Wierd Question?

JasonG

JasonG

Joined
Sep 29, 2008
Messages
263
Hi guys
Got a technical question for the sharpening boff's: although, It may be completely irrelevant.

Would there be any difference in "edge lasting" between a sharp polished edge and a sharp rough edge?

Example: If I use only the brown stone on the spyderco sharpmaker, to make it hair popping sharp, and not the white honing stone. you can feel it has a rough sharp edge, know what i mean?

Now basically this question derived from the S30V debate.

It seemed that there is a possibility that S30V "chips" microscopically causeing it to go blunt. Although it "IS" a high wear resistance metal due to Vanadium, it chips easy?

So, basically, if there is a rough hair popping sharp edge, can the "TINY" little teeth "chip off" causing it to go blunter, compared to a polished smooth edge with no "microteeth", and a completely flat area to increase surface area?

I know this is over the top.... but who gives a sh#t, I would like to know if its a absolute fairy tale story im making, or if its possible?
 
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The micro-serrations or "teeth" can chip, there was a thread a week ago saying that toothy edges last less long because you require more force to cut, thus breaking off the micro-serrations, whereas polished edges don't have as much of a micro serration and require less force and stops of the edge from blunting as fast.
 
A polished edge of similar sharpness should last longer. I disagree on the "less force to cut" thing. It's been my experience that a toothy sharp edge cuts far better than a similarly sharp polished edge. On my knives I'm not willing to give up the performance and ease of cutting for slightly improved edge holding on paper. The exception to this is dedicated choppers like axes, in which case a polished edge presents a clear advantage over a coarse one.
 
Why even buy S30V? Who want's a steel that has issues with "micro-chips"? BG42 seems a better pick for sharpness/durability.
 
it depends on what type of cutting you are doing as to whether micro saw or smooth is best for use.... try both it would be the best for usage
 
JasonG said:
hmm... it looks like VG-10 is is growing on me.... Is S90V good?
Click to expand...

That depends on what you call good. It will hold an edge a lot longer than VG-10, especially cutting abrasive materials. The downside is, it takes a lot longer to put that edge back on. Personally, I love S90V. My Military with that steel is my go-to knife for rough, tough, nasty jobs.
 
yoopernauts™;6058696 said:
Why even buy S30V? Who want's a steel that has issues with "micro-chips"? BG42 seems a better pick for sharpness/durability.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I never noticed any difference between S30V and BG-42 although I recognized both as being great steels. S30V is an awesome performer and holds a killer edge. Chipping was never a problem for me.
 
Polished edge last longer. However most people doing "polished" edge ending up with rolled edge and so comparing semi-dulled edge (which still able to shave arm or cut paper), they call polished with their coarse edge.

I had two knives with properly polished - which can whittle hair - only sign of really polished not rolled out edge, and so called "working edge". Polished edge last way longer and cuts better, even I always try to cut with coarse edge, I always switch to polished - it is less effort to cut and more pleasure.

Of course I did not chop but EDC both knives.

Again - if you are not able to whittle hair - you do not have polished edge and so can not tell that it is better or worse then coarse.

And of course polished edge need less force to cut - this is elementary physics, less friction less force to move.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
yoopernauts™;6058696 said:
Why even buy S30V? Who want's a steel that has issues with "micro-chips"? BG42 seems a better pick for sharpness/durability.
Click to expand...

CPM S30V and BG-42 goes side to side in manila rope testing. CPM S30V has better sharpness holding overall, but BG bit longer holds extreme sharpness. Hovever this difference is minor.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I use a toothy edge over a polished edge on my hard work knives because of the "bite" that a toothy edge gives.It wont "pop" hairs off my arm but I aint usin em for shaving.:rolleyes: It's a great edge for rope cutting, be it nylon or hemp or what have you. and for skinning there's no "skating' across fur or hair like you get with a polished edge. It goes right past it into the flesh with ease.
For my light use knives I use the polished edge. Good for cardboard, tape, shaving;), etc. There is one exception however. Chopping wood, a good convex ground polished edge makes wood cutting a breeze.
 
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