Coarse edge on CTS-XHP

[maximus83]

Given recent discussion about the utility of coarse edges, decided to try this Domino in CTS-XHP. Edge was extremely sharp from the factory but the bevels were uneven, so did a reprofile to even out both sides, and created a coarser edge. Results were great with this steel. It would easily shave arm hair off a 180 grit SiC stone. Each stropping step made the edge slice cleaner and quieter in paper slicing tests, and on cigarette paper. With this steel, a SiC stone in the range of 150/180/220 should literally be all that's needed to put an excellent working edge on it, the strops just add a little bit of keenness. Also noticed there was very minimal burr formation on this steel. It'd be interesting to redo this with a diamond plate and see how it impacts the sharpness.

Sharpening: SiC 180 > strop (4m cbn) > strop (leather)

 

[Alberta Ed]

Thanks... may try that on my American Lawman. I find that CTS-XHP takes a fine edge very easily (& holds it) but a coarser edge does work well for all-round cutting.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I have a Slysz Bowie in CTS-XHP. I re-profiled it also, and noticed that it would push-cut Yellow Pages after the 120 grit stone. However, I took it up quite a bit further, just to play with it. I won't say that it will cut any better, or that the edge will last any longer, but it was entertaining to do so.

 

[maximus83]

Thanks... may try that on my American Lawman. I find that CTS-XHP takes a fine edge very easily (& holds it) but a coarser edge does work well for all-round cutting.

Agree, XHP is kind of a sleeper steel, really high value. I see it as S30v done right, or maybe D2 Gen2. I see a lot of examples of XHP taking a great finish for a high polish edge, as in Sonnydaze 's post. I have a CS Ultimate Hunter in XHP that was polished to a nice finish, as well (not mirror like above, but a medium grit). But this is the first time I've seen what this steel can do with a coarse edge. Really tempted now to redo the coarse edge with my DMT XC, and see if the diamonds make any difference with this steel.