What is your latest evaluation of the scandi vs convex debate?

[hollowdweller]

They both can function well, but the performance will depend on edge geometry.

A very thin Scandi can be fragile but slice quite well.

An overly thick Scandi might be tough, though not worth a damn for cutting.

Likewise, convex edges come with many different geometries.


The steel, the heat treatment, and the intended use must also be factored into the equation.





Big Mike

What Big Mike said. It's not an either/or thing.

 

[PayetteRucker]

I have both, like both, and prefer either depending on conditions. Generally speaking I'd take a convex for longer trips. Having slightly better edge retention can take the cake over insane slicing performance on 5-7 day trips. If I'm going to be fishing or hunting, a scandi comes along-between the filleting, skinning, processing meat... you just can't beat a scandi.

 

[Frostyfingers]

In my experience, a zero ground scandi is an exceptional performer on straight grained softwoods. After all, look at the woods available in the countries where the grind originated and the type of wood available to Mr Korchanski (another advocate of the Scandi grind) :thumbup:

A scandi that has a thicker primary bevel added is stronger than a zero grind. :thumbup:

However, straight grained softwoods is not something I have available in the bush here in Australia (infact, the exact opposite is the case).

I haven't used a zero grind scandi for over 20 years (I got sick & tired of removing chips & rolls from them when used on the genuine hardwoods that we have over here). I use a convex egde and to be honest, can't see myself using anything else :thumbup:

I agree with this. I'm in central Kentucky, but I've found that a true zero-ground scandi isn't much good beyond cedar and green poplar. I like 'em after I put a bit of a convex bevel on 'em, though.

The best cutter I have, though, is a Nessmuk made from an Old Hickory skinner...it started as a poorly-done saber grind, but I flattened it out a little and convexed the edge (saber-vex?) and now it cuts like crazy and has pretty good edge retention despite a fairly thin blade and narrow grind.

So I guess my answer is "thin grind, convex edge."

 

[sodak]

The thickness really plays a huge role in this. If I had to choose between the 2, a nice thin convex would be my choice, but would still prefer a flat ground edge over either.

 

[Mentor]

I embrace indecision.

A while back, I realized that I preferred scandi edges for shaving / notching wood, and that I tended to use only the lower portion of the blade for those tasks. For other tasks, I preferred a convex or flat grind. I decided that I needed a combi-edge blade, and John of JK Knives delivered. This one is convexed (with an edge grind) up front, and scandi towards the handle. I love it.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[cnas122]

I embrace indecision.

Great idea and great looking knife.

 

[Big Chris]

I live in north central KY and I have to agree with Frostyfingers, a scandi edge serves no purpose past carving or light whittling. Most all of my blades now have convexed edges and I was amazed at the difference in cutting performance. I do not own any full convex blades as of now, but am looking at a getting one. My vote is definitely for convex edges at least, and a full convex has to be better.

 

[Mentor]

I live in north central KY and I have to agree with Frostyfingers, a scandi edge serves no purpose past carving or light whittling.

Doesn't a fair bit of W&SS knife-work fall into the category of 'carving or light whittling'?

 

[j williams]

I like scandis.....However I prefer convex. Just work better for me.

 

[Brian Andrews]

I always have the same question about these debates. Who is making you choose? Good lord, don't make me pick just one grind for the rest of my life!!!!!

 

[JCavSD]

I always have the same question about these debates. Who is making you choose? Good lord, don't make me pick just one grind for the rest of my life!!!!!

Sorry, only once choice for the rest of eternity. I'll PM you my address so you can ship me the rest.

 

[Mongo]

Convex, all the way. Sharp, strong, long lasting, easy to maintain.

I agree. Once you go convex... you never go back. All my users for every use have convex edges. Absurdly easy to maintain and restore.

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day Mentor

Doesn't a fair bit of W&SS knife-work fall into the category of 'carving or light whittling'?

It does :thumbup:

But where the crunch comes is in the type of wood that you are doing the carving or light whittling with

Are we talking about wood that is soft enough that it can be marked with a finger nail (eg softwood), or are we talking about wood that will make a sharp axe bounce right off it lol.




Kind regards
Mick

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day Brian

I always have the same question about these debates. Who is making you choose? Good lord, don't make me pick just one grind for the rest of my life!!!!!

I really don't think you'll have to choose only one grind.

After all, those who only have softwoods available to them will most likely still want a zero grind scandi :thumbup:

Those who only have hardwoods available will want something else (ie a convex) :thumbup:

Since people live in different areas, with different requirements, the ability to offer more than one type of grind would IMO be an advantage :thumbup:



Kind regards
Mick