Flat Grind Fans

[Agent Starling]

It seems that a lot of you are big fans of flat grind. I guess I don't have a preference for it or against it, so I was wondering--what it is that makes it so well-liked?...enlighten me...please...:spyder: :)

Agent Starling

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: Bad assed, slice and dice aesthetics. They just look better to my eye.:spyder:

[cobrajoe]

Much easier to slice through stiff materials. That's about it, but I love them anyways :D

[Agent Starling]

:spyder: Bad assed, slice and dice aesthetics.
I like that! That's reason enough right there...:cool: :D

Agent Starling

[ballistic]

I like flat and not flat about equal. One of the first spydies I bought was a chinook3. Then i picked up a chinook1 and like it alot too.
But if you held a gun to my head and forced me to give up one of them i guess it would be the hollow grind.:confused:

[MANIXWORLD]

In my opinion flat grinds are more useful and produces a nicer cut.
Flat grinds also give a nicer profile to a blade and shows the grain of the steel nicer.
i think specially with the higher carbon steels like CPMs30v,a flat grind just compliments the whole package better.
MANIXWORLD.

[spydutch]

As long as the blade is fully serrated I don't really mind what grind it is :o :D

[The Deacon]

Primarily an esthetics issue for me, just like the simpler, cleaner lines of a full flat grind. Which performs better is a bit more complicated. Blade thickness, blade width (height), material thickness, and cutting angle all enter into the picture. But, in general, for slicing thicker materials, or thin but stiff materials using a "stab and rip" action, a full flat grind will outperform an equally sharp hollow grind of the same thickness and width.

Wonder if Spyderco has ever considered making a front lock folder with a 1mm thick blade sandwiched between two more 1mm thick pieces at the tang end. That would produce a blade with plenty of lock strength that, at least in theory, would slice like a demon.

[LowTEC]

Wonder if Spyderco has ever considered making a front lock folder with a 1mm thick blade sandwiched between two more 1mm thick pieces at the tang end. That would produce a blade with plenty of lock strength that, at least in theory, would slice like a demon.

It would be a true folding slicer, and it would be feather light too :cool:

[JD Spydo]

The Flat Grinds do look nicer I will admit that. However I also like the looks of a well done Hollow Grind too.

The one grind I just can't seem to understand is the Sabre Grind :confused: . But I'm sure one of you will call me to task for that one :rolleyes:

I've been screaming from the roof tops for a Flat Grind Hawkbill :eek: Hopefully a squeaky wheel will get oiled. But probably for the same reason that a person will buy a car, truck or pleasure yacht >> looks seem to matter more than function from most people's standpoints.

But the raw truth about grinds in general is that all of them have their Positives and their drawbacks.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: I thought sabre grind was a hollow grind?:confused: Like A flat and G sharp? :spyder:

[catamount]

:spyder: I thought sabre grind was a hollow grind?:confused: Like A flat and G sharp? :spyder:

sabre grind just means that the grind only goes part way up the blade. A sabre grind can be hollow (Salt series), or flat (Delica, Endura).

I find it ironic that :spyder:s best sellers (Delica, Endura) have what is generally agreed to be the least favorite grind (flat sabre) on this forum.

[ozspyder]

I prefer FFG for similar reasons as The Deacon. From a design point of view a cleaner and purer (uncomplicated) grind is less fussy about what it LOOKS LIKE IT CAN DO, and more about its utilitarian roots. True knife users will agree with this stance as it is not just about fashion but about utility. Having said that the different grinds all have their purpose. I just prefer it with more flowing lines :)



Wonder if Spyderco has ever considered making a front lock folder with a 1mm thick blade sandwiched between two more 1mm thick pieces at the tang end. That would produce a blade with plenty of lock strength that, at least in theory, would slice like a demon.
Spyder-scalpel !!! :D I'll grab a box of those thanks ! Arts and Crafts time never looked so tempting :p
I'd say that the blade would cover 99% of the world's population and the type of paper and string cutting abuse they would be subjected to. Definitely one for Sal to look at. A bit of flex never hurt anyone, as long as the blade is safe and users recognise the blade's intent for mild use only ;)

Cheers
Dan

[catamount]

I've been screaming from the roof tops for a Flat Grind Hawkbill :eek: Hopefully a squeaky wheel will get oiled.

JD, you are aware that the Superhawk has a full flat grind? It's the one aspect of that knife which hawkbill fans are strangely silent about :confused:

http://www.spydercollector.nl/upload/amsterdammeet2007_superhawk.jpg

http://www.spydercollector.nl/index1.php?pagina=news&id=144&ex=none#article

[tonydahose]

I find it ironic that :spyder:s best sellers (Delica, Endura) have what is generally agreed to be the least favorite grind (flat sabre) on this forum.

but look how many forumites have sent their respective enduras/delicas to get reground and rave about them afterwards, myself included.:D

[Gary W Graley]

JD, you are aware that the Superhawk has a full flat grind? It's the one aspect of that knife which hawkbill fans are strangely silent about :confused:

http://www.spydercollector.nl/upload/amsterdammeet2007_superhawk.jpg

http://www.spydercollector.nl/index1.php?pagina=news&id=144&ex=none#article

Ouch! another knife I need! didn't think I'd see something so soon that
I would want as much as that, dang it ;)

As to flat grinds, it reminds me of the japanese swords that edge is
the flat side of the sword, the sword sharpener guy, not that familiar
with their titles, but he is the polisher/sharpener fellow and works the
entire flat side down to the very edge, while on a folder that could make
it a bit weaker/thinner actual edge but on smaller knives it would really
cut exceptionally well as then there would be no shoulder to have to push
through material. On the Military I just received if I wanted to as the years
go by, I could flat sharpen the sides down as the edge moves towards the
spine so that it wouldn't become a thick edged knife, but with the new steels
we remove so little and the edges last so much longer, I doubt that it will
ever become necessary.

G2

ps
any word when that knife will be available? and if Sal needs any beta testers :)

[JD Spydo]

JD, you are aware that the Superhawk has a full flat grind? It's the one aspect of that knife which hawkbill fans are strangely silent about :confused:

http://www.spydercollector.nl/upload/amsterdammeet2007_superhawk.jpg

http://www.spydercollector.nl/index1.php?pagina=news&id=144&ex=none#article

Oh yes Catamount I am totally aware that the Prototype of the Superhawk is a flat grind>> However??? However!!??? it ain't on the shelves at my local dealer yet. So until I see the "whites of it's eyes" I'm going to assume that it is nothing more than a possibility. I went through this same ordeal with the Bison and a couple others that I would have bet money would have made it to the line up~~ that never did~~

So until it actually does go into full blown production I'm gonna assume we don't have it yet. So in the meantime my wheel will still be squeakin!!

As my favorite Guru Yogi Berra would say " It ain't over till it's over" :rolleyes: :cool: :D

[SimpleIsGood229]

I'm getting my ZDP E4 FFG'd by Tom Krein. Then, I will see for myself! :cool:

[jaislandboy]

yeah, the Superhawk and Stretch2 are at the top of my most wanted :spyder: list.....
I also prefer the "simple" aesthetics of the FFG.....perhaps it is not as "visually threatening" to a NKP...:rolleyes:

[yablanowitz]

I think the reason for the saber grind on the most popular models (Delica and Endura) is simply that most of the sales of those models are generated by John Q. Public, not us afi's. Old John wants a stout blade, because he doesn't know the difference between a knife and a crowbar. The saber grind leave more cross-sectional area, resulting in a better crowbar...excuse me, I meant knife :rolleyes: .

All of the best cutters I have ever had were full flat ground. It has lead me to conclude that FFG is the grind for me. :D

[MAT888]

Oh yes Catamount I am totally aware that the Prototype of the Superhawk is a flat grind>> However??? However!!??? it ain't on the shelves at my local dealer yet. So until I see the "whites of it's eyes" I'm going to assume that it is nothing more than a possibility. I went through this same ordeal with the Bison and a couple others that I would have bet money would have made it to the line up~~ that never did~~

So until it actually does go into full blown production I'm gonna assume we don't have it yet. So in the meantime my wheel will still be squeakin!!

As my favorite Guru Yogi Berra would say " It ain't over till it's over" :rolleyes: :cool: :D

Hard workin poor payed as i am i wonder what this one will cost?

[catamount]

However??? However!!??? it ain't on the shelves at my local dealer yet. So until I see the "whites of it's eyes" I'm going to assume that it is nothing more than a possibility. I went through this same ordeal with the Bison and a couple others that I would have bet money would have made it to the line up~~ that never did~~

So until it actually does go into full blown production I'm gonna assume we don't have it yet. So in the meantime my wheel will still be squeakin!!

As my favorite Guru Yogi Berra would say " It ain't over till it's over" :rolleyes: :cool: :D

Well, it's got an official SKU (C116CFP) an MSRP ($319.95) and is available to dealers for back/pre order, so I feel pretty confident that it will materialize ;) Jan/Feb 2008 was the last ETA I got.


Hard workin poor payed as i am i wonder what this one will cost?

US street price should be in the $200-230 range.

[JD Spydo]

Well, it's got an official SKU (C116CFP) an MSRP ($319.95) and is available to dealers for back/pre order, so I feel pretty confident that it will materialize ;) Jan/Feb 2008 was the last ETA I got.



US street price should be in the $200-230 range.

Well I guess it's done deal then. My knife dealer friend told me that it was a done deal for either Jan or Fed of 08. But we've been talking about this Superhawk for a long time now.

I'm quite sure that it's gonna be here soon. I sure hope it racks up better sales than some of it's predecessors did. But I do think we have a much more "Hawkbill Friendly" crowd here in Spyderville than we had let's say 3 years ago. It should be a smashing success.

[Bolster]

JD, you are aware that the Superhawk has a full flat grind? It's the one aspect of that knife which hawkbill fans are strangely silent about

Actually that's the main reason I plan to buy one. I've been waiting for a FFG hawkbill but couldn't quite commit to the Pkal. This Superhawk will be great.

[Agent Starling]

Much easier to slice through stiff materials. That's about it, but I love them anyways :D
that reminds me, cobrajoe, IIRC one of Doc's meat tests found that a flat grind performed better than hollow...?

Agent Starling

[Agent Starling]

Primarily an esthetics issue for me, just like the simpler, cleaner lines of a full flat grind. Which performs better is a bit more complicated. Blade thickness, blade width (height), material thickness, and cutting angle all enter into the picture. But, in general, for slicing thicker materials, or thin but stiff materials using a "stab and rip" action, a full flat grind will outperform an equally sharp hollow grind of the same thickness and width.
I think the P'kal looks nice that way, very different kind of a look than the other Spydrco hawks...and that's interesting that so much more than the grind determines how well the knife will ultimately cut.

Agent Starling

[Agent Starling]

That is a totally beautiful knife...if they don't release it that way I'll be bummed, it just looks so neat and clean and sleek, and in G10 my God what more could you ask for...it's a dream hawkbill...:D

Agent Starling

[Agent Starling]

Well I guess it's done deal then. My knife dealer friend told me that it was a done deal for either Jan or Fed of 08. But we've been talking about this Superhawk for a long time now.

I hope Jan or Feb! :) I guess you never can tell though...


I'm quite sure that it's gonna be here soon. I sure hope it racks up better sales than some of it's predecessors did. But I do think we have a much more "Hawkbill Friendly" crowd here in Spyderville than we had let's say 3 years ago. It should be a smashing success.
You think, JD? For some reason I thought the Golden Hawkbill Era on this forum had already been and gone...but then again there are an awful lot of forumites getting excited about hawkbills on these forums lately...:D

Agent Starling :cool:

[Ed Schempp]

I like both. A hollow saber grind can accentuate the lines of a knife; the full flat can simplify the visual impact. The hollow grind might have a minute advantage on cutting material that has some elasticity; the full flat as mentioned is better for stiffer material. The full flat has an advantage of a stronger tip. This heavier tip can be blended into the not really flat surface of a blade. When this is done with a hollow grinding machine the width of the grind narrows toward the tip. 95% of my handmade knives are flat ground. When you are dealing with a narrow blade with possibly a double grind or false edge the hollow grind has and advantage in predictable edge geometry. The hollow will be easier to maintain longer because less material has to be removed when sharpening. I've sharpened a flat ground small Gerber folding dagger; I had to remove material back to the center of the face of the grind to get a usable geometry. The knife was originally ground to a very thick edge anyway. Both methods have their place. Did I mention that I liked both...Take care...Ed

[thefly01]

Hey, Joe I just wanted to put a word in about the New CLB design SUBCLAW!! It should be here shortly along with the Drop Point Trance! I'm sure you'll have both so at the end of the day....:)

[Michael Cook]

That is a totally beautiful knife...if they don't release it that way I'll be bummed, it just looks so neat and clean and sleek, and in G10 my God what more could you ask for...it's a dream hawkbill...:D

Agent Starling

:spyder: G10 would be nice but since the hawkbill market is smaller they're gonna put carbon fibre handles on it for the collectors who'll buy it as a collection piece or investment, adding $100 to the purchase price.:( :spyder:

[Slatts]

Looking at my favorite knives, I also realize that I much prefer the full flat grind ones over any other...Manix, Caly 3, etc... I've considered sending my Blue ZDP Delica to Krein for the FFG treatment. It has fallen behind on pocket time because of the ZDP Caly 3, but suspect it would get more into the rotation with a flat grind.

[Kaizen]

Another FFG fan here. They're prettier and they slice great. I'm not really sure how they perform against a comparable angled hollow grind, but I like the looks and would go FFG if all things were equal.

[catamount]

That is a totally beautiful knife...if they don't release it that way I'll be bummed, it just looks so neat and clean and sleek, and in G10 my God what more could you ask for...it's a dream hawkbill...:D

Agent Starling

As previously mentioned the scales are actually CF (peel ply, I believe).

AFAIK, the only difference between the prototype in the pic and the production piece is that the production will have full skeletonized steel liners.

Getting back to the original topic of this thread, I have found that FFG blades just cut better, at least the things that I need to cut regularly. Having said that, I do have some hollow ground :spyder:s that I like, and use regularly.

[JD Spydo]

I hope Jan or Feb! :) I guess you never can tell though...


You think, JD? For some reason I thought the Golden Hawkbill Era on this forum had already been and gone...but then again there are an awful lot of forumites getting excited about hawkbills on these forums lately...:D

Agent Starling :cool:

Well Agent Starling I don't think you were here when the big Hawkbill thread was on a roll. And let me tell you at that time we Hawkbill aficionados were truly a scant minority while most blade fans still considered them noveltys or a specialty blade for a martial arts enthusiasts and Bruce Lee "wannabees".

Doctor Hannibal Lecter our IN HOUSE Hawkbill Specialist will back me up that one because he was one of the very first who catapulted that thread. He was carrying a Harpy full time when I first got to know the good Doctor. There has most certainly been more serious EDC Hawkbill use talked about in the last 14 months than I saw in my first 2 years here in Spyderville.

I think the key is to educate people in the practical uses of a Hawkbill. The folks who regard Hawkbills as a specialty knife with a narrow scope of uses I believe have just never given one a fair trial.

Now I will be the first to admit that they are not for everyone. But as much as I use blades of all types it was easier for me to see first hand the cutting chores that they excel in. You have been one of the small but growing percentage of folks who have given one an EDC use and thus discovered their potential. Actually I think that the Hawkbill EDC era is just still in it's beginning stages. Just this year 2007 I'm seeing many folks checking them out. That sure weren't the case 3 years ago.

[Agent Starling]

Doctor Hannibal Lecter our IN HOUSE Hawkbill Specialist will back me up that one because he was one of the very first who catapulted that thread. He was carrying a Harpy full time when I first got to know the good Doctor. There has most certainly been more serious EDC Hawkbill use talked about in the last 14 months than I saw in my first 2 years here in Spyderville.
Cool! :spyder: :D :spyder:

It's great that you and our Good Doctor the Chief Hawkbill and Karambit Surgeon have done so much to advance the science of Hawkbillology! :cool: :spyder:


I think the key is to educate people in the practical uses of a Hawkbill. The folks who regard Hawkbills as a specialty knife with a narrow scope of uses I believe have just never given one a fair trial.
You've done a great job on that front, JD! I've learned a ton from your posts! :cool:


Actually I think that the Hawkbill EDC era is just still in it's beginning stages. Just this year 2007 I'm seeing many folks checking them out. That sure weren't the case 3 years ago.
That is good news indeed...the dawn of an era...:D

Agent Starling

[Agent Starling]

Thanks for your input Mr. Schempp...it's good to learn of these nuances of the different blade types...didn't realize it makes such a difference when sharpening them over time.

Agent Starling

[Cliff Stamp]

The hollow grind might have a minute advantage on cutting material that has some elasticity; the full flat as mentioned is better for stiffer material.

What exactly are we talking about here in regards to one grind versus the other. If you take the Military which has a full flat grind and you apply on top of it a hollow relief grind then you can increase the cutting ability several times to one easily. It is simply a matter of adjusting the edge thickness.

The problem with many of the generalizations is that they are comparing unequal grinds. A high flat grind which tapers to a thin edge vs a low sabre grind which leaves the edge thick. This has nothing to do with flat vs hollow, it is simply a matter of thick vs thin and the choice made by the maker.

The simplest perspective is that the hollow grind allows for more material removal which will in general increase cutting ability. In regards to edges which need strength for twisting or impacts then support is needed so a flat or convex grind is more optimal.

But in all cases, look at the thickness first and the curvature second. A Endura does not cut as wel as a Military due to hollow vs flat but the fact that the primary grind on the Endura is tapered to a thicker edge which has a larger angle.

If the Endura had a deep hollow which left it 0.020" thick at 1/4" back from the edge it would outcut the Military on most materials. Again just a matter of cross section and not curvature.

-Cliff

[Cliff Stamp]

Many judge hollow grinds as inferior cutters because often they are used in very thick sabre configurations. Manufacturers such as TOPS have low sabre hollow grinds with edges of 0.050"+ thick with very large sharpening angles and of course they do not cut well. But this is not because the primary grind is hollow, it was because it was simply not ground deep enough to thin the edge.

In all cases, look at the thickness first and the curvature second. Most of the hollow ground Spyderco blades also have thicker edges than the flat ground models, again not a limitation of the grind, simply a choice of the manufacturer. A Endura does not cut as well true, but this is not because it is hollow, just that the primary grind on the Endura is tapered to a thicker edge which has a larger angle. If the Endura had a deep hollow which left it 0.020" thick at 1/4" back from the edge it would outcut the Military on most materials several times to one. Again just a matter of cross section and not curvature.

The simplest perspective is that the hollow grind allows for more material removal than a flat grind which will in general increase cutting ability. In regards to edges which need strength for twisting or impacts then support is needed so a flat or convex grind is more optimal.

-Cliff

[sal]

Interesting discussion.

We have also found that the "thin" edge hollow gring will work more effectively when cutting through thinner material such as animal skin. The hollow grind maintains a thinner cross section further up the grind until the grind arcs outrward.

sal

[Agent Starling]

As previously mentioned the scales are actually CF (peel ply, I believe).
I didn't read the sign...it looked like G-10 at first glance...nevertheless I like the looks of that particular CF...I was under the impression that CF would look like the CF on the Harpy SE CF, w/ the glossy coat. Glad you pointed that out.

Agent Starling:D

[Ed Schempp]

Cutting ridgid material I sometimes find the ridge at the back of the hollow grind drags. This can be overcome with cutting technique...Take Care...Ed

[Cliff Stamp]

There can be an issue with drag but it depends on how the knife is ground. Some knives have a "T" shaped hollow and with these the material will bind at the top, but you can also grind so it is more of a "C" shape and the material will ride along the primary grind which is flat and the hollow grind is actually more of a large fuller. For example :

http://www.cutleryscience.com/images/aj_utility.jpg

No binding issues.

-Cliff

[bladese97]

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I like flat grind for the same reasons as everyone else....Performance, and it looks :cool: and kicks @$$! Plus, it is one of the easier grinds to sharpen for me.

[Agent Starling]

Very interesting. Thanks for your input, Mr. Glesser. :spyder: :)

Agent Starling

[Piet.S]

And thanks, Cliff.

[David Lowry]

I like a full flat grind because it looks nice and it slices better (usually). However there are some hollow grinds (like my Mini Persian) that slice really well...so well that I don't know if I can say that a flat grind slices better. I however do like how flat grinds look most of the time. The Mini Persian is wonderful looking just like it is. I think it would take away from the knife having a flat grind personally.

Saber flat grinds are just too thick (like the Delica 4) for me anymore. What's funny is that the more and more I use knives the more and more I realize that my grandpa was probably right on. He never needed anything more than a small slipjoint for his daily duties. He didn't use his pocket knife in the kitchen or to skin game. You used kitchen knives in the kitchen and a fixed blade to cut up your deer.

Sorry.....off subject....

Anyway, I think most folks just like flat grinds because they look pretty. They do slice better on most occasions. However for just "cutting" something whether it be thread, tape, an envelope, etc. I don't think the grind matters. Slicing food is another story.

[jaislandboy]

I like a full flat grind because it looks nice and it slices better (usually). However there are some hollow grinds (like my Mini Persian) that slice really well...so well that I don't know if I can say that a flat grind slices better. I however do like how flat grinds look most of the time. The Mini Persian is wonderful looking just like it is. I think it would take away from the knife having a flat grind personally.

Saber flat grinds are just too thick (like the Delica 4) for me anymore. What's funny is that the more and more I use knives the more and more I realize that my grandpa was probably right on. He never needed anything more than a small slipjoint for his daily duties. He didn't use his pocket knife in the kitchen or to skin game. You used kitchen knives in the kitchen and a fixed blade to cut up your deer.

Sorry.....off subject....

Anyway, I think most folks just like flat grinds because they look pretty. They do slice better on most occasions. However for just "cutting" something whether it be thread, tape, an envelope, etc. I don't think the grind matters. Slicing food is another story.

yeah David,
I totally agree w/you on this, with these "super" steels, I prefer much thinner edges like the Caly3/ MiniManix...
I love the slicing performance of the hollow ground Viele2, Persians, and Centofante3/4.... ;)

[Cliff Stamp]

The problem with most sabre grinds not cutting well is again more of an issue with how they are applied. The typical scandinavian grind for example is sabre-flat and it will outcut a lot of full-flat grinds because the scandinavian grind tapers to a very fine edge bevel, < 0.005" thick. However in general, sabre-grinds are less efficient compared to a full grind, but this is only true if both are optimal, there are lots of sabre grinds which are more cutting optomized than full grinds. Kerhaw for example has full grinds which leave edges on folders from 0.030-0.050" thick and more than 20 degrees per side. Any of the Spyderco sabre ground knives would easily cut better because the edges are thinner and vastly more acute.

-Cliff

[Ed Schempp]

Good explanation Cliff.

It is fairly dramatic when you compare the performance of the large competition blades that are used in the Bladesports competitions. A well sharpened .040 edge will bounce on a 2x4 and a .020 edge will cut. Any folder sharpened from a .040 you will probably not be happy, regardless of the steel used...Take Care...Ed

[Cliff Stamp]

Yes, the purpose of higher quality steel is to allow a thinner geometry as geometry cuts. A folder made from S30V with a 0.030"/25 degree edge will be easily out cut by a knife made from mild steel with an optimal geometry. The performance will not even be close, many to one.

The only reason to exceed 0.025" is to either take extreme impacts such as trying to chisel cut knots in half in thick woods, or be able to use a knife like a cold chisel and readily cut through thick bolts. In both cases the folder itself is likely to suffer failure under the strain so the design is incoherent.

A knife really only shines when the steel has been properly hardened, actually suits the intended use of the knife and has been so optimally ground. If any of these are really off the performance is pretty much zero no matter how high the other attributes.

Interestingly enough, the geometry itself has the biggest factor as the range of influence it makes is far bigger than the differences in cutlery steels or heat treatments, gross defects not withstanding (complete lack of tempering).

-Cliff

[J D Wijbenga]

Yes, the purpose of higher quality steel is to allow a thinner geometry as geometry cuts. A folder made from S30V with a 0.030"/25 degree edge will be easily out cut by a knife made from mild steel with an optimal geometry. The performance will not even be close, many to one.

The only reason to exceed 0.025" is to either take extreme impacts such as trying to chisel cut knots in half in thick woods, or be able to use a knife like a cold chisel and readily cut through thick bolts. In both cases the folder itself is likely to suffer failure under the strain so the design is incoherent.

A knife really only shines when the steel has been properly hardened, actually suits the intended use of the knife and has been so optimally ground. If any of these are really off the performance is pretty much zero no matter how high the other attributes.

Interestingly enough, the geometry itself has the biggest factor as the range of influence it makes is far bigger than the differences in cutlery steels or heat treatments, gross defects not withstanding (complete lack of tempering).

-Cliff

Amen! Could not have said it better.

JD

[sal]

Ed likes to put a swedge on the spine of his high performance cutters to reduce the "drag" of the "corner" of the spine when passing all of the way through what is being cut. Like the Japanese swords. Very astute thinking, IMO.

sal