thoughts on "the razor edge book of sharpening"

[mlawson]

The guy that wrote this book seems to have researched sharpening to death. What do you all think of the technique outlined in this book?

 

[Roadrunner]

It works for me. He does a great job of explaining sharpening theory, so to speak. My freehand skills got a lot better after I started using his methods.

 

[JDEEBLADE]

The book is well researched and really he has only put in print what has been in practice for a long time. There is really nothing new in the methods. I recommend the system and I sharpen knives for a living.

 

[mlawson]

He really stresses the 2 angle system. I learned otherwise in the boyscouts and am going to try his method on a old hunting knife i got and see how it turns out.

 

[JDEEBLADE]

You can take it a step further and try a 3 angle system.

 

[pahl]

It's a great book and his guides and hones work great.
I meet John Juranitch in person at the Cabela's store this summer.
Very nice guy.

I gave away the book I had. I also sold my guides and hones, big mistake!

I will be going back to the razor edge way of sharpening.
I have been using the spyderco sharpmaker for the summer and I just can't seem to get as fine of a edge on my blade as I did when I used the razor edge guide and hones

 

[DarkReazon]

It is a good book, and the system works well. You might be surprised to read that Mr. Juranitch has some contrary opinions to some of the memes touted hear on BFC regarding sharpening. I have both his Deluxe System, and a Spyderco Sharpmaker. The Sharpmaker gets more use for touch ups, mostly due to convenience. Unless you freehand with the Razor Edge hones, the clamp guides take some playing around with. Especially on larger knives (I sharpened a BK9 and that took some reclamping...)

I think my only criticism of the book would be with his lack of distinction with knife steels. He will speak of "stainless" or "carbon" and that's about it. I realize that alot of the revolutionary super steels of late are recent additions to the cutlery industry, but the differences in my personal collection between, say, 440C and VG10 and D2 are recognizable, even on similiar edge geometries and angles...

Still, its a worthwhile book, and his system is a great product.

Regards,

Shaun.

 

[UltraSteele]

When I firstgot into knives, I got this book and the Razor Edge Hones.

The theories in the book are sound and backed up by other's research.
Just keep in mind that for the best edge, all systems should have a double bevel; one very steep for the secondary edge (30 degrees or so depending...), and one slightly wider (40 degrees or so, depending) for the primary. This gives you a strong edge that will last, without too much blade to get in the way of the cut. Check out the book.

But I have found there are easier/better ways to sharpen knives- check out what people say about the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I love it.

Cheers!

 

[JohnnyO]

UltraSteele, My experience mirrors yours. When I got serious about sharpening I bought the book, after reading Joe Talmadge's writings first. The guides/hones work fine for me. I am very happy with their results.

However, nothing seems easier than setting up my 204. If you don't let you knives get dull the 204 works great. When my blades need to be taken back a little, I use my Razor Edge guides on their hones, or my DMT's. Then, finish up on my 204. Very happy with the results.