Thread: Edge that only lasts a few passes

Sometimes the spine can be worn down on old straights so that the angle is too shallow creating a very thin fin that can buckle after a few uses. This is rare, but a possibility. Another comment already made is that of heat which can alter the temper / toughness of the metal. One pass on a belt sander can reach very high temps. Once the edge has lost its temper it is over. Even professional re-tempering is not worth the exercise.

The first order of operations is to follow gssixgun's advice by killing the edge and then sneaking back up on the perfect edge through the 1/4/8 hone progression to leather. This will guarantee that the bevel is set properly.

I will now commit some heresy by suggesting that if all else fails apply tape to the spine before your final 8K pass. This may create a tougher micro-bevel. This is not what I normally recommend but it may help.