Uneven factory Bevel

Doctor Jenks · May 31, 2015

Hey everyone, I'm rather new here. I've been lurking for quite awhile, finally decided to join.

I've recently picked up an edge pro, and have been learning how to use it. On the most recent knife I've been sharpening, (browning Black Label), I've found that the factory bevel is uneven on one side. About one centimeter of the heel of the blade has a significantly steeper angle than the rest of the blade on the one side.

this is irritating, since I think I'll have to remove quite a bit of metal to even things out. My question is, is this normal? I've had already seen two blades with similarly steep angles on the heel of the blade. One was a Saber pairing knife, and the other was a Benchmade mini griptillian, although the griptillian was such a small area that I decided I could live with it. Is this something you see a lot, and how do you recommend dealing with it? Keep grinding, or let it go?

Thanks.

toker · May 31, 2015

In my experience, it's very common. I've seen in my budget knives and more expensive folders, regardless of brand.

singularity35 · May 31, 2015

Normal from what I've experienced.

Kai Winters · May 31, 2015

Normal but not an every knife occurrence.
Knive's are generally sharpened by someone sitting at a bench all day every day and focus and attention wavers from time to time.
On an inexpensive knife I'd not give a hoot but on an expensive knife I'd send it back and hope it is fixed properly or replaced with one that is ground with better precision.

I always reprofile my knife blades, regardless of cost or quality, so unless it was horrible I'd not pay much attention to it.

wiredbeans · May 31, 2015

+1

Reprofile and sharpening is part of the fun

you will soon find out matching your edge for different blade shape and for different type of usage

Fred.Rowe · May 31, 2015

Its unusual to find a perfectly ground blade, one that is not only straight from handle to tip but one with matching primary bevels and even distal taper from plunge to tip. When you get to the cutting part of the blade it is also unusual to find perfection. Its up to the user to acquire the skills needed to both reprofile edges and sharpen them to the angle you prefer. As stated above, its just part of the fun.

Fred

bdmicarta · Jun 1, 2015

I have found lots of variation in angles, and angles that vary significantly from one end of the edge to the other. When I first sharpen it becomes a reprofiling job and takes awhile even with diamond stones.

Doctor Jenks · Jun 1, 2015

Sadly, it's been the same in my limited experience as well. Thanks for the advice, all.

Kai Winters · Jun 1, 2015

I don't consider it a "sad" experience at all.
There is no way a production worker is going to spend the time getting a perfectly even bevel, perfect...to who?...angle and micron level sharpness/polish on a factory knife. Doubtful even on most customs, etc. They're just not going to spend the time.
It just is what it is...

victorf · Jun 1, 2015

There is perfection in certain production knife. Their factory edge will last and last, but eventually will need resharpen, it is impossible to replicate original other than send it back to Japan. Cost for rebirth of original shape, sharpness and mirror'ed luster finish is $65.

Having its name is on their knife, this company exemplified pride with quite dignity. It is truly a thing to appreciate.

But for all my American made knives, I just live with how it came, since reprofile for visual sake will only shorten its useful live.

*****

Examples:

I got this brand new Wharny (bottom one), couple of weeks ago:

Presentation side grind has a amateurish wavy uneven look, a small shallow 1/32" dent on the same side, 3/8" from the ricasso. Instead of a sharp point, it is blunt. My two years old XM 3.5 Slicer also has a similar blunt tip, along clearly shown the factory uneven grind.

If I send it back, most likely they will just grind off more useful edge, in hope to resharpen to remove discrepancy and that to me, only makes the matter worst. If any company has pride, product like these, especially at these price range should not have passed QC from the get go.

Since I am fairly capable:

I will take care of the discrepancy when the time comes, as well as modify them to my hearts content.