What kind of edges do you guys prefer on different steels?

seelow123

seelow123

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Oct 4, 2008
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I hope that thread title makes sense:/ It's about time to sharpen my Mini Bone collector (d2) and I was curious about if I should put a toothy or polished edge on it. I remember somebody said that d2 performs very well with a toothy edge for EDC and is better with a polished edge for heavier use such as chopping. I will be carrying it and using it, but not for heavy use or chopping (It would be kind of hard given the size of the knife) I only have used d2 with a polished edge (3k grit) so I thought I'd ask how it's held up with a toothy edge for you gents.

And just to make it more of a learning experience, what other steels do you prefer with a toothy edge over polished or vise versa?

I really hope this makes sense. It probably won't:D
 
every single blade i own has a polished zero convex edge.

I have seen absolutely no indication that a "toothy" edge will perform better, and i have seen all kinds of evidence that shows that it's inferior for long term edge retention

if it doesn't shave, it's dull.
 
BePrepared said:
every single blade i own has a polished zero convex edge.

I have seen absolutely no indication that a "toothy" edge will perform better, and i have seen all kinds of evidence that shows that it's inferior for long term edge retention

if it doesn't shave, it's dull.
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You really have that backwards...
 
seelow123 said:
So A toothy edge would perform well as far as long term edge retention goes?
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Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.

Just an example, the ELMAX Mule with a coarse edge did about 40% better than with the polished edge cutting 5/8" Manila rope.
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.
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Very useful info ankerson, what do you recommend for stropping? What compound and I guess how many strokes?

ps. love your youtube vids!
 
Nader Elhayek said:
Very useful info ankerson, what do you recommend for stropping? What compound and I guess how many strokes?

ps. love your youtube vids!
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I use Silicon Carbide on a smooth leather strop, slurry from a fine Norton stone.
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.

Just an example, the ELMAX Mule with a coarse edge did about 40% better than with the polished edge cutting 5/8" Manila rope.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna take your word on that since you clearly know a great deal more than i do
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.

Just an example, the ELMAX Mule with a coarse edge did about 40% better than with the polished edge cutting 5/8" Manila rope.
Click to expand...

Great info as always Ankerson. I've been stopping at 15micron diamond PSA followed by light stropping. The results are fantastic! I do find myself choosing a higher finish if I'm primarily pushing cutting versus draw cutting.
 
capid1 said:
Great info as always Ankerson. I've been stopping at 15micron diamond PSA followed by light stropping. The results are fantastic! I do find myself choosing a higher finish if I'm primarily pushing cutting versus draw cutting.
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Cuts great doesn't it. :D

Toothy, but not too aggressive. :)
 
I like a mirror polished edge on my edc blades, but admittedly I prefer polished simply because of how it looks... Lol. In my regular use I personally don't notice the difference in edge retention between polished and toothy because I strop every day so my knives never really get dull.
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.

Just an example, the ELMAX Mule with a coarse edge did about 40% better than with the polished edge cutting 5/8" Manila rope.
Click to expand...


So do you still run all of your test edges up to 6k?
 
Ankerson said:
Yes, it will cut longer than a polished edge.

Something in the middle around 14-16 Microns is a good balance for edge retention and cutting efficiency.

Just an example, the ELMAX Mule with a coarse edge did about 40% better than with the polished edge cutting 5/8" Manila rope.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I finish on a Spyderco Ultra fine stone and then strop with .25 micron diamond spray. I have really been enjoying the edge finish and how it cuts. Does anyone know what micron the Spyderco stones are?
 
Gator97 said:
Not always:) if he's using push cutting then toothy edge will gain nothing. Rather the opposite, it'll deform easier. Same for chopping, polished edges last longer.
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That's a given though. :)
 
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