Sharpening problem with Buck 112

[StrayRound]

I have a Buck 112 that I bought new in the late 70's. I used it for a few years but eventually packed it back because the edge continually micro chipped and gave me fits sharpening.

I've over the years gave it another try and just recently tried again thinking new sharpening stones, skills and knowledge might allow putting the knife back to work. I'm still getting frustrated getting a nice shaving edge. No such luck, still have to work at it and getting micro chips.

I just got through putting hair popping edges on a 110, 102 and a 135 caper.

Any ideas of why this blade has been a problem child for me? Some kind of magic stone or angle?

 

[Yo Mama]

Send to Buck they will sharpen it. Who knows what's going on, but they will take care of you.

 

[MolokaiRider]

It's a weird phenomenon. I was working on a Buck 119 last year that kept chipping too. I was using a KME at 18 degrees per side, and no matter how much steel I removed, it just kept shedding off little slivers.

I eventually gave up on it after an hour, and gave it back to the owner.

 

[jbmonkey]

since its from the 70s, its got the old and very wide edge geometry and 440c making it harder to put an edge on it. newer models have the edge 2000 which is a thinner edge and much easier to put an edge on it.

I dont know why it's chipping....that weird for 440c steel.

 

[bucksway]

Could it be related to heat treatment? Definitely consider sending it to Buck with a Edge 2000..

 

[GPyro]

I agree, send it to Buck and have them sharpen it w/ newer edge 2000 angle.
If there's something wrong they can reblade it.

 

[Lesknife]

My first thought was it’s the 440c steel that was notorious for being difficult to sharpen. I don’t have any myself but from what I’ve read they came with a convexed edge that was difficult to replicate. Like others have said Buck can put an edge 2000 on it so that it can take a nice edge much easier. Also sometimes the factory edge that is machine ground can be chippy at first but after a few hand sharpenings into fresh metal the tempering is better and the chipping goes away. I don’t know but maybe the machine grinding changes the temper at the apex of the edge.

 

[pjsjr]

just recently tried again thinking new sharpening stones, skills and knowledge might allow putting the knife back to work

You don't say what new sharpening stones you bought...

Having tried many different stones over the years, I've settled on this DMT diamond set. I'm old fashion and like to sharpen by hand. These stones make it seem easy, I think it's because they are larger than any stones I've tried. Now having said that, no matter what stones you use, I would suggest that you practice on Goodwill knives until you can get the edge you want.

Reading about and watching others sharpening never helped me. Practice and more practice until you get the 'feel' is what I recommend, you'll know when you 'get it'. Holding the blade at the same angle is most important and that is feel. I have used a permanent marker on the blade's edge to help me to be able to see and get the angle that I want/need. Starting with to fine of stone will cause you to become weary and quit before you achieve your goal. Depending on the condition of the edge you are trying to sharpen, choosing the correct grit to start is important and that too comes from gaining experience...practicing on el-cheapo blades. I have not used the DMT coarse diamond stone except on a knife that I use for digging in the dirt and it takes it down fast. On EDC and hunting knives I use fine and extra fine to get the edge I want.

I do have an Apex Edge system and have used it with some success, but I like to sharpen by hand. HTH

 

[StrayRound]

You don't say what new sharpening stones you bought...

This particular knife has seen carborundum, oils stones, DMT stones and probably a few things I've forgot. Sharpening on the full of the moon was a big let down too.

I appreciate everyone's input and think a trip back to Buck as mentioned is my best best.

It's funny that it was mentioned that a wide edge may be the problem and I was thinking I may have actually put on too low of an angle. However, I've never experienced chipping with other knives or woodworking tools that normally have a much lower angle.

I'll let everyone know how this works out and what is done.

Once again thanks for all the help.

 

[pjsjr]

Sharpening on the full of the moon was a big let down too.

Ha, I've never had anything good happen...

 

[Old Hunter]

I will say I had the Buck Spa put a 2000 edge on a vintage two-dot 110 Folding Hunter several years ago. It’s the sharpest and best edge I have on any Buck knife I own - the combination of 440C steel and the Edge 2000 is terrific. OH

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I will say I had the Buck Spa put a 2000 edge on a vintage two-dot 110 Folding Hunter several years ago. It’s the sharpest and best edge I have on any Buck knife I own - the combination of 440C steel and the Edge 2000 is terrific. OH

Glad to hear this! I have a 110 two-dot that I'd like to have this done to but I wasn't sure how it would work out. I will definitely put "DO NOT REPLACE BLADE!!!" on the form!