StevenPinson wrote:


The opposite is also true... where that same "expert" will start saying a particular stone (usually a finish stone) is the "must have" stone to get your knife truly sharp.

jendeindustries wrote:


I think it's the most important factor, even on a guided system.

PhilipPasteur wrote:


Here's a link to that book I mentioned...

www.amazon.com/The-Art-Japanese-Sword-Po...770024940/ref=sr_1_1

PhilipPasteur wrote:


Some great threads, especially this last one contained some good omparisons. Thanks!

I feel the seeds of obsession starting;)

Related question... How does the "smoothness" of the edge impact durability?

Ken

jendeindustries wrote:


Please define "robustness"

cbwx34 wrote:


That makes perfect sense as a lighter touch, even with diamonds, will yield scratches that are shallower....

Ken

[quote="KenBuzbee"

I feel the seeds of obsession starting;)

Related question... How does the "smoothness" of the edge impact durability?

Ken[/quote]

That is one I will leave for somebody like perhaps BassLakeDan to cover.
I can say that you can read opinions on this that run the gamut. For a long time it seemed to me that most people were saying that a smooth (non-toothy) edge would be more durable. Recently I have read of sharpening gurus claiming the opposite. In any case it still seems like it would be related to what the knife is being used for and the steel it is made from and the angle you are shapening at. Besides that, without a reliable means of measuring sharpness the answer becomes more of an opinion than a fact. This is why I mention Dan, he has this. I don't have any reliable and repeatable method of measuring sharpness, so I can't answer this question quantitatively.

In the end it becomes pretty simple though, you sharpen the blade for a given task, then resharpen it when it gets dull. In general, if you pick the right steel for what you want to do and sharpen properly, you will get the longest period between required sharpening.

Phil

PhilipPasteur wrote:


Exactly, I've been reading the same shift. In my mind, it seems as though teeth would round off more quickly, but there may be other factors that come into play.

PhilipPasteur wrote:


Ultimately, this is right but it seems like there would be general trending that applies to 60% 70% 80% of EDC tasks.... If only for each steel, like S90V or CPM M4 (generally considered good edge holders).

You hit on a key point that sharpness, even if quantitatively measured is subjective as to the type of edge desired. Still, it's interesting to hear people's experiences.

Ken

[quote="KenBuzbee" post=5114
Ultimately, this is right but it seems like there would be general trending that applies to 60% 70% 80% of EDC tasks.... If only for each steel, like S90V or CPM M4 (generally considered good edge holders).
Ken[/quote]

How would you propose that anyone would get the raw numbers to calculate those percentages?
Way too many variables and no hard data. The steels that you list are fairly rare, making data even more scarce. My EDC tasks are undoubtedly different than yours. A buddy of mine cuts wire and strips insulation quite frequently, another cuts up old carpet most every day ... Probably the best you can hope to get is someone's opinion based upon what they have seen and what they do with their blades.

IMHO

Phil

Here's where we begin to search deeper into the rabbit hole

Before I define "Robustness", it would be better to answer about the smoothness of an edge and its impact on durability.

As with all things sharpening, it depends. Smoothness is only one of several factors that will determine the outcome to whether or not a smoother edge lasts longer. Geometry plays one of the largest roles, as well as the steel characteristics.

That's all I can say for now - I will be back in a few hours to further answer!

Now things will get interesting (in a few hours) !!
This is one of those opinions based upon experience that is worth listening to!

That damn rabbit hole...

Phil