Silicon Carbite still popular

[veltic2]

I am curious how many still use silicon for sharpening. I have a pocket carbite I have used for years on my smaller edc, but with diamond and ceramic talked about alot just wondering how many still use silicon. Thanks

 

[tiguy7]

Silicon Carbide is a ceramic that is harder than Aluminum Oxide (another ceramic). Silicon Carbide sharpens Tungsten Carbide at 72HRC. I use Al2O3 on blades whose inclusion are softer than Tungsten Carbide. I use Diamond “stones” on blades whose inclusions are harder than Tungsten Carbide like Vanadium Carbide, Titanium Carbide, etc. Silicon Carbide will sharpen anything that Aluminum Oxide, Washita (quartz), limestone, etc will sharpen.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Silicon carbide is one of the most commonly used synthetic abrasives along with aluminum oxide. It'll work on just about any steel so long as you stick to ANSI 400 grit or coarser, and works on steels containing less than 3% vanadium in the finer ranges as well. Compared to aluminum oxide grit of equal grain size it has a sharper shape and while it's harder it is also more friable.

 

[kwackster]

SiC wet & dry paper is also quite useful:

Photos - Sharpening on wet & dry SiC paper

User Fallkniven A1 Pro in CoS stainless steel @ ~60 HRC from an experienced Dutch hunter, with it's apex at ~30 degrees inclusive. The factory edge reflected light from slow wear, no dents or chips, and the owner wanted the new edge to have a somewhat toothy apex. Pulled the edge a few times...

www.bladeforums.com

 

[kreisler]

i use SiC mostly in the Form of wetordry paper (for polishing metals or wood or) and in the form of paste (for stropping, but lately I don't strop anymore but that's OT)