Cold Steel "The Spike" -- sharpening the flat grind?

[peacefuljeffrey]

Hi folks.
I am thinking about getting "The Spike" by Cold Steel (the clip-point type, not the tanto). I read a description that says it is "distal tapered and flat ground to a zero edge." I'm pretty sure that I understand what the flat grind means, and even distal tapering. I just am not sure I would know how to sharpen such a knife -- and I don't believe in buying a knife until I know I'll be able to keep it sharp on my own.
Does "zero edge" mean that there is no bevel at the cutting edge -- that the flat of each side of the blade goes right to the cutting edge? I hope not. It sounds in such a case that the knife would have to be sharpened by grinding at a 0-degree angle right along the flat of the knife. That can't be, can it?
If I could be sure that there is some sort of normal bevel to the knife's edge, I'd probably buy it; but as this is a potential Ebay transaction, I don't have the benefit of being able to hold and examine the knife. Suggestions? Input? Thanks.

 

[Crayola]

Don't worry about the zero edge. Stropping it on occasion will probably keep the edge maintained. TO sharpen, you have 2 easy options.

1) to keep the edge almost zero, take the blade to a stone and lay it ALMOST flat on the stone and sharpen that way. SO, you'll put on, say, a 3-5 degree edge bevel.

2) just use your sharpmaker. So you lose your zero edge. At least you'll put an edge on the knife that you can easily maintain yourself!

 

[misque]

Crayola is correct on all counts.
Stropping brought mine up to speed pretty quick. I used it some when I first got it, then set it to work on it's primary duty. As a "just in case" knife.
I don't think this knife is intended as a utility EDC. As a very bare bones defense piece is where I think it really shines. Occasional utility use maybe, but not a utility EDC.

BTW, that edge was extremely sharp OOB and tackled cutting tasks PDG. I used it to reduce a roast to stir fry strips and it parted that meat like a scalpel. Using it to cut living flesh is too frightening to comprehend.