Edge angle on GEC #55?

[arizonaranchman]

Hey all... Loving my #55 Houndstooth!!

Of course it will eventually need sharpening, so wondering if anyone can advise the correct edge angle on these blades (spear point / 1095 steel).

I have a Lansky system sharpener, so plan to use that as I stink at doing it by hand on a stone.

Thanks!

[reddirtknives]

HEHE They Collecting not using lol Contact GEC because you are likely to get 5 different answers if any... Enjoy your knife

[Blademan13]

I generally will reprofile to around 30 degrees inclusive and set the edge around 40 for general use.

[MikeEngland]

I don't think that anybody will tell you there is a "correct" angle at which to sharpen you're knife. It really just depends on how you intend to use it. I just got finished sharppening a #15 using my lansky kit. I was going for piss sharp so I used the closest angle which I think is like 19-17 degrees. Now some guys will say that an edge that fine won't hold up well to general use, and they'd be right for the most part, but this knife is not for general use. Also, it takes a lot of work to reprofile the bevel to that angle from the edge that the manufacturer puts on it. Most of the knives I use daily have about a 20-22 degree angle. My numbers may be off so thats the 2nd hole out in the clamp. The nice part is that once I've reached the bevel angle that I want, I typically don't need to use the kit to maintain the edge. Just touching up with the finest stone by hand or stropping will keep you in good shape.


p.s. I use all my GECs. They keep a great edge too

[Gunstock Jack]

Ditto on what Mike sez!

[IMBand]

I also agree with Mike........I use a Lansky and sharpen to 17deg or 20deg depending on the knife.
20deg is a little better for a larger knife (i.e. #23) that will see heavier or extended service, but 17deg will get your #55
wicked sharp and probably hold up very well to what you would likely be using it for. Strop is a must for touch ups.

IM

[arizonaranchman]

Thanks a lot fellas. Yeah this isn't a heavy-duty workhorse of a knife, so a fine edge in this case is fine. It's a go-everywhere companion that's mostly for opening packages, opening the mail and light cutting. I have other blades that are for heavy-duty chores.

Sounds like 17* on the Lansky will do the trick