Should I re-profile my new H.E.S.T 2.0 ?

C

cuttymccut

Joined
Jul 15, 2011
Messages
6
Hello,

My head is spinning after using the search function and just getting more confused.

My question is: Should I put a convex edge on my full flat grind v-edge ground HEST 2.0 folder? I ask because this will be my EDC as well as a back up in the woods. If one day It is pressed into hard use I wonder how the D2 steel will hold up with the v edge it comes with, I don't want to put a chip in the edge if I need to use it in a SHTF scenario. Also, in my state, I cannot carry a fixed blade with me so, this folder will have to 'do it all'!

I also want to add that I have a fixed blade with full flat grind in 440c, that needs sharpening and I have not invested in any kind of sharpening tools or system. Since the blades on my only fixed and only folder are very similar in edge and blade geometry, I would like to sharpen with the same stuff. Both knives are going to see 'survival' type scenarios but I will EDC the folder.

Using the search function, I have it in my head that D2 is very hard and holds an edge well but its hardness could be prone to chipping in hard use, I would assume a convex edge would be less prone to chipping and better suited to wood work? I have never re-profilled a knife, and wonder if it would be better to keep the edge it comes with and buy a portable system to maintain the edge, a system that is compact enough to take to the field. any recommendations on that would be great too!

thanks
 
Edge angle is all that matters, making it convex won't help unless the final edge angle is steeper than the angle the edge chipped at.

If you have no sharpening experience I would recommend NOT messing with changing edge styles or angles. Start with cheaper knives you don't mind messing up then try your hand at a more prized possession.

If you need assistance myself and others offer sharpening services.

Welcome to BF :)
 
i sharpen a lot of knives for members and quite a few ask me to put a convex edge on for them. a convex edge on d2 would hold up a lot better than a v edge.

i made the knife in this video (from 1075) and although it is a chisel grind it has a half convex edge. it has a very high rc hardness and it has been put through a lot of abuse and it holds an edge very well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q_eMwRaHYg
 
the HEST folder as it comes from factory has a robust enough geometry to take some abuse, though i would not recommend that to any knife.
for its thickness, and my experience with the first version, it cuts quite well, and keeps an edge admirably.
anyway, if like you said, get in a shtf situation, i guess minor chips of the edge would be the last of your problems.
leave it as is, use it like a cutting tool, and it will do great.
cheers
 
I took my Hest/F down to roughly 30 degrees inclusive (with a 40 degree micro bevel edge), with a mirror polish finish, and have had no issues with chipping.... be warned though, D2 is pretty tough stuff, it took me the better part of 2 hours to rebevel on my Edge Pro.
 
richard j said:
cuttymccut, have you used the knife yet to see how it cuts? check out this thread i started on factory edges. maybe you should give it a try first and then decide. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=819683
Click to expand...

Not yet sir, I am still awaiting delivery.

After reading these responses, I can say that I am very glad to have you fine folks 'set me straight'! I mean, I have a habit of compulsively worrying about minute things, even without having actually put hands on the knife. I think I am going to look into a KME sharpening system to learn the basics and keep my knives sharp. later on, as I get more knives, I can experiment with other grinds. I am very excited! thanks so much everyone.
 
if you go with a convex edge, you can maintain it easily in the field with just a 2x72 (j flex in 400 grit) belt and some compound. you loop or tie the belt to a small tree and use it like a strop to work up a burr. then use the backside with some compound applied to remove the burr and strop the edge. you can roll the belt up and fit it onto a pill bottle along with the compound.
 
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