Should I convex my BK-2?

B

Bridgeman

Joined
Oct 1, 2005
Messages
820
I have convexed the edge of many of my knives including a Schrade 165 which I use as a kitchen knife. I have never before convexed the edge of one of my Beckers and they have performed just fine. I know I know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, but my BK-2 Mod-1 just arrived, and I an itching to convex it, heck I'm itching to do ANYthing with it.

So, on to my question, have any of you convexed your Becker? If yes, did it make a difference, specifically a positive difference?

Thanks,
Greg
 
I figured it would come that way if it was designed that way... I'll keep mine at the original grind.
 
hoopster said:
I would if you can do it right.
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I can.

And Harv24, I am only talking about the edge, not the grind. A convex grind would require more time and equipment than I own. It is a GREAT grind, but I am almost certain it is an expensive process as well. Also, to properly sharpen a convex grind, you should regrind the entire surface, too much work.

I am simply talking about the edge. I think I'll try my 11 first, maybe as a present for enduring 6 months in a drawer with nothing to keep it company but drawers. ha. The entire process should take no more than 15 minutes.
 
A convex edge on a full flat grind... interesting. I am not sure I would but I cannot think of a reason really not to, other than the risk of screwing it up which it sounds like you will not. I do know that I, personally, prefer to sharpen a flat grind in the field over a convex edge, but that is just me.
 
franchisekid said:
I do know that I, personally, prefer to sharpen a flat grind in the field over a convex edge, but that is just me.
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I have seen some ingenious on the go convex sharpeners, although I do agree with you. Nice thing is, when you're only talking the edge, going back to a standard bevel is a piece of cake.

Anyway, the 11 is done. I'll try it out and report back, but I really cannot see that it will be much of a difference. Like I said, though, it's just a few minutes on a stone away from being a bevel again!
 
Well, the only thing I could think of to do in short order in failing light was to turn a 3" red maple log into kindling. This took less that 5 minutes. Not really the ideal task for an 11, but it performed wonderfully. So, the convex edge didn't do it any harm for sure, and the edge is still quite there!

before.jpg


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after.jpg
 
So, on to my question, have any of you convexed your Becker? If yes, did it make a difference, specifically a positive difference?
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Yes I did, and yes it was an improvement. No power tools, just used wet/dry 400, 600, 1200 and 1500 on a mouse pad followed by some stropping. The BK2 and BK11 have good blade shapes for doing this and the edge is strong.:thumbup:
 
NorCalMtn2 said:
used wet/dry 400, 600, 1200 and 1500 on a mouse pad followed by some stropping..:thumbup:
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Mine was a VERY quick job with 220, wet 400 & 600. I am sure now that I have the profile I won't need to use the 220 again.

I am confident enough to go do my BK-2!
 
My BK2 took awhile compared to the BK11 but the blade shape works great.
I really like these two knifes.
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Is that tip ground downwards on the BK2 or is it factory original ?
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Yes on the BK2, I dropped the point about .25" and rounded the edges. I wanted a point closer to the Crewman. Other than that the grind is factory. I didn't change anything on the BK11 except to remove the paint from the blade and convex the edge.
 
of course you should convex it. it's the perfect edge for thick blades, right? :)


Bladite
 
Bladite said:
of course you should convex it. it's the perfect edge for thick blades, right? :)


Bladite
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That's what I thought, but Harv24's words keep ringing in my head. If it's better, why doesn't it come that way? The only answer I can come up with is cost. All my thick blades are convexed including an M9.

Greg
 
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Bridgeman said:
That's what I thought, but Harv24's words keep ringing in my head. If it's better, why doesn't it come that way? The only answer I can come up with is cost. All my think blades are convexed including an M9. Greg
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probably cost. i'm not aware of a factory method for producing them in large scale. make a list of factory knives that come with convexed edges and compare prices?

the edges Beckers come with are very effective... convexing is relatively easy to do for the end user, but takes time to do well. i have a BK10 that is convexed, and it's marvelous.

eventually i'm hoping to get a belt grinder, and start "fixing" many things, but mostly, to keep things fixed. no rush though, as i said, they're effective already, and i can do a few by hand now and again.


Bladite
 
Same here. Convexed all my Beckers. It's neither hard or expensive with paper and compound. It is quicker with "equipment", but you can also screw it up just as quickly. Slowly convexing the edge only with varying grits of paper and compound stropping is probably the safest way to convert it anyway if you're not experienced much with a belt grinder. Then, over your years of using and touching up, it will eventually convex past the original grind to the entire blade.

If you do get a belt grinder, like the cheap one I use from Harbor Freight, get cheap knives and practice on them. It makes all the difference in the world.
 
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All my Beckers have been convexed. Edge only! I think a convex dge on a flat grind is an awesome combo.
BK2 convexed on primary grind. The initial grind was a touch off, so it has a touch of adjustment to even the angles out.
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BK7 convexed edge.
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BK9.
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