Spyderco Forums

Yah, so I've been practising on the 204 Sharpmaker, and I can get an edge sharp enough to shave on both sides of the blade (but only in the flat part, still working on the curve and tip).



With this edge, I can slice through cardboard easily, for about 6-7 6" lengths by pushing straight down in the same spot. after the 6-7 the next 5 or so become tough, and I have to put more force into it, then by about 10-15 it becomes so hard the cardboard will compress, but not cut.



Then, all I need to do is about 10 strokes on each side, on my jeans, and it's just as sharp as when I started.



Is this because: 1) I have a wire edge which I'm straightening out with my jeans? 2) I'm actually dulling the knife and re-sharpening it on my jeans? 3) Other?



BTW: this is ats-34 steel on the wegner jr, and the edge may not be perfectly centered, because I did a lot more work on one side to develop a burr at the beginning.



Thanks!



-map

Cardboard is surprisingly abrasive, some people actually use it for stropping their blades. The best knife I have found for breaking down cardboard boxes is a fully serrated Harpy ... nice <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

What you are probably doing with stropping on the jeans (yep, some people do use their jeans for stropping) is realigning the edge.

I prefer a straight smooth steel for realigning. Baically what it is doing is extending the life of the edge before it needs re-sharpening. Being ham fisted when sharpening I find steeling and edge aligning a must for that extra fine edge.

There's a hole in the sky where the rain comes in, it's a very small hole that's why rain's so thin - In memory of the Goons

But is there a way to get the edge to hold up a lot longer?

-marc

practise makes perfect dude! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have surgical scars will travel..

Great info RYAN! Thanks.

Some laws permit, what honor dose not.

Actually, for a long time use edge, I found if you sharpen to a 30 for a fine edge, then do 3-4 stokes on the mediums at 40, you can use it hard dialy, and only touch it up every week or so.

}{ We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... }{