Stupid AUS-10. (sharpening help)

J

JamesA

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
696
I've tried probably a dozen times now to get a good age on this Native II. For some reason, I just can't do it. I've gotten a better edge on a "China Special" butter knife than I can get on this knife.

Anybody have any suggestions? Maybe someone's figured out the quirks of this steel, something that I'm just missing?

Thanks,
JamesA
 
I empathize with you.

It's actually easier to get a sharp edge on cheap knife because they use soft steels. A couple of swipes on a sharpener (many will recommend Spyderco's sharpener. I use an angle sharpener), and remove the wire edge and, bang, you have a sharp edge on an "el cheapo" knife.

AUS-10 is a much harder steel as you probably know. The sharpening principles are the same but it may take more effort...and more CAREFUL effort in forming the burr and removing the wire edge.

My advice to you, based on my mistakes, is to not risk further ruining the blade on a good knife. Just send it back to Spyderco.

In the meantime, master your technique (which I'm trying to do now) on cheaper knives and read everything you can on sharpening, including the article by Joe Tamaldge in the tutorial section here at BladeForums.
 
I just realized how newbieish that post made me look...

I've been able to sharpen every steel I've gotten ahold of. Some take a little longer (440V and BG-42, for example), and some are so easy that I can't wait to sharpen them (Victorinox stuff, AUS-8, and VG-10). I imagine I've dealt with every stainless steel on the market, except for S30V, and quite a handful of carbons.

The ONLY knife I haven't been able to get a good edge on is this AUS-10 Native -- I assume it's the steel, but it might just be this piece, I've never dealt with anything else in AUS-10.

Can't send it back, since it's not my knife, and the fellow who owns it refuses to be without his knife. But it's the principle of the thing, I don't like not being able to sharpen something.

Been using a sharpmaker, but mostly freehand with the stones. Tried using the base too (even though I don't really like doing it). Tried the black magic marker trick, I'm definitely hitting the edge. Darn thing just doesn't want to get sharp.
 
Hi James. AUS-10 is tough to sharpen, but no tougher than BG-42 or CPM-S60V. You might try using a loupe (about 10X) for a "look-see" as what is going on with the edge.

If there is something wrong with the blade, I guess you might have to send it to us. We've not had a problem with any AUS-10 blades in the past.

sal
 
James,
This is probably not AUS-10 problem, it’s not any harder to sharpen than other hi-end steels.
I suppose the actual sharpening angle is somewhat bigger (more obtuse) than Sharpmake’s preset one you use. This causes you to regrind the edge, more than likely you are grinding the back part of sharpening area even not touching very edge. Try to apply marker on the edge and after some strokes you will see exactly what you are grinding.

If I’m right – this could ask you for some patience. Work on the one side only until you will get full length burr on the another side. Then work on another side until you will get burr on the side you have worked first. After that turn to fine stones and repeat all completely.

Finally remove the burr with light alternating strokes, one per side. Clean stones carefully before this last operation, there are some steels (CPM 440V for ex.) what can cause a lot of difficulties to remove the burr with dirty, clogged stones.

I would be surprised if your knife wouldn’t shave after you complete :)
 
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