Would convexing or stropping ruin a black-coated blade?

[lerner]

I havent bought a black blade yet, so I dont know what type of coating it would have (teflon, Ti, dlc?). But I'm considering buying paper wheels for convexing. Is this going to remove the coating so that I'm left with a half-black, half-silver blade?

Even if the blade wasnt convexed, would stropping on leather (loaded with a stropping compound) similarly make the matte finish shiny?

Thanks in advance, this board is a godsend.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Convexing on paper wheels is difficult. Convex edges have no practical advantage over conventional edges. If done properly, stropping, convexing, or any other type of sharpening should not harm the coating. Properly means holding the proper sharpening angles.

 

[siguy]

i wouldn't suggest learning any new sharpening method on a new knife (ala the paper wheels with a new black coated blade). when learning, stick to the beaters that you wouldn't hesitate to beat with a hammer. then you won't care if you mess up.

i sharpen coated blades all the time with both stones, a belt sander and stropping wheels, with no adverse affects.

a tip i was given for saber ground blades (applies to belt sander sharpening): put some masking tape on the shoulder of the primary grind, so that when sharpening at shallow angles, the belt won't brush that shoulder and smooth the coating.

anyways, as long as you don't go at too shallow of an angle, you shouldn't take any coating off except at the very edge.

 

[richard j]

lerner, contact me and i'll help you out with learning how to use your wheels. i have 17 years experience with the wheels. i have a method to put a convex edge on and finish the edge off with the paper buffing wheel.