Why is it...

[Slatts]

...that I can sharpen my S30V Sebenza at 40 degrees and it feels sharper than some of my other S30V knives sharpened at 30 degrees? No doubt that the edge retention is better, but it also feels like a sharper edge right after the sticks.

 

[pbubsy]

Dunno, the only thing I CAN say is that I've had many different folders from many different companies and the ONLY knife I've ever had that I could get sharper than my Sebenzas is my G10 S30V Kershaw Leek. That's only due to the fact that it's such a slim blade. It's a real bargain, I got mine for $60 if I can recall correctly. Doesn't compare to my seb in other aspects of course, but an enjoyable and reliable knife in it's own right.

 

[NickZac]

...that I can sharpen my S30V Sebenza at 40 degrees and it feels sharper than some of my other S30V knives sharpened at 30 degrees? No doubt that the edge retention is better, but it also feels like a sharper edge right after the sticks.

Most likely this is not just the steel and how it is hardened a bit less (which is actually a good thing), but the actual blade design. Think a Sebenza as a refined straight razor. The hollow grind is the most extreme on the market and a hollow grind is a better cutter than any other blade design.