Thread: Convex Edges?

Hey guys. This is my first post, so be gentle with me.

I was wondering if a convexed edge will work with a straight razor. I work as a butcher and I use a convex edge on most of my Euro knives. The only reason I am asking is that it seems that my Euro steel knives will not stay as sharp as long as my Japanese knives do unless I convex them. I know this is due to the fact that a convex edge creates a tougher, but not sharper edge, and I know my fair share about metallurgy, so you don't have to go into that. I just need to know if I would ruin my straights if I convex them and if it would be wise to do so.

Thanks in advance

By the way I have the following razors:
Boker 101 Red Injun
King Liberty Bell
W. Bingham

There are a few people that put a double bevel on the blades, or a micro bevel, however you want to say it. So that would be essentially the same thing, creating a more obtuse angle at the cutting edge while leaving the main body if the blade thin. But results are give and take with this procedure. I've used it with some success on many blades, but it is not "better" than the traditional method and requires extra work to maintain (various layers of tape on the spine when honing).

The main advantage is that the honing process goes a little faster, because you only have to do a final polish on the micro bevel. But again, the advantage is only slight and there is some extra work involved.

I wouldn't recommend it until you have a good feel for the traditional ways.

No, there's nothing wrong with putting a convex edge on a straight, that's what most barbers did with their worn/dished hones! Well, at least the old man had dished hones in his business. I don't know if that was a deliberate thing or if it was just an end result of honing on those stones for many years and not really having a good way of making them flat but I suspect the latter. Of course today, when speaking of convex edges on knives, most makers seem to use a belt sander without a platten to do that work but that would NOT be a good idea when it comes to straights. As someone mentioned above a double or even triple bevel could be done using layers of tape but I suspect it won't be worth the effort.

Regards

Christian

I like to use a pasted hanging strop after honing on stones. I believe that this does some sort of convex edge on some level. I think it makes for a more obtuse angle more or less doing what the double bevel does.

I have several razors that I have sharpened mostly with hanging strops (after setting the bevel with diamond hones). I used the flexcut gold for the coarse paste. I more or less did what C. Moss and M. Parker have mentioned in past post.

I think the hanging pasted strops makes for a fine convex edge.

Charlie

If you finish your edge on a pasted hanging strop (or even a pasted paddle strop/bench hone made of leather) then you will get a slightly convex edge.