CPM 15V Sprint sharpening and performance thread

[Mage7]

Do you folks who are measuring factory angles have goniometers? Or using a different method to measure angles?

I use calipers and trigonometry to find the primary blade grind angle, and then the edge angle itself.

Primary Blade grind Angle = asin((TS/2)/BLW) * 180 / pi

Where TS = Spine Thickness, and BLW = Blade Width

So for my Manix, asin((.118/2)/1.300) * 180 / pi = 2.6 degrees

Then you can try to do the edge the same way, but you can only really get a ballpark number since the figures being off by a few thousandths really change the end result a lot...

Edge Bevel Angle = asín((BTET/2)/BVW) * 180 / pi

Where BTET = Behind The Edge Thickness, and BVW = Bevel Width

So on my Manix I had asin((.024/2)/.040) * 180 / pi = 17.4 degrees

But again, even if you can manage to take accurate measurements within +/- .001" (which most human beings can't) you can end up with quite large differences in the results. For example if you got .025" instead of .024" you'll get 18.2 degrees instead of 17.4. Or if the bevel was actually .042" you'd get 16.6 degrees.

So I just use the measurements at the edge to find the ball park, in this case somewhere around 16-18 degrees, and then use some angle wedges I have and the sharpie trick. You just need to remember to add the primary blade grind angle (2.6 degrees) to the angle of the wedge that matches. For me that was the 14 degree wedge, so 14 + 2.6 = 16.6 degrees.

If you don't have angle wedges, you can also use a stack of coins and measure the height of the stack that matches and use the same trig to find the angle that stack forces the blade to. So for example let's say you set the spine on a stack of pennies and then did the sharpie trick to test, and when the stack was .316" high it ground off all the sharpie. You'd know holding the spine at asin(.316/1.300) * 180 / pi = 14.06 degree hits the edge right. Then you again add the primary blade grind angle of 2.6 since holding the spine on the stack offsets it by that much, and you come out to 16.66 degrees.

So when I re-profiled mine, I used my 12 degree angle wedge as a reference. 12 + 2.6 = 14.2 degrees per side.

Of course you have to account for the variance in hand sharpening, so I just call it ~30 inclusive at that point.

I've never had a goniometer to confirm against, but learned this method when I went to school for machine tech for making tool bits and tapers on parts, so I am reasonably confident in its accuracy.

[vivi]

You can just press the edge into a bar of soap then measure the angles with a protractor to get a reasonably accurate estimate.

[WilliamMunny]

You can just press the edge into a bar of soap then measure the angles with a protractor to get a reasonably accurate estimate.

I think we need to find a way to make an app for this...

[Guts]

So I've had my 15V Manix for a week now and been using it for all the normal guy stuff. Mostly opening mail, packages, breaking down boxes, etc. Kept the factory edge for now and I'm super impressed. Below is a shot of the factory edge after the week of use and there's barely any damage at all. A few microscopic nicks at worst. I use S30V as my baseline just because it's so ubiquitous, but it would've had so many dull spots and chips you could see with the naked eye by now with the same usage in my experience. The edge "damage" on the 15V is only visible with the microscope.

On one hand I want to reprofile to my preferred edge geometry but on the other hand I want to see how long this factory edge will go. Also important to note, no rust issues (yet) like I've experienced with Maxamet with the 15V in my pocket every day so very happy about that. Haven't taken any special care of it at all, just using it and throwing it back in the pocket.

Can't wait until Spyderco releases more 15V models as I'll definitely be picking them up.

[Sharp24/7]

So I've had my 15V Manix for a week now and been using it for all the normal guy stuff. Mostly opening mail, packages, breaking down boxes, etc. Kept the factory edge for now and I'm super impressed. Below is a shot of the factory edge after the week of use and there's barely any damage at all. A few microscopic nicks at worst. I use S30V as my baseline just because it's so ubiquitous, but it would've had so many dull spots and chips you could see with the naked eye by now with the same usage in my experience. The edge "damage" on the 15V is only visible with the microscope.

On one hand I want to reprofile to my preferred edge geometry but on the other hand I want to see how long this factory edge will go. Also important to note, no rust issues (yet) like I've experienced with Maxamet with the 15V in my pocket every day so very happy about that. Haven't taken any special care of it at all, just using it and throwing it back in the pocket.

Can't wait until Spyderco releases more 15V models as I'll definitely be picking them up.

My use is about the same. I’ve been going out of my way to break down cardboard though. It’s not sticky sharp anymore, but it’s aggressive as **** and it’s still plowing through cardboard and push cutting legal pad paper. So far I’ve only done three passes per side on a leather strop loaded with one micron diamond paste. No corrosion issues whatsoever.

[vivi]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

[TkoK83Spy]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

So far, typical warehouse stuff for me. Thick plastic banding, braided packaging tape, rope, a few lengths of rubber hydraulic hose and rubber mats for motor mounts. 3 days in, still feels about as sharp as it was when I got it. VERY IMPRESSED! This touch up after tomorrow is going to take me all of 15 seconds. This 15V edge holding is a whole other animal, wish I've had some the past few years.

[VooDooChild]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

Dude you cant even dull pe h1.

[RustyIron]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

Bwahahahahaha!
That's funny. I've never been much of a cardboard cutter myself. After hanging out here, I sometimes chop up a cardboard box before throwing it in the trash. It's easier to just smash it to bits with my bare hands, but I want to be cool like the other guys, so I whip out whatever knife I'm carrying.

When I get a new knife, there's a honeymoon period where I go easy on it. I don't expect to be shaving copper or hacking down trees any time soon with my new Manixes. But that day will eventually come. Until then, the CPM-15V will be opening letters, slicing tomatoes, and cutting up cauliflower.

[Bemo]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

Dude you cant even dull pe h1.

That was funny

[vivi]

so....anyone out there doing stuff beyond slicing cardboard with their 15V? I don't know of a steel in my collection that can't slice up some cardboard without edge damage.

Dude you cant even dull pe h1.

LOL. That was a good one.

In all seriousness it's kind of lame watching people use 15V for stuff PE H1 does without breaking a sweat and acting like it's magic. It cut some cardboard and still slices paper....wow!

I wanna see this steel pushed harder than that. Maybe I'll try to snag one and do it myself. I mean **** I batoned my K390 Police the week I got it.

[TkoK83Spy]

I'm just wondering how many we're going to see all decked out with the fancy scales/cage/hardware/clips and just be instagram famous and never even cut anything. That should be a sin!

[Coastal]

I'm just wondering how many we're going to see all decked out with the fancy scales/cage/hardware/clips and just be instagram famous and never even cut anything. That should be a sin!

At least one. I took one look at that taupe-colored G-10 and those tank-tread liners, and clicked on Rockscale. I had already ordered the Ti cage and ceramic ball as soon as I received shipping confirmation from Indiana Knives. Steel like that deserves better than stock hardware!

[RustyIron]

I'm just wondering how many we're going to see all decked out with the fancy scales/cage/hardware/clips and just be instagram famous and never even cut anything. That should be a sin!

Normally I wouldn't hesitate to change the color or the clip. But on this knife, the factory color was selected for a reason. I'll maintain the authenticity.

[TkoK83Spy]

I'm just wondering how many we're going to see all decked out with the fancy scales/cage/hardware/clips and just be instagram famous and never even cut anything. That should be a sin!

Normally I wouldn't hesitate to change the color or the clip. But on this knife, the factory color was selected for a reason. I'll maintain the authenticity.

I do appreciate a nice set of scales myself, but Shawn's nickname, brown scales...it's got to stay as is. Though some brown micarta would also be nice haha.

[TkoK83Spy]

I'm just wondering how many we're going to see all decked out with the fancy scales/cage/hardware/clips and just be instagram famous and never even cut anything. That should be a sin!

At least one. I took one look at that taupe-colored G-10 and those tank-tread liners, and clicked on Rockscale. I had already ordered the Ti cage and ceramic ball as soon as I received shipping confirmation from Indiana Knives. Steel like that deserves better than stock hardware!

Those Rockscale scales are really nice, and nicely priced. I personally can't get on board with the skinny version. If I never saw a Manix before, I'd think they are great. But knowing the Manix and the unique ergos of it (that happen to fit my hand perfectly whether choking up or not, a rare double win)...I could never change that.

I know we'll see yours around, I'd like to see this blade finish with those Ti scales please!

[vandelay]

I'm definitely guilty of buying super steel knives for the steel rather than actually needing that level of edge retention. I get a lot of use out of a knife but it's mostly going through cardboard, thin plastic, fabric and other soft materials. The edge on 15V will probably last me 6+ months.

[Coastal]

I personally can't get on board with the skinny version.

I know we'll see yours around, I'd like to see this blade finish with those Ti scales please!

Totally agree on the skinny scales, even though I've never held them. Can't see how they could improve on the original ergos. I'll post up a photo after Christmas (when I officially "receive" the knife).

[Coastal]

Normally I wouldn't hesitate to change the color or the clip. But on this knife, the factory color was selected for a reason. I'll maintain the authenticity.

That's a great point, and if these scales were a browner brown I might be in. But that said, I almost won't use a stock knife. They tend to sit in my drawer. I'll just have to be satisfied with having BBB's maker's mark on the blade. (The scales will of course be kept pristine, in case I ever decide to part with the knife, or decide I like G-10 better than Ti or micarta -- not very likely. Brown micarta would definitely be cool on this knife!)

[Guts]

Steel like that deserves better than stock hardware!

Totally agree on the skinny scales, even though I've never held them. Can't see how they could improve on the original ergos. I'll post up a photo after Christmas (when I officially "receive" the knife).

Glad I'm not the only one who thought the steel deserved nicer HW. Hadn't heard of Rockscales until after I already had a set of AWT scales and they only offer theirs in the "skinny" config unfortunately for purists. I probably would have gotten the standard shape if it were offered though. I was going to use the AWT's on my S30V blade, but the 15V seemed like a better candidate to me.

Despite how they may look in photos, they're almost the same handle shape minus the finger hump. They honestly don't feel that different holding them side by side with my G10 example, but I'm not that sensitive to ergos I guess. Probably not the best if you run very large hands I suppose? Just wanted to try them out since they drop the overall weight by ~1.5oz so it weighs as much as a Para 3. Was never a fan of the Manix LW models because they were permanently riveted together and also the handle material.

I've been enjoying using my knife very much in this config even if I'm only a normal guy who uses his knife a lot but doesn't get to go around cutting cool guy materials.

My AWT scales sitting atop my G10 model and vice versa for reference