So I was wondering if I only used the edge of the medium stones on the sharpmaker for part of my skyline, would I get a toothy edge similar to serrations? Would it actually help cut things like rope, zip ties, or elastic like plastic (think soil bags)? Usually I try and polish my edges as much as possible, but felt it didn't do the best job on the soil bags. It was still sharp, but I really had to fight it to cut it down the middle. Thoughts?
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Unpolished edge similar to serrations?
- Thread starter J1427
- Start date
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- Nov 9, 2009
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- 44,314
IMO, a polished edge doesn't have the same benefit across the board on all steel. Steel with higher carbide content, like S30/90/110v I prefer a bit toothy. Steel like 154CM, 154CM, ELMAX, M390 all seem to work for me with both a polished edge versus a toothy edge. Whatever works best I guess.
Personally I avoid serrations and not all serrations are created alike. I've had knives in which the serrations worked pretty decent and others in which they were more of a hinderace because instead of cutting they somehow had a tendancy to snag on what I trying to cut. For slicing things up you want a more toothy edge and push cutting a more polished edge in general and I have found that there is truth in that. For me I tend to go towards a middle ground between the two to get the results I want. Experiment and see if finishing at the medium works better for you.
Yes, it is a good idea to experiment.
It all adds up; the blade shape and grind, the carbide content and so forth.
I have gone back to lower grit ranges with the DMT fine/red color 600 grit to a Smith's oval ceramic that is around 800 to 1100 grit.
It just works better for me for the kinds of tasks I do, which is mainly food prep and opening boxes and plastic packaging.
It all adds up; the blade shape and grind, the carbide content and so forth.
I have gone back to lower grit ranges with the DMT fine/red color 600 grit to a Smith's oval ceramic that is around 800 to 1100 grit.
It just works better for me for the kinds of tasks I do, which is mainly food prep and opening boxes and plastic packaging.