Delica: flat saber grind vs. hollow grind

[Shifty]

Anyone have any input when it comes to comparing the cutting abilities of a flat saber grind to a hollow grind on a Delica? I noticed that for the SS Delica, the description says hollow ground... whereas the rest of the Delicas are labelled as flat saber ground.

What the the advantages and disadvantages of each grind on this knife when compared to eachother?

Thanks!

[THG]

A flat saber grind is sturdier but doesn't slice as well. A hollow saber has less behind the edge, so it slices better but is weaker, so it won't hold an edge as long for the same angle edge.

[Shifty]

Would one be disappointed in the performance of a flat saber grind if they were accustomed to using FFG, for EDC purposes... like cutting cardboard, etc?

[Bill1170]

Would one be disappointed in the performance of a flat saber grind if they were accustomed to using FFG, for EDC purposes... like cutting cardboard, etc?

Yes, you would notice a big difference on cardboard.

Bill

[THG]

Would one be disappointed in the performance of a flat saber grind if they were accustomed to using FFG, for EDC purposes... like cutting cardboard, etc?

Actually I was accustomed to the flat saber grind, and then I was impressed with the cutting ability of the FFG :D

The FFG continues to cut cardboard better in my opinion because of the thinner blade profile. Even though the edge is thinner (less behind it --> less edge retention) than compared to a saber grind, it seems to be able to endure through more cutting.

I like the FFG so much that I took it on myself to flat-grind my D4 :D
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showp ... stcount=12

That was done on a DMT XXC stone (by hand) and then finished with a belt sander with a 120-grit belt. It's not the prettiest job ever done, but it cuts like a monster.

[Crocodilo]

Indeed, saber grind doesn't make for much of a slicer. I convexed my E4W with sandpaper and a mousepad, getting halfways towards a flat grind. Now I have a knife reasonably able to perform as intended: a mean cutting machine.

That is the reason I don't keep any other FRN Delicas or Enduras, although I have and love both in G10 - mainly because of the FFG.

[Crocodilo]

As for the hollow grind, only one I have is on my SE Manix 2. Seems to be a much better slicer than the saber grind, still retaining a thick blade throughout a great part of the width. The jury is still out on wether this is better than FFG... Perhaps manufacturing costs had to do with Spyderco's choices on this knife. However, I do find the combination of teeth and hollow grind to be quite effective.

[telemeister]

I'm a fan of FFG, makes a much better knife all round. The hollow grind is not too bad, it is relatively easy to sharpen and is a good slicer.

The saber grind on the other hand, I think (and this is my opinion only) is just terrible. I think that if the Delica IV (PE) had almost any other grind (and that is the only change I'd make) it would be a perfect little knife. Sorry to say it about a :spyder:

I find the saber grind does not get anywhere near as sharp as a hollow grind and certainly not an FFG. I don't think it performs as well either, fairly light materials (say 12 or 16mm sisal rope) are difficult to cut with the saber grind.

The hollow grind is pretty good. As other people have commented, it retains a relatively thick blade and has good cutting ability. I haven't been able to get the hollow grinds as sharp as an FFG, but I have gotten them pretty sharp with not too much effort.

[The Deacon]

Would one be disappointed in the performance of a flat saber grind if they were accustomed to using FFG, for EDC purposes... like cutting cardboard, etc?

Depends. On blades of equal thickness, you would notice it. But a 2.5mm flat saber ground Delica may very well out perform a full flat ground 4mm Military or Paramilitary.

[Leatherneck]

I've wanted to try a Delica for a while, but don't care for the Sabre grind. I finally traded for a FFG Delica 4 in G-10 and couldn't be happier. After the Para D2 I am spoiled.

[Shifty]

Thanks for the info so far guys.

While we're on the topic of saber grind.... I see that the Navigator II has a saber ground blade. Is the Nav II considered a good slicer since the saber grind is quite high on the blade?