The only problem with my Commander

C

Chewy1

Joined
Jun 5, 2006
Messages
1,564
is it is too scary sharp.

I've got Barkies, which were very sharp. I picked up a Spyderco, which I thought was too sharp. Then, I got a Commander SF and it is actually intimidating how sharp it is. That chisel grind really wants to bite everything it comes into contact with. Usually I test for sharpness by fingering the edge to see how grabby the steel is, but the Emerson just wants to start peeling off my fingerprints.

What a great knife.:D

Question: I've seen their website. Do you guys recommend diamond or ceramic sticks for sharpening? Is there a system to use with the chisel? I thought I saw that you can wing it with a Sharpmaker, but if I want to attain this same edge, is that my best option? Any other tips (Yes, I have used the Search Engine ...Google... but it's nice to hear it again.)

Ouch...gotta a Band-aid?
 
The Commander isn't a chisel grind, it is a V-grind sharpened on one side, the left side. Congrats on it. For sharpening I would use a Lansky sharpening system with the stones instead of the diamonds. I have both and I think the stones do a bit better job of not leaving a wire edge. Enjoy and keepem sharp
 
I'll have to look at it again. To me, it looks like one side is flat. Date of 2008, though. Hmmm. Maybe my memory is failing me....again. ha.
 
Okay, I looked at it. I'll concede that it is a V grind with one side sharpened, but it's so close to the edge, it looks like a chisel.:D
 
Chewy1 said:
is it is too scary sharp.

I've got Barkies, which were very sharp. I picked up a Spyderco, which I thought was too sharp. Then, I got a Commander SF and it is actually intimidating how sharp it is. That chisel grind really wants to bite everything it comes into contact with. Usually I test for sharpness by fingering the edge to see how grabby the steel is, but the Emerson just wants to start peeling off my fingerprints.

What a great knife.:D

Question: I've seen their website. Do you guys recommend diamond or ceramic sticks for sharpening? Is there a system to use with the chisel? I thought I saw that you can wing it with a Sharpmaker, but if I want to attain this same edge, is that my best option? Any other tips (Yes, I have used the Search Engine ...Google... but it's nice to hear it again.)

Ouch...gotta a Band-aid?
Click to expand...


I'll teach you the way I've been doing it for two years now with my smith's diamond pocket sharpening rod. First off, pick one up, they are about $7-$10 dollars at wally world or any other outdoor store. One side is round and the other side is flat, use the FLAT side. Place the flat side, well, flat against the original blade angle. With the knife in your right hand push the blade away from you while keeping the sharpener flat on the blades original blade angle. Be sure to keep the sharpener at a 90 degree angle when going on the curvy edges. Do this about 2-3 times and then once on the back side. Should be shaving your a$$ in no time. Hope this helps, J.

http://www.rei.com/product/726793
 
Got a video? I'm having a hard time picturing it, although you did a fine job saying it.

Do you rest the rod on a table or are both in hand? By "push the blade away from you" do you mean that you're basically doing a stab forward motion, but controlled?
 
Chewy1 said:
Got a video? I'm having a hard time picturing it, although you did a fine job saying it.

Do you rest the rod on a table or are both in hand? By "push the blade away from you" do you mean that you're basically doing a stab forward motion, but controlled?
Click to expand...

It's all freehand. You keep the spine facing you and the blade facing out, then put the flat side of the diamond rod on the original blade angle. Slowly slide the blade along the rod in the outwards direction. Act like you are trying to peel off a thin strip of bark, pull down and away with the knife. For the back side, start at the top (end) of the rod and work your way towards you (since I'm assuming you are right handed). This will get rid of the burrs on the back side and keep your knife sharp as ever. I don't have a video, but I hope this helps, J.

ps. if you aren't too sure, practice on another cheap knife and see if you can get that hair popping edge on it.
 
I struggled to get my 2001 Commander sharp on a Sharpmaker. I eventually traded it away. Don't have the same problem with my other four Emersons. Not sure why I couldn't nail it, but the chisel grind and recurve just defeated me.
 
That stinks. They're great knives. Hopefully, I'll have a better time at it than you did. I'd be very reluctant to trade it since I won it from CROCBLADES.com.
 
Well, we don't have many sunny days in NE Ohio, but I finally managed to squeeze in a short photo session with my Commanders. Hope you like them!

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I haven't had a chance to put it through its paces yet. That will have to wait for summertime, but I really like it. And I love the wave feature. Very fast deployment.
 
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