Zt 0452? Burnt edge

Topcatpt

Topcatpt

Joined
Dec 15, 2012
Messages
896
So I just got a 452 incredible knife overall but at the tip the edge is discolored looks like a burnt spot. From what I understand this can effect edge holding in the affected area. Any one if this really is a problem or if I just sharpen it out will it be fine.

Hard to see I'll try to take a better one later
 
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Do you have any pics? Yes a burned edge will result in loss of heat treat.
 
That is some minor discoloration and yes even that straw yellow color is enough to do damage to that portion of the edge. The good news is most of your cutting isnt done with the very tip and since its straw yellow you may have a good shot at sharpening it out. If it was blue or purple I would say send it back. But In this instance if you are not super worried neither would I. This is a knife that should be being made for the foreseeable future so If you notice edge retention issues a replacement is not out of the question. I think a lot of tips probably get like that in production knives but we never see it because it gets polished out many times. And with such a thin delicate tip I bet its probably pretty hard not building up heat with fine grit sharpening.
 
ZT burning s35vn now? Say it ain't so! Jk I'd hate to see ZT's s35vn get the rep of their ELMAX... ZT's s35vn is my favorite steel!
 
I'll echo what NeverMore1701 said. Honestly, if it is going to drive you nuts to the point where you don't want to carry and use the knife, send it back. If it was me, I'd just use it and see what happens. If after use and a good sharpening the tip is wonky, you can still send it in.
 
Put it to a stone, you should be able to feel if that portion is noticeably softer within a few passes.
 
Yeah that sounds about right... what is interesting is that I think far more edges are damaged than what people realize. You can get metal above the temper zone easily without discoloration for a short period of time at the last few microns of the edge, especially on stainless and HSS. So typically with repeated sharpening you should notice edge retention increases. Most factory knives are sharpened on a belt sander from my research - dry. not a good thing, even if dunking in water. that's why i converted my belt sander to water cooled, which especially helps w/ regrinds or heavy reprofile work and such. just my .02
 
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