Stretch II factory edge quality? Pics...

M

mitchmcgee

Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
6
This is my first post and the Stretch II is my first Spyderco.

The factory edge was not sharp. So, I broke out the Sharpmaker. Wow that ZDP-189 is hard! It took me about 20 minutes with the fine stones @ 30% before I could feel the stones "bite". What I noticed is that after some ZDP-189 got deposited on the stones the cutting became more agressive. That is I could see the bevel begin to form. I guess if it takes diamonds to cut diamonds; then maybe ZDP-189 can be used to cut ZDP-189.

Any way...My question is:

Is is normal for Spyderco factory edges to have asymetrical bevel angles?

The side with the Spydie was almost a perfect 30%. It only took about one hour to clean it up. Here is the picture:

http://home.comcast.net/~salestuff/public/photos/SpydieEdge.jpg

The side stamped SEKI CITY is way off. I have spent about 3 hours and the bevel is still not half done. Here is the picture:

http://home.comcast.net/~salestuff/public/photos/SekiEdge.jpg

Thanks,

http://home.comcast.net/~salestuff/public/photos/Spydie.jpg
 
This is actually something I'm curious about as well. While I own a Stretch II, and the edge on that is fine, I recently got a Superhawk in, and the edge angle on that (measured by marking the edge with sharpie, and watching what comes off on the sharpmaker) ranges from 40 degrees total, to something slightly greater. I was very surprised when the sharpmaker on the 30 degree setting wouldn't even touch the edge, and just started grinding a new bevel.
 
I do know that problem and already experienced it several times by now (but not only on the Stretch II by far) :(

The answer on the forums usually is that the knives are ground by hand and although the aim is to match the 15° on each side (30° incl.), this isn't achieved every single time (but most of the time, the knives are really sharp nevertheless!)

I'm not too fond of that, too. Makes it difficult to easily touch up a fairly new knife.

If you want the edge to be 2x15°, you will in deed have to reprofile the knife like you did, or send it in with a description of the issue. I'm pretty sure the crew in Golden will try to make it right, as they always do. :thumbup:

Dennis
 
You would save yourself a lot of time if you used something more suitable for reprofiling an edge than the Sharpmaker. The SM is geared more towards touching up existing bevels or sharpening microbevels.
 
I seem to have perfect 40 degree total angle on both of my new D2 Para milis.... I wouldnt use the 30 degree until the edge wore up and needed a new bevel.. I use the 40 degree inclusive edge.. As that is the optimum angle for EDC work any way IMO....... And then one stroke at about 45 degree inclusive to strengthen the edge....
If that did not make sense... Its cuz im a little tipsy.. But i did my best and i hope that helps..?
Matt
 
I need a closer look. Can you get a picture any closer than that to better see the structure? ;)
 
Excellent photography Mitch. I was lucky with my stretch 2. It came sharp enough to whittle hairs. It's the sharpest knife including customs I've ever bought out of the box.

I always suggest that if you're not satisfied with the knife out of the box, contact spyderco. They do pretty well resharpening knives, only charging for the return shipping. In the case of the defect I'm not sure that charge of $5 is assessed.

Hand sharpened will always vary some. I've never seen one that varies that much. ( I'm now down to just over a hundred spydercos, and have several hundred other brands from around the world, including customs and production).

I would have sent the knife back for Spyderco to resharpen if I had recieved that knife. Sure, I can do it myself buy If I buy a new Spyderco, I want the quality I've come to expect.

Good luck, and thanks for those exceptional photographs. Joe
 
First; Thanks for the feedback.

What I think happened is that the Seki side of the blade was mis-profiled. The factory must cut the bevel relative to the blade profile. As opposed to using the shank axis.

When I use the Sharpmaker I am beveling the edge relative to the knife handle.

I guess I got the Monday morning blade...Ouch.
 
I've had a couple of Spydercos with similar asymetrical grinds. I'm still working on a SS Dragonfly that was just about 30 on the Spyder side and probably 40 or so on the other side.
 
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