Devices for Measuring Blade (Bevel) Angles

J

Josh G

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May 7, 2017
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What device(s) do you guys use to measure the blade bevel angles on your knifes, to assist in sharpening? (I f---ed up my ESEE Izula and want to get it back on track with my Work Sharp Ken Onion edition.) I checked on Amazon for angle cubes, and, from a cursory look at the reviews, it seems that most people aren't using them to sharpen pocket knives.

Note: I'm not asking about sharpening systems. I'm asking how you guys measure the current blade bevel angle on each side of the blade so you know where your starting point is for sharpening. (One side might be 20 degrees, while the other side is 25 degrees, after all.)
 
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Easiest way... Mark it with a Sharpie, set an angle on your WorkSharp, put on the finest belt, (slow speed), and see where Sharpie is removed. Adjust accordingly.
 
I like to use a laser knife edge protractor:
http://www.catra.org/pages/products/kniveslevel1/lkep.htm

It's a little tricky to learn, and it works best with polished edges.

The Angle Cube would work with a technique kind of like CBW mentioned. I'd use a ramp with a flat stone mounted on it. Use the Sharpie, keep the blade of the knife parallel with the floor and see where the ink is scraped off. Keep adjusting the angle of the ramp until the ink is scraped off evenly, from shoulder to apex of the edge. The Angle Cube (or regular protractor or simple trig) will tell you what the edge angle is (same as ramp angle).
 
Thanks for the tips, guys. My favorite is the laser device, but it's rather pricey, especially when you add in shipping to the U.S. I'll probably wind up sticking with the Sharpie idea. I've heard that one before, and it's a cheap and tried-and-true method, if not immediate and as precise as the laser or some digital device.
 
I use a Wixey R300 angle finder. Works well.

For a cheaper method I've used the angle guide that Lowes sells for running conduit.
 
Try a scissor, use it as you shall clip across the edge, check that the scissors edges lays on both side of the edge in contact with the edge. Lock the scissor there. Lay it down on a paper, draw a line along the scissors edges - and meassure this with a protractor.

You will wish that you have three hands - but it works after a while...

Thomas
 
I have a digital angle cube. It works well and is accurate. I do find it much easier to use the Sharpie to blacken the edges, then set the blade on my Edge Pro APEX and slowly and gently adjust the angle in the 15-20 degree area until I see where the Sharpie is pulled off evenly.
 
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