So, a Harbor Freight $5 knife...

Joined
Dec 27, 2004
Messages
2,270
...would cleanly slice phone book paper, and shave arm hair, out of the package! :eek:

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Couple of edge pics at 60x (same location, just rotated the light)...

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No testing of edge longevity was done, mostly just posted to say, you can get a cheap knife at least a little sharp. ;)
 
What's it like otherwise?

Like a $5 knife. :)

I stuck it on a Wicked Edge to measure the angles. 18 and 23 deg (not bad). Of course while it was on there, figured why not?... and sharpened it to 600g, 20 deg. per side, with just a little bit of stropping to debur. I also had to add a tip (beltsander), it came without one. No issues sharpening... went quick.

For a cheap knife, the edge has held up well. I cut up some junk mail, then a cardboard box (20-25 cuts), and the edge still shaves arm hair and cuts phonebook paper with ease. I know this doesn't really tax an edge, but at least it didn't fail right away. At least good enough to throw in a toolbox or vehicle for occasional use... something like that.

Still, it's a $5 knife... a bit heavy (5.8 oz.). The liner lock is thin - it goes all the way over and flexes under pressure. Has a little blade play, and doesn't open/close very smooth. Doesn't seem to fit my hand well, although not sure if that means anything. Has some jimping on the handle, but pretty ineffective.

But for $5, worth getting - cheap way to practice sharpening, throw in a toolbox, etc. Better than I thought it would be.
 
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