Sharpening a Chinook

[Franco G]

Some questions to the MBC experts, concerning the Chinook:

1. is it originally (out of the box) sharpened at 30 degrees?

2. if so, should one resharpen the Chinook's blade at 40 degrees since the blade is strong and thick. Or, maybe, the MBC philosophy prefers the thinner edge?

Regards,



Franco

[Knife Knut]

I am no MBC expert, but lets take a look at edge retention theory.

If you plan to actually use the knife on more mundane things (cordage, general utility) in addition to carrying it for defense you would put it at 40 degrees, for edge retention, and touch up the edge every night, or even better: every time you use it!

If you plan to use it strictly for defense, the thinner 30 degree edge will cut better, but will be damaged more by contact w/ bone -because there is less metal supporting the edge (if the CPM 440V is as good as it sounds, bone might not even phase it!)- although I believe this to be an acceptable trade-off; otherwise 30 provides for superior slicing and penetration.

Edge retention and Bevel angle are parts of a continuum in which they depend on each other, and on the metallurgy of the blade.
The better the steel, the thinner the edge that you can get away with.


Edited by - Knife Knut on 11/5/2001 8:14:34 PM

[Knife Knut]

Well, Does anyone else have any input?

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget.

[ronin203]

If you like the Chinook, then you probably like bowies. You should read Bill Bagwell's book,( He's the godfather of the bowie),he gives some exellent instruction on knife sharpening. You can get the book from Paladin Press.

[Mancer]

I agree, my chin is my baby, but shes used only for cutting, so I sharpen her to a hair shaving 40 deg edge, anything that has the purpose of defense and only defense I recommend sharpening to a 30 deg edge.

I carry two knives (actually 3), my spydiecard in my wallet, my native in my pocket (40 deg edge for work and only work) and my civie clipped to my pocket (with razor sharp 30 deg edge).

If i carried my chin on a day to day basis like my civie, Id personally opt for the 40 deg edge, since its still razor sharp and would cut through pretty much anything, even if you are carrying it for self defense, with a blade like that you'll find that you most likely will pull it out to cut through various things at times.

seeya

MaNcEr

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