What are your expectations of sharpness?

[RBid]

When I get a new blade, I run it through a little 20lb copy paper to listen to how it passes through. Really, I'm just looking for excessive catching or indications that it may need a little refinement. I've had a couple that came with a little room for improvement, but none that came from the factory with edges that weren't suitable for practical application. As with most here, I'm comfortable doing my own sharpening.

 

[jstrange]

I would like it to shave arm hair without dragging and scraping the hair off. I would also like it to cut computer paper without tearing the material. Most knives I have bought brand new were capable of this.

 

[CJZ]

On productions? Doesn't matter to me, I'll sharpen it anyway.

On customs? For the price tag I would expect a good edge, but again I can put my own Wicked Edge on

 

[22-rimfire]

I expect a knife to be sharp out of the box with a proper grind (consistent on both sides) and in a steel that I can sharpen. I will sharpen it later anyway.

 

[Tripton]

They had better shave, but since I know how to sharpen, I don't get too upset if they dont.

I rarely have the time or patience to put a really hair-popping edge on anymore, and a polished edge sucks balls for a user. (IMO)

A 5 minute shaving sharp edge is good enough for me usually. It is going to be that way after one or two uses anyway.