New Knife. blade will not keep an edge.

[aulddiy]

I bought a new carving knife, a Ross Oar, all in with customs and delivery $100. The most I've ever paid for a knife.

The blades are Wharncliffe, a main blade and a smaller one, D2 tool steel. The main blade is great just what I wanted. However the small blade, well its got me beat. The edge "notched" when I tried to sharpen it. A friend advised me it was normal , bits of carbon etc. So I continued sharpening and got a good edge. When I tried carving, a piece of limewood the edge went off the blade.

I know that this is a highly regarded brand and recommended by carvers on this forum so I'm surprised by this.
Anyone else came across this and if so whats their solution.

I've contacted the US supplier , a reputable firm, but I guess they are closed just now.
rgds
John

[aulddiy]

Maybe I should add I use a ceramic stone to sharpen.

[Dan S]

The knife may be defective. Contact he manufacturer. My uncle had the same theing happen years ago with a high end buck knife.

Dan

[CarverFromNoWhere]

Sounds like a flaw in the steel, ceramic won't make a difference and what angle are you sharpening it at?
Carl

[aulddiy]

I sharpen the full width of the blade with all my knives, I only carve limewood ( basswood equivalent) . Any other wood I use a chisel on.


I'd say the ceramic is not the cause as I've sharpened and got a great edge on the main blade. Not only that I bought the knife because so many forum members recommend it. The cost of returning and then getting another, would be $40 for postage then customs
of $26 making it as much as the knife cost.

Ach well you live and learn.

[rick-in-seattle]

John,
Give the business where it was purchased some time to find an answer to the problem. Most companys want satisfied customers and will do their best to make it right.

If the supplier can't help you, contact the manufacturer; they may have a solution.

(This information is from memory only)
Ross Oar uses Queen Cutlery which is a division of Ontario Knife Works.
Oar Carver
Welcome to Queen Cutlery!
Welcome to Ontario Knife Company!
Work upstream from the company where you made the purchase; but give that company a reasonable amount of time first.

[aulddiy]

Your approach is the one I've adopted, I do n't do uppy downy, shouty anymore. To old and no one pays any attention..

[FK]

I would guess you formed a "wire edge" and it broke off when you began carving. Search sharpening and wire edge and you will understand more of this idea.

The D2 steel in Oar knives is excellent and tough steel, when properly sharpended and stropped it will serve you well for many years.

Regards,
FK

[aulddiy]

Your right, I got a wire edge when I sharpened the little blade. Then as I always do I stropped it. Your also right that these are well thought of knives, thats why I went to the trouble of importing it.

I'll wait till the suppliers return from their holidays and see what they suggest.
rgds

[Tom-H]

John,

I use the Oar carver, with the single blade pocket knife. It's still my favorite knife. When it was first purchased I had all kinds of trouble. Checked with the supplier and sent it back to them. They "sharpened" it, but it still was not to my liking. I sent it to Rick, told him to make it work. For a very little amount of $ Rick reground the blade flat, sharpened it, and honed it. I think these knife all come with a weird bevel to the blade (at least weird to me). I use the knife daily and maintain it by stroping. Only once in two years have I had to use anything but a strop.

Tom H