I've only been knifemaking for a short time but have advanced a great deal in my ability to make a knife that will not only take a keen edge but also putting a sharp edge on the knife.

However, I am now looking for that edge that will split a hair; or cut loosely held toilet paper into .060 strips; or make arm hair jump off your limb prior to encountering the steel.

My current system is to grind the primary edge on my 2x72 with a 220 grit belt. I then go to a worn 400 grit belt with green compound on it until I get the wire edge. I then buff off the wire edge on the buffer. Then I go to a leather strop to polish the edge. This gives me a pretty sharp knife. However, I am no longer satisfied and I'm looking to achieve the ultra scary sharp edge.

What is your system and have you achieved what you think is the sharpest edge your chosen steel will deliver.

The issue of "sharp" is difficult to define. You can always make a blade "sharper" by simply reducing the angle of the edge. There is a practical limit to where this leads you though. Below about 15 degrees you are beginning to diminish the blade's capacity to withstand normal use, both in its resistance to chipping and edge holding capacity. Certainly it will pop hair and cut tissue, but it might chip badly if it encounters a staple in a box or hits a bone when dressing out a deer.

I should note too that there is a difference between sharp and cutting ability. "Sharp" is usually defined by the edge only, whereas cutting ability is greatly influenced by what is immediately behind the edge. Another issue in defining "sharp" is the finish of the edge and the blade area engaged in cuts. Some view a rough finished edge as being desirable, due to the serrations created in such an edge. It seems to cut well, but the durability of such an edge is very limited since the "effective" edge length is reduced. As soon as the points wear down a little, the edge becomes suddenly dull.

Personally, I use a slack belt, starting at 120 grit. I then use 320, Norax 45, Norax 30 or16, and finally a Norax 5 to polish. My final "edge" is about 20-25 degrees at the very edge, but is very convex and difficult to measure. Depending on the steel, I either buff or strop the final edge. S30V seems to prefer stropping to buffing.

Thanks Jerry. That is very informative and the points you make regarding other qualities that add to sharpness and durability are well taken.

Fred.

Putting the finishing edge on a knife was always quite frustrating for me. I have tried the oil/water stones, diamond stones,using my belt grinder, ceramic stones etc etc. I would nearly always take a knife edge to shaving hair sharpness but I couldnt say it was scary sharp.

A couple of months ago I purchased an Edge Pro sharpening system (the 'pro' model').It was not cheap, but I can honestly say that it is well worth the investment. As well as the edges looking professional,I can get a razor edge very easily.

Kevin.

Kevin, sounds interesting. I am not familiar with this system. Please let me know more. Do they have a web site?

The EdgePro is a nice system for small (<5") knives. I bought one and sold it. For about the same price you can get a small belt grinder that will produce an outstanding edge on any size knife in a fraction of the time. PLUS, you can even make a knife or two between sharpenings...

That's my take on it anyway.