Fashion or Function: Mirror Polished Edge on LC200N

[@aaronark1909]

I think it just comes down to the fun of sharpening . I don’t take it that far but I think I enjoy sharpening more that using my knives

[@ramonade_knives]

I wouldn't go that far myself but it's pretty darn near the truth !

[@oscarmedina1597]

It’s great that you are finding variability in edge retention from different steels. Your work is of incalculable benefit to the knife community, and we are very grateful for it.

[@BrentonCarr]

I have that KME as well. I really like it. The highest I go is 1500 and then a stropping. 1, because it's the finest grit I have 2, because I'm lazy...

[@knivesinourlives7997]

Nice video, thanks for your time! I love LC200N; I have the Spydiechef, Caribbean, and Salt 2 Green; all with LC200N . Great stuff! Thank you

[@Outpost_76]

Never get tired of watching your tests.

[@TorlingJarl]

If you don't finish your progression with a Kangaroo strop with CBN you really need to. It makes a huge difference. HUGE

[@mikelikesknives428]

I was so happy to get a Spydiechef. They have become harder to find. This steel holds up very well under EDC use. The polished edge looks great on this knife. Thank you.

[@latetodagame1892]

I can't believe you do these vids! The amount of cuts is/are insane!

[@bulbchangingmonkey]

Took my mirror polished edge off my mantra after watching your video so far so sweet. Thanks again Pete from Buffalo New York.

[@eliasburgstaller4544]

OmG you have the carribbean super excited for that one! 😃

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

Great vid! M4 , s90v and other high vanadium steels seem to prefer the lower grit toothy edges. Others like lc200n ,, xhp I found really perform better with a high polish edge. Especially xhp. S30v and s35vn seem to be ok either way

[@jasonbyu75]

HOw about convex vs regular straight bevel for this steel? I think I'll turn this one into my 'slicing knife' unless its better with convex. Assume material being cut is soft and somewhat easy to cut.

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

Jason Burt not sure, I don’t do convex edges

[@christopherdaffron]

Boss music for a boss cut test. I've been carrying my custom ano spydiechef so I saw this and immediately watched. Before I sharpen that used factory edge. Will be good to know which it loves most. You the man! The supreme corrosion resistance of lc200n let's me carry the chef no matter where I am. Fantastic blade.

[@charlescollier7217]

Another interesting investigation of the variables that may be relevant for different blades. Thanks!

[@2fast2block]

Inter-est-ing. So it depends on the metal. I got the same sharpener and love it. Several days ago I got my first lc200n in the Spyderco Subway Bowie. Dang, I can't believe I didn't notice that knife years ago. At least I have it now for my neck knife that replaced by H1 Dragonfly.

[@overlandedc]

Great video! I bet s30 likes a high polish, s35vn does. These really help with knowing what type of edge to put on a knife!

[@rockets4kids]

The general rule is polished edge for low carbide / fine grained steels and toothy edge for high carbide / larger grained steels. Both S30V and S35VN fall into the latter category.

[@ohsurepal]

I've been going through a boatload of your videos, always amazing and very dedicated work, thank you! I also MASSIVELY enjoy all of the old Final Fantasy music. 🤘🏻 Keep up the good work. 👌🏻

[@meloncholy4924]

OPM!! Oh, and you've convinced me to get a spydiechef! Thanks alot sir 😂

[@Knifeguyyy]

Pete ,,, you make steel testing great again ! MSTGA ! Nick we need hats hehe.

[@TheOneAndOnlySame]

I really really like this series of Fashion VS Function. Liked, subbed.

[@whocares3986]

Thanks for the hard work Pete. Good info. Thank you for the input on which seems to cut easier also. That's important. I would rather have an edge that cuts better but doesn't last as long. Good to know when we can get both.

[@bodyoftruth7766]

I am absolutely loving this content!

[@jtcaruanafan4617]

Fashion or funcition: zdp-189 please. I heard your list you'll be working on. Fantastic!!! I've found the Endura 4 in Zdp is the knife and value that I just took a liking to. Interesting to note on zdp-189 credited knife folk like Cliff Stamp recommend 15dps on it and zwilling miyabis black is 9-12dps (yes edc vs cutlery I know, nevertheless). Lastly Miyabis black is stated as 66 Rockwell and Spydercos zdp is at a Rockwell of 64. Interesting!!!

[@PaulK390S90V]

You gotta get the stop collar on kme's website. It is a life saver to stop you from going up too far with the stone and onto the flat of the knife....its a must! They also make a convex rod bro...I would be curious to see if there is a difference

[@jeremygunkel]

How are you liking the new sharpening system? Big step up over the lansky, grit selection aside?

[@mississippiknifenut4312]

Just bought the lapping films, can't wait to mirror my spydiechef

[@ryansgr8]

KME puts a nice edge on the knives. Hope the hands heel from all the cuts 😀

[@Ondal1]

Please Pete, more of those to the max :)

[@sngx1304]

I noticed you had some scratching on the blade after the sharpening. I get the same thing when I do low angles on my KME. I’ve tried dry stone, I’ve tried water, I’ve tried oil. Can’t get it figured out. Guessing I will have to tape the blades. I think it is a piece of the diamond grit rolling free and then trapping between the stone and the blade, giving the scratch. Any advice or remedy you find, I’ll be happy to hear.

[@CedricAda]

heheh yeah I think taping the blades is the solution. I have a few ive scuffed a bit, im not too bothered but I think i’ll tape from now on

[@sngx1304]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I’m with you on most blades. Some of them, I really like the grind pattern on and would rather not scuff up. I just spent 3-4 hrs doing a hand rubbed satin re-finish on one today. I don’t think I’ll do that again, my back is killing me.

[@aalbino8636]

Same thing happens with my KME. You have to tape the blades if you don’t want the scratches. Use the clear packing tape from the post office I find that is what holds the best.

[@mforrest1508]

Forms nitrides not carbides. Sorry had to be that guy! Just saying cause it’s kind of weird that it’s not carbide giving the wear resistance in the high nitrogen steels. Your the fucking man. Thank you for all these vids man!

[@ozyrob1]

Great series Pete!

[@nathenwallis5664]

I'm liking this new series. You should make a new intro similar to your intro for the unleashed series. I have a video request for you. I'm saving up to buy a KME, and I was wondering if you could make a video on sharpening a knife to mirror polish, so I can see which grits I need to buy etc.

[@aznelite325]

I hope to see M390 tested! I've heard that it performs well either way, but I'm curious if it favors one over the other.

[@jhoodly]

Are you using diamond stones or water stones? Thanks for all your hard work!

[@wizbangdiving]

Hi Pete, May we have a follow up with the new #dualgritedge gale technique on this Spydiechef lc200n. Polished vs coarse vs polished+coarse would be highly informative. Edit: it would be great to see the workflow with kme to add the dual edge. I am really enjoying the hobby again after finding your channel.

[@rudyduplooy217]

This is a great new series!!! I’m very keen to see the results of D2 since it’s my edc Steel of choice. I’ve always done a mirror polish on mine but seeing how M4 did I’m wondering if D2 will have similar results. Mmmmm

[@knarlygnivesandoutdoors8034]

Pete I love these fashion over function videos it's like a different form of unleashed 😁 I know you are doing them with higher end steels, I wonder how the lower ends would do, and they should theoretically be easier on the wrists haha if they don't cut as much to begin with. I love your channel dude -Kyle

[@shadowdance4666]

That’s some crazy steel

[@kerryrwac]

I think it would be easier t do the 600 grit edge first and then the mirror polished edge . The KME is like the Lansky went to the gym and took steroids ,

[@CedricAda]

yeah you are probably right. I just got excited and mirrored a whole bunch of knives when I got the machine.

[@kerryrwac]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Hey you got a new toy 😁

[@OLMmedic]

You kick ass pete!!

[@jeremys8360]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time. Lc200n native 5 on preorder and need to know the edge geometry is best

[@bp-hx9ts]

Jeremy Sharpe yeah that knife looks great I just hate the yellow handle scales

[@jeremys8360]

bp69 I love it. I live on the gulf coast in the United States and I love to fish so visibility is key if you drop it

[@bp-hx9ts]

Jeremy Sharpe yeah I like the visibility I just hate the color yellow wish they went with orange or something else with high visibility

[@jeremys8360]

bp69 true. Also my university colors are black and yellow so if I carry it at school, it might not get me in trouble lol

[@kerryrwac]

You can Ritt Dye the scales any colour you like . Blade HQ did a how to video on Ritt Dye .

[@kennethkuhlman8864]

Thanks for the video!

[@RobertDavis-bh1hf]

Do you wear a mask while sharpening your knives?Lots of fine metal particles.

[@JJ-lu6mg]

How do you like the KME sharpener it looks like it gave a great edge 👍🏼

[@mattg6136]

Thanks Pete. ATB.

[@Hornel66]

Great job. ONE PUNCH MAN!

[@collinjohnson7006]

I just got a Spyderco Para 3 in CPM S30V about 11 days ago. What exactly will I need to truly sharpen it? I've been eying a sharpmaker, but in all honesty I've learned to do free hand sharpening with a bench stone all my life and I love it. Of course I'm aware of diamond plates and what not but I just can't wrap my head around what waterstones I should purchase to maintain my edge at a good cost.

[@collinjohnson7006]

I have heard that I can use practically any stone I want regardless of what abrasive it uses, I've also heard I need abrasives that are harder than the carbides themselves, which is true? I don't know if I should buy 3 KING stones or a single stone for the same cost. I just don't want to spend 60 bucks on a set of KING waterstones and waste my time.

[@crrassh69]

Jerry Seinfeld Hey buddy if your looking at a budget way to keep them sharp the Sharpmaker will keep it sharp. If you want to reprofile the Smiths Tri Hone is a great system for freehand. If your budget is a little higher the KME base system is awesome. I got one a month ago and I love it. Hope this helps.

[@daryoushborja5115]

Keep it up loving your videos in USA. You and Advanced knife bro are my favorite knife reviewers. The other channels use knifes as jewelry. 🖒🗡🔪

[@danmichell7647]

so will all steels lean towards mirror or toothy 600vs 160000 seems a very large spread maybe a third finish 3000 to 8000 perhaps ? what is your guess as to the results. is there any information on the carbide size range in the steel compositions to have a better guess of the performance. OR is it the magical mystery tour we are dealing with ?

[@CedricAda]

i can do but a small amount with the time I have to hopefully show some useful results. I heartily encourage others to also test various things and publish their findings to build as big a picture as we all can about how the intricacies work

[@tacticalcenter8658]

iirc Sal said the Catra testing for LC200n is similar to VG10. dont quote me on that. thats probably factory edge.

[@1OssoBuco]

I wonder how LC200N compares with Valerian Steel? lol

[@bulbchangingmonkey]

Thanks Pete love the vids.

[@lunatic231]

Hey good day, man. Great video but what I’d love knowing, I’d actually be very grateful to be honest is where can I get that sharpener you used?

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I want one of those sharpeners. Which one is it?

[@0zmosis2001]

how about some Spyderco s110v that would be interesting to see if they have a lot of models with that steel

[@CedricAda]

ive got a pm2 in it, will get to it soon Im sure

[@sloanIrrigation]

What knife sharpening system is that?

[@13irishsailors]

If you don’t mind What angle/degree do you prefer your edc knife sir?

[@CedricAda]

about 15° per side gets everything done pretty well IMO

[@bigboy123456789ful]

please give this steel a toughness rating on your google doc

[@subroc4]

How far do you need to go to get a mirror? I bought a 9 micron, but that's all I could find because everything else was sold out. Haven't had the time to use it yet tho.

[@CedricAda]

i start to see mirror at the 3 micron. 6 gets nice and shiny tho

[@mforrest1508]

When you do the 600 grit edge do you just leave it at 600 or d9 you strop or hone any further?

[@CedricAda]

just deburr with the rod like the manial shows and get straight to bizness

[@edwardyork4321]

GREAT Vid as ALWAYS 🎆 👍

[@JesseAdams]

wouldn't it make sense to do the 600 and test it then put the 600 back on and progress to mirror? Unless you are sticking with the 600 when done I guess.

[@CedricAda]

I was excited to start mirroring blades, but you are right in this case where a mirror is the optimal finish

[@JesseAdams]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors yea, I suppose you'll never know going in, so it's 50/50 whether you end with what you plan on leaving on I guess. At least sharpening is fun:)

[@nikojinko4608]

Ok... HERO !

[@starkparker16]

Cool video Aussie knife bro. Only a cool intro to the action like in your unleashed to the max videos could make this better.

[@CedricAda]

Stark Parker I really wondered what kind of intro would suit these best, I may develop something!

[@starkparker16]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors you'll think of something good. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery? Maybe some Young Frankenstein? Anyone else?

[@oscarmedina1597]

Maybe a cut from Madonna’s Vogue video. You started doing the moves there at one point...

[@starkparker16]

Oscar Medina Beauty's where you find it. Not just where you bump and grind it.

[@cavedog1279]

Wow, with these higher end steels it was beginning to look like a toothier edge was superior almost all the time. Interesting result! Keep up the excellent work! VG10 next right?

[@frzh0626]

Why not do the Lc200n toughness test? If NASA once use Lc200n as ball bearing steel, then its toughness should be somehow equal to 52100!

[@jamesg.1032]

I appreciate the testing but, as you seem to be aware, there are so just so many variables. I think this test at least establishes that a polished edge on a certain steel, at a certain angle, with a certain heat treat, cutting a certain medium performs better. And your other f vs f video at least establishes that a toothy edge on certain steel, at a certain angle, with a certain heat treat, cutting a certain medium performs better. That is more than I've seen from Big Brown Bear who seems to, from the videos I watched, just make the assertion that a toothy edge out lasts a polished edge with the reasoning of "that's just the way it is." Thank you for raising the bar.

[@CedricAda]

Yep, lots of variables, I address most in the FAQ video linked in the description. Its a long watch but pretty much designed for the folks who think I havent thought of them, and are under the impression I think I’m some kind of scientist. (I don’t). But rather than just look at the mountain of things to try and learn, shrug and walk away, I like to think I am making small strides towards showing some stuff, for people to use when building their own picture of how things are? I guess the main thing is I’m happier being someone who does *something* and gets criticized, than someone who does *nothing* and just criticizes others. I’d give Big Brown Bear another go. Hes doing something too. Hes sourcing knives in hard to find steel and doing real testing, the best he can being simply an enthusiast trying to contribute to his interest circle/community.

[@jamesg.1032]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I hope you don't think I'm knocking your testing, or even his. There are just so many knife sharpeners/KZbinrs making assertions without having a lot to back it up. You do a great job on a really complicated subject, I'm sure that's why Nick Shabazz thought the KME would go to good use. I'm an edge pro guy personally but each system has advantages I think.

[@jamesg.1032]

I also like that you approach the subject humbly and with a sense of humor.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

I think BBB qualifies his findings conclusions more than this. Cruwear, for instance, he said performs well either way. One of the reasons it’s one of his favourites.

[@jamesg.1032]

Okay... Well I have heard BBB repeatedly say that a toothy edge lasts longer without qualifying it, providing evidence or giving a logical explanation but that isn't really my point. My point was that it's important to remember how many variables there are when doing such testing and approach it with a curious mind rather than arrogance and bravado. I only used BBB as an example because he is mentioned in the video. I think he does some valuable testing but also makes some claims without backing them up which unfortunately seems common among knife sharpening KZbinrs. Maybe I just haven't watched enough of his content though. Aren't you the guy who paid him $150 for a used endura? You must be a fan. I'm not sold yet but I'll give the cruwear video you suggested a chance. That's the great thing about KZbin today I guess there are a ton of options out there if a particular channel isn't to your liking. In my opinion it all improves the conversation. They are all making better videos than me so maybe I should just shut my mouth.

[@aaronark1909]

Come on how sharp does a knife have to be lol

[@maxx42069]

do you know how the KME trained to become the most powerful sharpening system in the universe? 100 Push-Ups 100 Sit-Ups 100 Squats 10 KM Run EVERY DAY

[@mgrsdgfsdafsdgrsdgfsdg6980]

can we get sleepless city Treno music next intro please?

[@CedricAda]

definitely

[@EDCwithAaron]

Nice! I cannot wait to get a SpydieChef one day... And side note, 0.1 micron is not the max of the kme's polishing abilities! There's a whole world of kme accessories out there! Thousands and thousands of them! It's a whole separate addiction. There are groups on Facebook for the KME, and other sharpening groups as well, and many many websites where you can order literally anything you can think of for the KME! I believe the current highest micron polishing available is like 0.0003 micron or something like that

[@bp-hx9ts]

He men’t that it’s the max that kme sells

[@oceanwaves83]

0.003 by ken Schwartz is the finest compound on the market i believe. 5 million grit.

[@mforrest1508]

Guessing toothy! Just cause it came fro:the factory super toothy. At least mine did. Edit fuck! I suck at this game 😂

[@Gee_Dub]

What did that poor cutting board do to you

[@poopshootpoop7531]

I love your videos for so many reasons, but the constant nod to j-rpg music is my favorite part

[@luger9857]

M390??