Knife edges (modified)

[jyerxa]

While we are waiting for the glitches going on with the network after Microsoft’s last security update. I got a question for you knife makers out there.

The Buck knife 184 is a survival knife and every source I can find mentions how sharp they are. If you have ever seen one that is kind of laughable because it is very dull and almost impossible to sharpen. Its rugged alright but not sharp as I would call sharp.

I have the Buck special 119 and also the 184. I can put a razors edge on my 119 that will just lift your skin with the slightest touch. There is no way to sharpen that 184 with that kind of edge.

I also have a samurai sword hand made by Paul Chen. That is not razor sharp but advertised as very sharp. You can’t cut paper like my buck 119 can.

I do not have a diving knife. But they have the same kind of edge. Kind of a dull sharp ax blade type of edge. My ax I can also sharpen pretty dern sharp. But I use a grinding wheel for that.

What is this dull/sharp edge and it’s plus’s and minuses? And what is it really called?

http://www.buck-184.com/

[724wd]

they're probably made with a thick cross section and steep grind.  that's done to create a very durable edge for heavy chopping scenarios that one might encounter with a survival knife.  your hunting knife most likely has a thinner blade and more shallow grind.  blade finish also has an effect on slicing ability.  a thin blade edge slices like mad, but often is more susceptible to edge damage like bending and chipping:  not the ideal scenario in a survival/fighting knife. 

[MP123]

I know what you mean.  I've got some knives that a real easy to put a razor edge on and some I can hardly even get slightly sharp even after a hour with a waterstone.  It might have to do with the steel used in the blade too I guess 

[jyerxa]

I got that buckmaster just because I had the money one time and it looked cool.

But I have never used it. I have a hatchet in my pack all the time. I think it has a lot more practical use with it. For knives. I like them razor sharp. One dedicated shinning knife. Three field dressing knives and on razor sharp pocket knife.

I think survival knives are a gimmick really. But in a survival situation I think I would prefer that because it is one tiny package with lots of abilities.

But who can predict being in that situation?  I think about weight and effectiveness and I never find the need to pack a survival knife. Any one pack one around?