanks for your help. I am familiar with the stropping methods used for convex blades, but what I guess I meant to ask is whether one can simply forgoe those methods and simply use standard devices, which I am more familiar and competent with, without ruining the existing edge or reducing the overall level of sharpness?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks for your help. I am familiar with the stropping methods used for convex blades, but what I guess I meant to ask is whether one can simply forgoe those methods and simply use standard devices, which I am more familiar and competent with, without ruining the existing edge or reducing the overall level of sharpness?

YES, you can. Many, or even most, manufacturers of convex blades usually put a small microbevel on the blades at the factory. Unless the convex is extreme, it is ordinarily very simple to touch them up on a Sharpmaker or other V-crock style sharpener, assuming the edge angle isn't too wide (<40° inclusive, and better if it's 30° inclusive or less). If you're comfortable with freehand sharpening on stones, there's no reason not to use those as well.

As a personal preference only, convex edges can be great if sharpened as such, on sandpaper or with any other convexing technique. I'd still encourage you to give it a try sometime, anyway.


David
(and Welcome! to the forum, BTW. )

 

[HeavyHanded]

I hope I'm using the proper term, but I was wondering if convex edges, like Fallknivens or Bark River knives, can be sharpened properly on regular stones or Spyderco triangle sharpeners? Or, do they have to be sharpened using some kind of stropping method instead? Thanks for your help.

I would think the small surface area of a Sharpmaker might not work well on a full convex. Can easily be done on a regular stone, though getting a smooth satin or high polish finish across the entire face of the blade will be challenging without using a strop as a final buff. I did a video recently of a full convex on a hard plate under sandpaper, finished off on paper over same. By foregoing the conformable underlayer you can get a bit more control over the shape of the convex, but requires a bit more practice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SalomUAvMHI

Waterstones do a good job on these as well.