Why not convex edge from the factory?

Some people don't like it, and it might be more cost effective to give knives the traditional "V" grind they come with.

I think all the Bark River blades come convexed, not sure though.
 
v grind is cheaper/easier and helps keep the cost down.
also, the v grind is easier to maintain in the field and is more popular.
last: it's easier to convex a v grind than it is to reprofile a convex to v.
 
The Chef said:
Just wondering about this one, seems that it would be a nice touch on a primo blade.

-zeke
Click to expand...

its not easy to do.

factories like easy and fast. They like to use a steel that they can stamp out ( like a cookie cutter ) this is fast and easy. So its not a high grade of steel. They use soft stainless steel.

Better grade steels must be cnc'ed or wire cut, water jetted or hand profiled. This costs money.

I do not know of a machine that can do convex grinds. I have saw machines that can do concave and do flat grinds. This means speed and speed equals labor savings.

we do convex grinds on 99% of our knives and they are hand ground on Japanese water stones. We also use our own hand smelted Tamahagane. Not only do we hand make the knives we hand make the steel.

but of course the price reflects the work.
 
Last edited:
Not to be totally blunt, but for something I'm going to smash and pound on as a tool, I don't need a pretty edge on. Just one that cuts. V grinds cut. I'm not knocking craftsmanship, cuz I do like it. But if something works... I say run with it. I've done some sick stuff to 1095 and it's come out just fine.
 
i would rather i convex it myself... the edge comes on it is perfectly fine ... but i also put differnt edges on differnt work knives... for differnt reasons... convex isnt the end all be all and isnt the best tool in the tool box just one of em...
 
somberbear said:
i would rather i convex it myself... the edge comes on it is perfectly fine ... but i also put differnt edges on differnt work knives... for differnt reasons... convex isnt the end all be all and isnt the best tool in the tool box just one of em...
Click to expand...

true, there is many tools in the box and each one has a use.

do you use your knife as a screwdriver or hammer?

would you use the hammer as a knife?

the right tool for the right job.......... or just get a bigger hammer

for cutting i like a convex edge. for hacking i like a ax. both work different.
 
Interesting thoughts on convexing here, I didn't know it actually polarized people. I just thought it would make sense to put a tougher edge on a knife, and didn't realize the time involved n convexing steel.

thanks guys!
 
A convex edge has to be done by hand, and it takes skill and time. A V-grind can be done by a machine, and no skill is required and it's very fast.
 
I've never noticed a large difference between the two.

I find v grinds easier to maintain and easier to get sharper.
 
The truth is that most folks will end up with something of a convex edge on their knives, anyway. Unless you use a rest or machine to sharpen, the body just won't keep the edge flat on the stone.

I convex my knives, because it is actually EASIER to maintain in the field. A little compound on some leather or some sandpaper and away we go. However, there is nothing wrong with the ESEE grind from the factory.
 
If the factory grind will cut their costs and how much it costs me then I am all for the V grind.
I can convex it myself for FREE. ;)
 
No matter the reason or argument most of the rat line would benefit little from convex bevels. Convex seems to be a big hit on BF lately and even being suggested to new sharpeners before they even understand how to apply a straight bevel properly. Putting a convex bevel on a knife is easy, understanding how to do it right takes lots of practice.
 
Someone please correct me, but won't a convex edge be less resistant to lateral forces then a V edge? So in a camp/survival/hard-use knife a V edge is more desirable because it's tougher?
 
lk3331 said:
because some people do not like convex or do not know how to sharpen them.
Click to expand...

A lot of people don't know how to sharpen a bevel either. :D

I had the edge on my 4 pretty boogered up and decided to convex it. I'm not as good at it as a lot of people are I'm sure, but it is the best edge my 4 has had on it.
 
V-Grind is the way to go. It mates up with my Sharpmaker perfectly. Is easy to sharpen and tough as nails. Leave the convex grind to the Busse guys who like to do that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top