What Grit Sandpaper for Making a Knife Convex

OK. Looks like you're in the ballpark. But, in reference to what I was saying earlier, this is where I think you'll benefit by looking at the edge under magnification. I use the Sharpie, also. Oftentimes, by the naked eye, it appears that the black marker has been removed all the way to the edge. But, I've often discovered, when looking through the magnifier, that there's still a VERY thin black stripe along the edge, indicating you're very close, but not quite there. And as I said earlier, the magnified view will also show you what else might be going on (like rounding, or if the edge isn't fully apexed in some areas). Conversely, if you have fully apexed the edge, from both sides, that should also become very clear. A good, sharp edge is inherently very attractive to look at, up close. Very clean, sharp and pure, to a nice 'V' shape (even if gently convexed).

I believe I can see, in the pic you posted, what appears to be a remnant of the original bevel near the tip. In my experience, that's common. The edge is usually the thickest there, and takes more work to smooth it out.
 
Erdbeereis said:
What do you use for magnification?

Erdbeereis
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Lately, I've been relying on a simple 10x lighted 'loupe' type magnifier (Bausch & Lomb). There are a LOT of possibilities out there, though. If you look at Amazon, and search for 'loupe', 'lighted loupe', 'digital microscope', 'USB microscope', etc., you'll see many options. Some of the sharpening fanatics here have been using the digital/USB microscopes at high magnification (50x - 400x or so). Those are set up to be used with a computer, so you can view images on your screen, take pictures, etc. I'd recommend anything at or above 10x. Just depends on how much money you want to spend on it. A lot of good possibilities in the $30 - $100 range, but there are also many perfectly suitable magnifiers at much cheaper prices.

(The only reason I haven't upgraded yet, is because I haven't decided which one I want to buy. That says something about the options out there.)
 
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A burr still hasn't formed yet, should I move just onto the the next side or keep grinding this side?
I hate when I can't do something that's supposed to be simple.:(

Erdbeereis
 
Jump sides. There's a real good chance that you have respectable technique and a light touch, and that burr is too small for you to detect at your current level of familiarity. It won't hurt anything to change sides and see how it goes. Also possible that whatever burr you have formed will team up with the metal from the other side and you'll be able to see it with the unaided eye.
 
Yes, yes I was wanting to know this info also.
I know this is a few months late, but thank you to everyone
who contributed to this thread.! I love this website
 
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