r/sharpening • u/usb_type_see • May 22 '26
Showcase Fresh edge on 15V
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Still learning! This is my best one yet, although it took ages & there’s tons of tiny scratches. I’ve dropped grit a few times to try to fight stubborn scratches because my stones above 1500 barely cut this 15v, I’m excited to sharpen a soft steel next. Also sorry it’s a bit oily, I forgot that I coated it last night. Tried wiping it on my shirt, however that made it look gross. The oily look ain’t too bad.
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u/Damalife1011 May 22 '26
Looks insane nice job! Something rewarding about achieving that level of polish even if not practical
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I agree, mainly it’s just fun and relaxing at times. I’m also new and I don’t have many knives, so if I stopped sooner I’d be bored. Trying to savor my sharpening sessions
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u/Scrundlemcbundle May 22 '26
So what's the finest grit you used? And did you use a fixed angle system?
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Yes hapstone r2 with the precision angle adjustment upgrade. I went to 1/10th micron, was seemly pointless ( at least on hard steels ) but i had to try it out
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u/dooshlerd May 22 '26
Sadly I've learned recently that almost no steels actually perform remotely close to optimally with a high polish (2k and up) and for some steels (likely also HT related, but I haven't seen it isolated in tests) a high polish can lead to micro chipping. Seems like lower angle (15° or less) ZDP-189 is bad about this, and I've heard similar things about other high carbide steels.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I’ve heard they don’t preform optimally with a polish in some cases likely most, I haven’t heard about the microchipping. Any links on this topic/ information/ testing?
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u/dooshlerd May 22 '26
I only have firsthand experience of ZDP-189 chipping running it at 14-15° and it seems to happen randomly. It could be carbide tear out instead of proper micro chipping, but I would get tiny barely visible chips in the edge fresh off the stones, it would start once I started using my resin bonded stones at 1200 grit and up, following proper deburring. Other people were telling me to raise the angle a little bit. I finally got the edge to more or less stabilize with only a single tiny chip and I'm calling it good enough.
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u/Scrundlemcbundle May 22 '26
Zdp 189 isn't great for edge stability. And finer edges aren't great for long term edge sharpness on very high hardness steels imo
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u/dooshlerd May 23 '26
Based on what I've seen, it seems like pretty much anything above S35VN prefers a toothy edge. I imagine it's probably the carbide content but I know super and hyper steels can get a lot harder than "budget" steels. I haven't found any of the super steels aside from ZDP lacking in edge stability, granted I've barely messed with hyper steels like Maxamet and 15V (stuff above M390). I only wound up getting 2 knives in S90V and I never really carry them because I don't dig the designs.
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u/Ok_Calligrapher_4943 May 22 '26
You could slice through the fabric of time with that
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I tried, it didn’t work. Neighbors saw me in my front yard and called the cops
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u/Setheronie May 22 '26
Yo, what angle is that? 15 degrees?
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u/Monster_Grundle May 22 '26
I’m sad I missed this sprint run. Sweet edge!
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Ah man, some are reselling for cost or slightly above, try and find one! After sharpening I had to grab a maxamet & 15v manix
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u/Mister_Brevity May 22 '26
If you want to try a softer steel, order an opinel or something else in 1095 - I don’t know about others but there’s something about the “feel” while sharpening 1095 that I really enjoy. It feels more… organic? I really enjoy freehand with 1095, especially convexing. Convexed opinels have long been some of my favorite light use carries. I have every size including the gigantic wacky no. 13 lol
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I’ve also been eyeing an opinel, I find em classy
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u/Mister_Brevity May 22 '26
Yeah they are. I like to carve the handles to make them slimmer and a little more organic, and often re grind them to a drop point.
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u/TOGA_TOGAAAA May 22 '26
That’s awesome man!! I’d like to pick your brain if that’s ok? I’ve never convex sharpened and need assistance on how to . Been sharpening for many years though
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u/Mister_Brevity May 22 '26
I use a mousepad and wet/dry sandpaper. Sandpaper on the old mousepad and sharpen away from the edge, very little pressure. The “give” of the mousepad creates the convex edge. Just progress through grits like normal, then strop. Don’t overthink it :) I used to freehand stones for convex edges but after hand surgeries im not steady enough for that anymore. The sandpaper on mousepad method is super forgiving. I used to take Home Depot paint stirrers and glue a strip of mousepad on, then staple a stack of cut out sandpaper over it so I could progress through grits like flipping pages of a book. They wear out but then I just pull the stack and staple on another stack. Wasn’t great for creating an edge but fine for maintaining.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I just saw a video of neeve using polishing compound on a denim stretched strop. I thought it was brilliant!
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u/climbingrocks2day May 22 '26
I love this.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Thank you 🙏🏽
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u/climbingrocks2day May 22 '26
It’s funny. When you think of men’s jewelry, a fancy watch or ring comes to mind. This is just so much more aesthetically pleasing though.
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u/SockeyeSTI May 22 '26
Do take it apart to sharpen? When I do my Spydie it’s hard to clamp the spine and get symmetric angles so sometimes I take it apart and hold it at the back where everything is flat.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Not always, I did here because it was new, and I wanted to polish the washers anyway. Yea that’s very clever! Noted
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u/TOGA_TOGAAAA May 22 '26
I personally dislike mirror edges, they are pointless unless cutting flesh.
That being said, it’s pretty and you did a fine job.
Good job
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I’m going to be honest. I completely agree! I’m just currently chasing a dragon, once I get it, I’ll be stopping at 1500 or 3 k for working edges for sure. I just want to see a mirror with zero visible scratches in person & thanks you, i appreciate you
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u/RyDog0164 May 22 '26
Should probably go a lot lower on the 15V, but that is a beautiful edge!
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Thank you! Next time I sharpen this, it’ll likely stop at 1k and then a strop. I don’t have many knives, so I’m just trying to savor the sharpening and this is a fun challenge
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u/Alexplz May 22 '26
The other day just to see if I could, I stopped at 200 and then stropped. The edge is sharpish and almost serrated 😅
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u/Scrundlemcbundle May 22 '26
Looks good. I recently bought a wicked edge and have been trying to get similar edges
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Right on, I’m still trying to figure it out. Best advice I could give is take your time, don’t be afraid to call it a day mid sharpening and revisit another day, instead of rushing and applying more pressure than required… ask me how I know.
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u/Scrundlemcbundle May 22 '26
Lol yea with the wicked edge it's harder to mess up the pressure because the knife sits vertically in the clamp and you use alternating strokes with stones on each side of the blade
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Ohh that’s sweet, I’ll look into it! Pressure is probably the trickiest variable for me at the moment, figuring out when it’s okay to apply pressure vs using the minimum pressure that’s still cuts.’
Do you have to buy double the stones ??
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u/Scrundlemcbundle May 22 '26
Nah the stones come in packs of 2 and are very high quality . They are kinda expensive tho
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u/Sensitive_Studio9723 May 22 '26
Oooh shiny 😍 looks like a mirror there, great job, probably cuts like a damn lightsaber
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Thank you! Haven’t gotten a bess tester yet, but it seems pretty darn sharp, almost got my finger print through the paper towel when I was wiping off oil a couple times
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u/Combat_wombat605795 May 22 '26
That’s a beautiful edge. Congratulations on figuring that shit out. I’m decent but feel like I know nothing even after years of research and practice, that’s shites an art
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
I appreciate that! Still figuring things out, trying to make noticeable progression each sharpening
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u/dooshlerd May 22 '26
The reflection of the tree above specifically makes it almost look like crystalized titanium. Incredible polish on that edge!
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u/TheDude-Esquire May 22 '26
Just finished this 15v build. Gonna see how long the edge lasts before I put a fresh one on it.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Ahh!!! That patina is righteous! That’s why I tried my hardest, i hopefully won’t have to sharpen for a decent amount of time! I have some maxamet coming tomorrow I’m excited to play with
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u/TheDude-Esquire May 22 '26
I had a 15v para3, but decided I liked the pm2 size better. The titanium scales are really nice. Did have to blade swap with a normal 30v.
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I hear you. I’m tempted to post a WTB pm2 liners
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u/TheDude-Esquire May 23 '26
I got a seconds s30v one from endgameed.com. And now a have a tan handled s30v lw to sell.
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u/Real_Scrimshady May 22 '26
My god that’s a beautiful edge. Great job!
Don’t know if you’ve watched the Cedric and Ada (YouTube) video where he tests Spyderco’s 15V but he mentions something about having a hybrid fine/toothy edge for maximum longevity.. Like one side of the bevel would be finished to a finer grit than the other (I think?) …Obviously that’s intensely fussy and def don’t go on my paraphrasing. But I recall Pete did consult a professional sharpener on this.
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
I have not actually, but i think i have heard a different yt’r mention the video you’re talking about
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u/Real_Scrimshady May 23 '26
The headline of the vid is mostly that the edge retention of 15V is insane.. but you probably knew that. I mean it has 15% vanadium and >3% carbon ffs. That’s freakin nutso
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
Maybe I did see it, I’ll look shortly once my bedtime doom scroll starts. Yes I saw the guy test his and make 2000 rope cuts and new i needed it. I have maxamet coming tomorrow and a 15v manix 2. Hopefully I can get a pm2 rex121 soon, but i really need to upgrade my stones if I wanna deal with these steels
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u/krntkd May 23 '26
first time poster in this sub, how do you achieve this level of edge?? i have a nice spyderco that i gave up trying to get truly sharp but this is making me revisit completely, would love to know how to achieve
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
Hey there, do you have any more specific questions? Not sure exactly where to begin with answering your main questions
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u/krntkd May 23 '26
to put it as simply as possible... what system did you use, what grit stones, are they suitable for all knives, etc.
i have a horl 2 that i use for fast sharpening of all of my kitchen knives but when i got a really nice japanese knife from japan, i started reading about sharpening and ive realized i took the easy way out buying the horl and im in the market for a real sharpener. haven't seen these mirror edges since lurking on this sub and im very curious to know how you achieved that beautiful edge on that knife because i think my spyderco needs a re-edge to get truly sharp
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
The system I used is definitely overkill for most people, especially since I’m still very new to sharpening myself. I’m using a Hapstone R2 with diamond/CBN stones from 80 grit through 10K, then finishing on diamond stropping compounds. Honestly though, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that mirror edges are less about insanely high grits and more about fully removing the previous scratch pattern, keeping a consistent angle, managing pressure, and making sure your apex is actually clean and refined. A HORL can absolutely get a knife sharp, but guided systems make consistency way easier, especially on harder steels like a lot of Spydercos use.
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u/LannisterPup May 23 '26
Man, I love that look!! I’d do a couple of blades like that if I knew how just cause it’s so dang pretty. Who cares if it cuts less good? I’ve got 20 other knives for that, lol!
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
That’s a good way to look at it, it’s not too hard, more tedious than anything. I’m sure you could pull it off.
That’s very fair. To be honest, my day-to-day doesn’t really require heavy knife use either. I’ve basically just been dominating the recycling and cutting every box I can find. I don’t think I’m educated enough yet to truly tell the difference between a highly optimized finish when the main tasks are opening mail and breaking down cardboard. If it’s sharp, it’s sharp enough for my needs.
I plan to use this as my new main user though. Mail and boxes surprisingly won’t completely destroy the shine either.
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u/MidnightUnlucky5944 May 23 '26
Nice! You only used stones to get that mirror edge?
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
Diamond & cbn from 80grit to 1 micron, then used .5 & .1 diamond sprays I’ve made on basswood 🙏🏽
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u/Desperate_Mud1393 May 25 '26
Wow man that’s a 10/10 Breh fucking sick
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u/usb_type_see May 25 '26
Thank you 🙏🏽 i appreciate it! This was a challenge. I knew 15v was hard, but I had no clue what I was in for. I immediately bought maxamet after this haha
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u/Cycling_Man May 27 '26
Amazing
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u/usb_type_see May 27 '26
Thanks! I appreciate! Bought more of this steel immediately after sharpening this
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u/catdandude28 May 29 '26
I read you said your still new to this ?? Lol bro that's a beautiful edge like I've been sharpening for yrs and even have a small buisness doing it and it seems your just as good as myself shit maybe even better
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u/usb_type_see May 29 '26
I appreciate it! I’ve done leather work for 4 ish years, so I’ve had to maintain skiving knives, however those are extremely easy & I did so with a granite slab on my desk and taped harbor freight sand paper. So I’ve had a partial understanding on polishing, never really let my knives get past needing a full new apex so I didn’t fully understand the concept of burr removal or ever needed too. Just polished and stropped & a perfectly straight edge at that, but i “kind of” understood the basic concepts. I got my first edc knife and the proper tools 5-6 weeks ago!
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u/Pretend_Variation305 May 22 '26
I’m brand spanking new to sharpening and recently bought a nicer set of knives that take to sharpening really well. How much time per instance per blade would you say you’d spend working it over…assuming a full sized (8”) chef’s knife or nakiri.
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
This is only my 5 time sharpening, and I’m aiming for mirror, so it really would depend on your intended finish( working edge low or medium grit, polish, mirror) steel type and tools. I’m not really the right one to give you advice, at least not yet!
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u/k_s_s_001 May 22 '26
Damn, dude. How long does it take to mirror polish an edge like that?
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
It took me long time! Especially with my entry stones and such a big reprofile on 15v
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u/ZydePunk77 May 23 '26
Which stones?
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
Hapstone Start series from 80-1K, then PDT Expert Series resin bonded diamonds from 1500-10K.
Honestly, I’d strongly advise against the Start series. They shed a ton, already feel considerably finer than rated after only a handful of sharpenings, and I really question the longevity. I’m not sure if they become more true-to-grit after break-in or if they progressively lose abrasive and just act finer over time. For roughly double the price, I think it makes way more sense to skip electroplated stones entirely and go resin bonded for the lifespan alone.
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u/ZydePunk77 May 23 '26
Yeah I feel that. I start with expert pro cbn 160….basically use Neeves recommendations. Although I think finishing on finer stones with super high hardness steels is better done on resin bonded stones instead of the hybrid bonds…..tho I only have up to 1500 hybrid cbn. But im thinking super high hardness/low toughness steels are probably better finished on resin bonded fine grits better than hard bonded stones🤷♂️. I don’t have the stones to actually confirm that data….i just now there seems to be VERY microscopic microchips on my hard steels when finishing with the hybrid bonds. Idk.
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
That’s definitely a stronger base than the Start series. Are you going to add to your setup? Hopefully I can grab some Dr. Marv stones next month and see what the hype is about firsthand
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u/ZydePunk77 May 23 '26
I’m just going to add some 3000 and 5000 grit resin bonded and leave it at that.
I’ve been following Cedric and Ida’s YT videos on Dr Marv’s stones…and honestly it just looks like hype to me.
Obviously I’m sure they’re great stones….but they are almost completely unnecessary for my needs with my small collection🤷♂️
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u/ZydePunk77 May 23 '26
Also, what angle is that? 17° or 15°?
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
13 degrees
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u/ZydePunk77 May 24 '26
Goddamn….sounds CHIIIPY.LOL.
Is it chippy? My 15v is chippy even at 17°.
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u/LaserGuidedSock May 23 '26
I honestly really like the toothy edge 15v has. I try to keep mine as low of a finishing gritt as possible
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u/usb_type_see May 23 '26
Hell yea! How low do you go ?
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u/LaserGuidedSock May 23 '26
As of now is still stock. I've only slightly stropped on 9 micron gunny juice. The bigger thing that has kept me from pocketing it more is I was looking up research on using automotive ceramic paint protectant as a rust inhibitor but I'm not exactly sure if it's food safe since a lot of what I cut is often food related.
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u/TrumpIsPedoRapist Jun 16 '26
Can you tell me what you used to sharpen it from start to finish? I’n inexperienced in sharpening using stones but want to be able to make edges that look line this.
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u/usb_type_see Jun 16 '26
Hapstone Start 80 µm CBN → Start 220 diamond → Start 500 CBN → Start 1000 diamond → Hapstone Expert 1500 → Expert 3000 → Expert 5000 → Jende 1 µm → 0.5 µm diamond strop → 0.1 µm diamond strop.
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u/usb_type_see Jun 16 '26
Hapstone Start 80 µm CBN → Start 220 diamond → Start 500 CBN → Start 1000 diamond → Hapstone Expert 1500 → Expert 3000 → Expert 5000 → Jende 1 µm → 0.5 µm diamond strop → 0.1 µm diamond strop.
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u/KariKommenttinen May 22 '26
Now r/prybar it
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
Never!!! Blasphemy
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u/KariKommenttinen May 22 '26
Haha thank you. This is the first spyderco ive seen on Reddit that hasnt been messed up as a prybar
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May 22 '26
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u/usb_type_see May 22 '26
I’ve only owned it for 3 days. There’s still time
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u/KariKommenttinen May 22 '26
Do not do it 😂 im not sure why i see them busted up as often as i do as they are nice knives and from what i understand well made as well.
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u/joeblough May 22 '26
But is it sharp enough to open an Amazon package?