Too small a bevel?

[RugerNurse]

I recently picked up a Bugout at a decent price since I've been interested in that model for some time. The bevel is a lot smaller than my PM2 and doesn't feel like it grips into paper as easily as my Spyderco. Is this my imagination or anyone else had this experience? It seems like I prefer a larger bevel on the edge of my knives.

 

[ms3902]

My bugout had a fairly steep bevel when I got it and didn't cut anywhere near as well as my PM2. I pushed the bevel of the bugout back to 17 degrees and it made a huge difference.

 

[eveled]

The angle is what matters for slicing.

The bevel width is a product of not only the angle but the thickness behind the edge.

 

[Whitedog]

Been carying a Mini Bugout for about a year now. Freeheanded by own bevel and now it works just great. 320 grit works wonders.

 

[ktataragasi]

As stated above it is fantastic if you drop the edge angle.

 

[Boattale]

I've settled on 20 degrees per side for all of my knives. Plenty sharp to cut anything and reasonably durable too. Plus, I never have to wonder what angle to sharpen at.

 

[Dergyll]

Here are mine, I didn't change angles I tried my best to match factory.

Bugout: thin grind, higher angle (20 or so)


Pm2: thicker grind (compared to bugout), low angle (this guy was about 16)


Dogma: even thinner grind (hollow), high angle (20 or so)


The dogma has the least visible bevel, with a thin thin grind and higher angle. Sorry if the picture is not the best, hope this helps...try push cutting a piece of cardboard and feel the resistance, I find that a good caveman test for geometry.

Edit: I would add that benchmade factory edges are mediocre compared to spydercos (especially older ones, those are lasers). They do more sawing that cutting lol, you would feel it most on paper. My new benchmade superfreek couldn't cut paper without ripping it, whereas my first pm2 glides gracefully through it.

 

[Hashishiin]

I like Spydercos and the angle of the SM.

 

[5DoorEstate]

I recently settled in on 17 degrees on my Bugout (20CV.) Made a noticeable difference from factory and performs very well. I rather doubt I’m capable of getting anything as sharp as Spyderco’s best.

 

[RugerNurse]

Thanks, I've been trying to lower the angle on the bugout to 15° but my stones on the Workshop precision sharpener are getting worn out. Factory edge seemed to be somewhere around 16-17°. Maybe its just not sharp enough to catch paper cleanly. Once it starts cutting it does ok but my Spyderco can do a push cut right into paper without a problem. I know I'm not slicing paper all day long with my pocket carry knives but being able to slice cleanly is a nice benchmark to hit.
I will give Benchmade credit that their grind was very even on mine when I bought it, just was dull.

 

[craytab]

Thanks, I've been trying to lower the angle on the bugout to 15° but my stones on the Workshop precision sharpener are getting worn out. Factory edge seemed to be somewhere around 16-17°. Maybe its just not sharp enough to catch paper cleanly. Once it starts cutting it does ok but my Spyderco can do a push cut right into paper without a problem. I know I'm not slicing paper all day long with my pocket carry knives but being able to slice cleanly is a nice benchmark to hit.
I will give Benchmade credit that their grind was very even on mine when I bought it, just was dull.

Post up a pic of the secondary bevel.

 

[RugerNurse]

I finally received the replacement stones for the Worksharp Precision both the coarse and fine grits and carefully reprofiled the edge to 15° and then sharpened up slowly. Now its razor sharp, that is a very nice system for the money. I have a set of diamond stones to work on practicing freehand but didn't want to risk it on the Bugout.