I thought I was just going to sharpen my knife.

[Aloha]

   I have been using the wrong terminology in my time sharpening knives and posting about it here on MTo. 

What led me to this realization is my RAT 3.  Since getting it I have been less than happy with the sharpness or lack thereof.  Yesterday I decided I'd spend some time solving it once and for all.  Normally I would've said, "I re profiled" however after much reading what I understand is correct is, "re beveled". 

This then led me to my learning about my confusion on primary and secondary bevels.    Hard core knife people are pretty awesome.  I spent the better part of 2 hours reading and getting a tad better acquainted with terminology as best I could.  I also watched several videos as well.

Anyway what I ended up doing was a 17 degree bevel on both sides of my RAT3 then a 20 degree cutting edge.  Talk about a hair popping sharp edge  .  I then did similar to another blade I had issues with and WOW.

All work was done on a Lansky Kit, the one with rods and clamp.  I followed up with green compound on a leather strop.   

There's still a lot to learn and I'm sure I'll foul up terminology soon enough.  I have no intention on being a sharpening master or whatever I just want my blades safe and at their best. 


Now what the heck is Micro Bevel   

[Aloha]

Now for a few pics.

[derekmac]

Looks good buddy!!


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[Crow]

There is allways learning when it comes sharpening your knives. You have done really good job on yours.

I have thought that micro bevel means that secondary bevel you are talking here...

[SAK Guy]

There is allways learning when it comes sharpening your knives. You have done really good job on yours.

I have thought that micro bevel means that secondary bevel you are talking here...

+1 Like the micro bevel some folks (me included) put on a Scandi Grind.

[Marcellus]

Nice work on the edges
The Lansky system works well with practice.  The Lansky  system also
helps with learning free hand sharpening , as well. Remember to chase that all important "burr"

[Aloha]

I agree the Lansky helping with learning proper angles.  My stropping for example has really improved.  I hate to admit it but after stropping I ended up with less than razor sharp edge.  Since getting the Lansky my stropping has improved.  I guess at some point I'll have to give free hand a go.

I like my Lansky and have found re beveling to be quite an enjoyable process.  I think the secondary bevel for what I use my knives for is gonna be key.  Less work getting the cutting edge back and a whole lot sharper. 

[sawman]

I have been able to maintain nice edges on my blades using a diamond stone but there is always something more to be learned when it comes to sharpening. I would like to someday be able to achieve the mirror finish edges so many others seem to get. I realize this will not happen using my current system by itself.

[Aloha]

I can get a mirror polish just using an old leather belt and green compound after the Lansky blue 600 stone.  You don't need a high end kit IMO.  Spend some time on the strop and you'll see.   

[NKlamerus]

That is a gorgeous rat. And an awesome edge.

[Sparky415]

That is a gorgeous rat. And an awesome edge.

What he said 

[Aloha]

Thanks guys 

I'm still very much learning but I'm thankful for all the information online. 

[microbe]

Nice edge!
I'm not entirely sure on the distinction between re-profiling or re-beveling though?
Changing the angles of a blade edge also changes the profile. Having surgery on your nostrils still counts as a nose job. 
The 20 degree edge on top of your 17 degree bevel is the micro bevel. It gives a stronger 40 degree edge, over the 34 degree edge it would have been without the micro bevel.
Less sharp but longer lasting.