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Factory Sharp

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:17 am
by Lostification
Hi guys, I don't know if yall remember me but I used to be on this forum a long time ago!

Anyway, to cut to the quick (I have a paper I have to write tonight) I was wonder how Spyderco sharpens their knives. I just sent my knives back for sharpening and I can't get over it. It's so different from any other sharp edge I've used. They definitely don't use the sharpmaker because I have one and it doesn't resemble this at all when I do it! Haha!

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:36 am
by Brad S.
Chuck Norris glares at them, and they become sharp.

Or at least thats how they used to do it I heard.

Sal and Chuck had a bit of a scuffle and we shall just say...

Sal glares at them now... they become sharper.

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:37 am
by Brad S.
Ok they actually use a grinder, and a few other tricks I'm not goona say :)

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:34 am
by The Mastiff
I'd guess the sharpening equipment is similar to most production companies. Where Spyderco differs is the edge is thinner than some, and the consistancy from knife to knife, model to model is IMO above average.

They aren't even buffed out to super high polishes, but the edges are knife like, not axe like, and the chance of finding something like a bad burr or wire edge is pretty low. This speaks to the experience of the employees, and the quality control.

Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 4:18 am
by Brad S.
Just to back up what mastiff said. Yes they do it on a grinder... by hand. yes... freehand. They have two (I think its two guys, could be a few more, but none the less very very few) guys that do all the sharpening at the Golden Factory. They are quite skilled.

I know alot of companys have machines that hold the angles and do the major sharpening task. Spyderco... by hand... hench sharpest knives in the biz

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:29 am
by Lostification
I've been marveling at how sharp my knives are back from the factory but upon a closer look at my paramilitary, the bevel is really uneven. It almost looks like a chisel grind.. I guess they DO do it by hand, lol..

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:26 am
by skcusloa
They use a slack belt sander or something. From what I hear it leaves tiny serrations which make them stay so sharp for so long.

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 10:56 am
by vampyrewolf
you can get a similar edge with a paper wheel ;)

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:44 pm
by HotSoup
I don't know what they use. I assume its some sort of wheel grinder.

Spyderco produces the nastiest factory edges I've ever seen.

I just got the Chinook III and am more than satisfied with the job they did.

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:55 am
by Lostification
I don't know if I should send them back again. I can't stand being without them. It took almost two weeks and I almost died, haha! The weird reach for pocket.. to find nothing there.. lol Spydie withdrawals are gnarly.

I'm kind of upset that they did a poor job. I always wanted to buy a benchmade so maybe if I get one of those it won't be so bad with the spydies gone, lol

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:54 am
by Lostification
Now I've got from "kind of upset" to --> pretty pissed off. That's ridiculous. I know the sharpening is free, but.. lol

Image

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 11:54 am
by HotSoup
Ohh man that sucks.
Re profiling that by hand will be tough if you don't have the tools...

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:04 pm
by ChapmanPreferred
Any chance your Para is SE? Just curious.

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:36 pm
by defenestrate
ChapmanPreferred wrote:Any chance your Para is SE? Just curious.
I was just thinking the exact same thing.

Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 11:39 pm
by Lostification
Serrated? No, its a straight edge. Ugghhhh, this is annoying.. That's a big waste of metal.. I planned on passing this onto a son in the future but at this rate, there might not be any blade left xD

Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 1:03 am
by The Mastiff
Lost, If you aren't satisfied you should contact W&R and try to talk to them on the phone. A look at this picture should tell them what they need to know. I imagine they will probably try to make you happier than you obviously are now. If it bothers you don't just put the knife down and forget about it. Work with them for a resolution.

Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:26 am
by Lostification
Yeah, but it's just so much work. That's why I sent it to the factory to sharpen it. xD I'm also a full-time student trying to juggle work.

I suppose if I have time to post on here, then I must have enough time to work this out, lol. =p

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:36 am
by Lostification
I would just like to let everyone know.... Nine months later.. I have finally mailed it back to the factory, hahahaha! In fact, I sent all of my spydies! I finally feel comfortable without them since I have a new knife obsession.

Image

Can anybody guess? =P

Edit: Not that the logo gives it away any.....

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:36 am
by ChapmanPreferred
Looks like a Mayo design collaboration to me. Possibly CPM S30V? I'm not too up on that company's more modern designs.

Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 2:28 pm
by Handwrecker
A Buck/Mayo TNT?

And that's unfortunate about your Para, sorry man.