[Sam]

Hi All,

I have noticed that a couple of my straight blades (wharncliffe style) have developed a slight hook along the sharp edge to the tip after a lot of use and a lot of stropping. The knives still hold and take a good edge in this shape but, I have since taken them down straight again and rehoned and stropped. I was wondering if anyone knew what causes this hooking so that I may be able to prevent it? Functionally they are fine, but I like to keep them straight and maybe it means I am doing something incorrectly.

[rick-in-seattle]

Sam,
That is perfectly common with all straight edge knives.
The effect comes from removing more metal from the center of the cutting edge when sharpening and/or stropping. It is a slow process and not one to lose sleep over.

While it doesn't have a noticable effect on the blade, it does look a little funny.

It can be removed, but requires removing more metal from both ends of the blade to obtain a true straight edge.

If you look closely at my knife, you will see the beginnings of a hook.
I returned it to a straight edge after this photo was taken.
http://www.littleshavers.com/RazorKnife.html

[Sam]

Thanks Rick - That's what I figured, but couldn't understand how I was removing more metal while sharpening and stropping. When I re-flatten the blades, I end up shortening them a little too cause the tip gets to be too pointed and fine.

[rick-in-seattle]

Sam,
When your knife blade keeps developing a hook and getting shorter, that means you are a dedicated carver.

It only happens when you do some serious carving

[AlArchie]

I've noticed the same thing happening with several of my knives. My favorite, most used one has really taken on the hook. I wasn't aware that this could be corrected, so just let it go.

Rick, do you think this one is beyond help, or can you correct the hook if I send it to you?

[rick-in-seattle]

Al,
I'm afraid you hit a snag with that one.

[Old_Gord]

I doano Al, about hitting a "snag", but it sure looks like a "gaffe" on your part.

.

OG

[rick-in-seattle]

Old_Gord,
I see you got caught up in this discussion. If you're not careful, you could really get hooked.

You have to watch Al, his wit is as sharp as his tools; he will sometimes reel you in and before you know it, he is playing you for a sucker.

I am afraid I must cut-the-line on this one before I need my waders.

[wade clark]

Waders? Somebody call Waders? I've been playing HOOKIE!
Wade

[Mitchell]

Al's fishing...........