- Joined
- Sep 10, 2010
- Messages
- 3,748
When I first got into knives I knew nothing about edge geometry and how it contributes to usability. I also knew nothing about sharpness and the techniques used to create a fine edge. I thought sharp meant that you could shave your arm hair and sharpening freehand on a 200 grit stone was how you got it done.
Since joining this forum I've had the opportunity to read tons of excellent and informative threads and meet some truly great people who have helped me to better my understanding of edge geometry and sharpness ( Im looking at you Richard J
)
While I still have lots to learn and a long way to go in perfecting my technique, Ive been able to used the paper wheel system that I came across with the help of Richard J to drastically improve the performance of some fantastic knives.
As most of us who have owned busse kin's know, the one thing they all have in common besides incredible ergonomics and steel, is a really obtuse factory edge. Even small knives like the RMD and solution came with fat edges that would barely scrape arm hair. Before I began to learnabout edge geometry I didnt understand why a $60 cold steel knife was able able to outperform my much more expensive RMD. I ended up selling my first RMD because of this issue.
Reprofiling edges by hand took forever and was such a frustrating process that I decided to do some research and picked up the paper wheels. Best knife related decision I have ever made.
After some practice I decided to re-profile some of the amazing busse kins I have acquired. The difference in performance is unbelievable to say the least.
1.) the RMD. I started this one a while back by trying to put a sharpened spine on it. I didn't like the result so I made it a false edge and thinned out the factory edge to about half of its original angle and put a relief bevel on it. Im working towards a convex on this one but am enjoying the modified V edge for now. Its one mean looking rat and the difference in both slicing ability and penetration ability is night and day. This is my go to hunting knife.
2.) Rodent Solution. I bought this from another forum member who convexed the edge but I found it to still be too obtuse. I thinned out the edge and sharpened it to where it will pop hairs off your arm.
3.) SOD- I convexed this one and it perfoms worlds better now. I didnt thin out the edge too much because I wanted it to be strong. I couldn't get the coating to come off properly though. I guess it will just take practice.
4.) Regulator- THE most amazing knife I own. I have one with a factory edge and with its thickness you can barely cut an orange with it. I convexed and really thinned out the edge. This one is SCREAMING sharp. I can easily shave my face with it. This and my SOD go back and forth as my main knives.
Since joining this forum I've had the opportunity to read tons of excellent and informative threads and meet some truly great people who have helped me to better my understanding of edge geometry and sharpness ( Im looking at you Richard J
) While I still have lots to learn and a long way to go in perfecting my technique, Ive been able to used the paper wheel system that I came across with the help of Richard J to drastically improve the performance of some fantastic knives.
As most of us who have owned busse kin's know, the one thing they all have in common besides incredible ergonomics and steel, is a really obtuse factory edge. Even small knives like the RMD and solution came with fat edges that would barely scrape arm hair. Before I began to learnabout edge geometry I didnt understand why a $60 cold steel knife was able able to outperform my much more expensive RMD. I ended up selling my first RMD because of this issue.
Reprofiling edges by hand took forever and was such a frustrating process that I decided to do some research and picked up the paper wheels. Best knife related decision I have ever made.
After some practice I decided to re-profile some of the amazing busse kins I have acquired. The difference in performance is unbelievable to say the least.
1.) the RMD. I started this one a while back by trying to put a sharpened spine on it. I didn't like the result so I made it a false edge and thinned out the factory edge to about half of its original angle and put a relief bevel on it. Im working towards a convex on this one but am enjoying the modified V edge for now. Its one mean looking rat and the difference in both slicing ability and penetration ability is night and day. This is my go to hunting knife.
2.) Rodent Solution. I bought this from another forum member who convexed the edge but I found it to still be too obtuse. I thinned out the edge and sharpened it to where it will pop hairs off your arm.
3.) SOD- I convexed this one and it perfoms worlds better now. I didnt thin out the edge too much because I wanted it to be strong. I couldn't get the coating to come off properly though. I guess it will just take practice.
4.) Regulator- THE most amazing knife I own. I have one with a factory edge and with its thickness you can barely cut an orange with it. I convexed and really thinned out the edge. This one is SCREAMING sharp. I can easily shave my face with it. This and my SOD go back and forth as my main knives.
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