why not convex??????

[joebobx]

So the more I learn about knives and edges and stuff. I find that alot of people strongly prefer convex edges. What are if any of the downsides to a convex edge. Other than you can't field expediantly sharpen it on a rock or whatever. Do convex edges have any drawbacks?????

 

[starboard]

Quite a few reads and no replies. I think convex edges are de facto vindicated.

 

[Blop]

I guess, field sharpening is a new market for convex edges. Why not a stone shaped to follow a convex blade shape? Do i remember right, there were some stones from the viking age found?

Correct me, but the sharpest and finest edges are V - edges. That does not mean, any V - edge is sharper, it means, a scalpel or razor edge features a v-edge more often than a convex edge.

 

[cuphead]

out of experience, I have had problems with convex and hardwoods.. I prefer scandi up north.

 

[Ravaillac]

Correct me, but the sharpest and finest edges are V - edges.

That's pure geometry: at same edge angle, V edges will have a thicker general profile, convex thinner general shape.

That's why convex is well suited for striking tools: you can have a large edge angle without an insanely thick general profile.

On the other hand, convex on thin edge would make general profile insanely thin, and, at this size, would be hard to tell flat from convex anyway.

 

[Dog of War]

Do convex edges have any drawbacks?????

May or may not be a drawback for some ... but it's much more difficult to control and measure the actual geometry of a convex edge, and to get the same geometry from one time to the next, or along the entire edge. It's much less problem optimizing blades for specific work using a 'V' or multibevel edge grind.

 

[Grampa]

I have "field sharpened" my convex blades on rocks, coffee cups, etc.

Or just maintained the edge on wood backed, compound treated leather about the size of a small postcard.

Cuphead, have you tried using a thin bladed full convex on your hardwood? I've had good success with that!

 

[Dr Heelhook]

I don't see any significant advantage with them, except for chopping.

 

[Roger999]

I don't see any significant advantage with them, except for chopping.

They hold the edge longer.

I don't convex edges anymore because I now reprofile my edges and put microbevels instead, it gets much sharper(but won't hold edge aslong but I don't put hard use on my knives anyway).

 

[archieblue]

I don't do convex because my sharpmaker doesnt.

 

[sir woodley]

Convex for me. Changed my whole way of thinking/sharpening!

 

[65535]

Since I hand sharpen and steel between sharpenings it's not my thing. It's much easier to get a visual on your V-grind or scandi than on a convex.

 

[vic2367]

convex for me also...

 

[smcclown05]

I love me some convex. On my last trip I cut a wallet sized piece of cardboard off the back of a legal pad, colored some compound on it, and used it to strop my knife back to super sharp every night. How easy is that!? :thumbup:

 

[misque]

I prefer convex.
Prefer it so much, when I had to sell off most of my collection, a whole slew of knives were unsaleable due to the fact that I altered them by convexing the edges.
That was a mixed blessing.
Although I needed the money, it prevented me from selling some really great knives.

Convexed blades just seem to perform better for me and are easier to restore to wicked edge sharpness.

 

[These_Nutz]

I can get a convex egde sharper than a v shaped edge its also so simple to maintain and cuts so much better IMO.
The fact it has to be applied by hand instead of a v grind which can be done with a machine makes most companys use v grinds.