Free Hand Sharpening NITRO-V/CNC KNIFE PRICING DISCUSSION

This video is based on my opinions and experiences only. This is not intended to reduce sales or profit from the maker discussed. Please purchase at your own discretion. I wish all makers in the community the best- even if we are currently not on amicable terms. We are supposed to come together, not divide.

[@NeevesKnives]

Convexed edges done on a belt in many cases are not very sharp, it’s so easy toover buff them, and if your standards of sharp are done on stones a belt sharpened convex is very disappointing, and at a high angle like this one seemed is just not made for sharpness, so what I’m confused by is why ? Why do an edge built for toughness like a high angle convexed edge on a knife that’s clearly for edc not for chopping. As I say sometimes make it make sense. So a knife can perform for it’s intended use

[@ericasedc]

@@NeevesKnives exactly! I genuinely don’t get what the idea was behind this one. Granted I can’t ask anyway since he blocked me🤣 But this knife does not need a convex edge. I would have loved seeing this at 62-63 hrc with a normal edge bevel. That would have been a little ripper!

[@NedKnives]

Alex Steingraber is the man. I have one of his Gen 1 Sharks and it still performs amazingly. Best heat treat and geometry I have on a blade💯

[@ericasedc]

I need one!!!

[@Staccato_nando]

Alex is my guy!!! I’m not huge into knives anymore but, Alex has been a real dude from day 1. He has not changed and continues to put his heart in his passion for knives and small businesses!!

[@ericasedc]

He makes amazing stuff and the Shark is gonna be NUTTY especially for $125!

[@user-cp7jw2en1v]

I think that you need to try to make a knife yourself do you realize how hard the super steals are on equipment? They eat up belts even in soft state mind you Ian not defending overpriced knives but I will say the worst thing that has ever happened to the industry is crucible steel I am starting my forge I will use 80crv2 exclusively will be shooting for 58 to60 on hardness you will be Abel to take any of my knives to a small stone and have it popping hair in 15 minutes tops it will come with the frog lube knife kit which comes with a small bottle of lube and a rag this is lubricant that prevents rust and is food grade and this is the most important part any blue collar man or women will be Abe to afford my knives and those are the very people that this industry has told we don’t care if you buy a knife from us we don’t really need youl

[@chrisreuther4546]

Great conversation! I think that there are not too many people or companies that actually tout their heat treat and will put it out there.

[@ericasedc]

True!

[@Stans_Cutlery_Universe]

Great job on the sharpening. Best of luck going for your dreams. Sometimes you have to burn the boats and just keep moving forward with no looking back. God bless you and your family.

[@ericasedc]

I agree! Thanks so much for the continuous blessings. I send them your way as well❤

[@hillbillyridgeoutdoors]

Crazy that the dude is treating you that way! Great video. Keep up the great work. Good luck finding a job in the industry!

[@ericasedc]

@@hillbillyridgeoutdoors thank you so much. I appreciate it!!!

[@davidkurle5418]

I have absolutely no doubt that you're gonna end up in the knife industry👍Chase that dream!! Have a great night, E!

[@ericasedc]

Enjoy your night D!!! Cheers!!!

[@markenglen6744]

Note to Knives by Nuge: Do Not mess with Erica. Real bad idea all around, nothing to be gained. Hey Erica, you could add a Big Boi Wicket Scandi to you collection for only $415.00...

[@ericasedc]

@@markenglen6744 see now that is the one that actually makes me sad to see. Like HOW THE HECK is that thing over $400?!?!!

[@RandysWSG]

Excellent video!!

[@ericasedc]

Why thank you!!!❤

[@snowtiger44]

I am the OG in watching and commenting your videos 😊 , i am gonna pray for you that you find a way into the industry . I am carrying my elementum with ti scales in a leather poUch you are very brave Erica follow your heart lots of support from, your dutch friend

[@ericasedc]

@@snowtiger44 I love you man!

[@mangobadger]

Mini Osborne! Disappears in the pocket but gets the job done when needed. Good luck on the job search, and I hope you do manage to make a living off your passion. ✌🏻

[@ericasedc]

That’s such a good knife! And thanks so much!!!❤

[@mikefox7947]

Great video chase your dreams we can all see your passion for knives jus keep staying positive and opportunity will come to you 🤙

[@ericasedc]

@@mikefox7947 I really appreciate that!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@timtitus2532]

You made me cringe when you pulled the edge across the stone. I know you don't like Chinese made knives, but I have the Civivi Stormridge in NITRO-V. Haven't had to sharpen it yet, only had very light use. Could use a little more handle length and girth, but... I hope you can do the thing that makes you happy and fulfilled, as a career. I did 20 years 6 months and 14 days in the Navy. Mostly miserable. But I got a half decent retirement out of it. Good luck. Thanks for this video.

[@ericasedc]

Wow all of that is awesome! Other than the misery my friend 😂❤ Cheers brother

[@chaseprimus]

Rocking a Leatherman skelatool cx. Totally relate to the job thing. Jobs suck! 😂

[@ericasedc]

@@chaseprimus So I LOVE working. Love it. Just not when I get treated like dirt. 🤣

[@Patriot0578]

Hey Erica, I also commented on this knife under your last video. Of course it's annoying that you lost this money, but not the experience. See this knife as a reminder for future knife purchases, it will pay off later. Grettings Stefan 😎.

[@ericasedc]

I’ll view it that way now! Cheers, and thanks for the advice! 🎉

[@MesonoxianMethuselah]

You left your job! Goodness, that must be scary. I'm rooting for your success and I hope that you can turn your passion for knives into a career.

[@ericasedc]

I had to man. 2 years of that was enough for me.

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Excellent video Ms E. Hope you enjoy your day tomorrow. Take care.🇺🇲🔪🌲🔥

[@ericasedc]

@@jasonaffeldt7838 you too J! Take care my brother!

[@darrellbroomhall7020]

Erica I hope that you find success and peace of mind going forward in your knife and life journey.

[@ericasedc]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you!

[@dombond6515]

Knifemakers are the worst. I supported a knifemaker everyone loves thru patreon other products for years beofre they got good at making. He said he would do this and that for early supporters for day 1s but nope. Stopped following thru on all promises. Started saying we don't know what we are talking about. Books closed but people I know that are big on social media kept getting pieces. After that I was done. Go see Mr. Calton the best knifemaker ever greatest person ever really cares loves his community and is just what we deserve!

[@ericasedc]

I already have Calton’s knives and trust me- I know they’re amazing❤

[@chiefsmakahoe0444]

Whose the knife maker your talking about

[@dombond6515]

@chiefsmakahoe0444 I don't wanna say right now. But he's a well respected maker and since has apologized. I did confront him thru email he explained and I don't wish him any harm. We love these guys

[@kathleensmith370]

So it’s sharp. I hope it now holds an edge

[@ericasedc]

@@kathleensmith370 I hope as well. We will see!!!

[@tonyboombotz]

some makers unfortunately take advantage of what people will pay. knives have gotten so expensive its almost expected to have a steep price. if you look around there are custom makers (handmade) that make knives for even less than some production knives. there usually $500. and up but it's a person, their hands, their mind. JMHO. love your channel

[@ericasedc]

Thanks so much for stopping by!!❤

[@floydmorrison2025]

Oh man so you got Jeff Davidson Gecko-ed with that KnivesByNuge Wicket purchase hahaha!! You KNOW that I feel your pain!! That totally sucks, but you have to admit that it's kind of hilarious that some of these custom knife makers can't take even a tiny bit of constructive criticism about their knive's failures, immediately turn into immature big baby man children, and block you on all social media!!! Like, WTF?!? You can't even TALK about it??? What are you, 12 years old??? They should be doing the healthy, productive thing and opening up a dialogue which would probably improve your damn knives in the long runl!!! Jeez, talk about a run-on sentence lol!!! TLDR: knife makers should be held accountable for shoddy ass work!!! No one likes being Gecko-ed for $300!!!! LOL!!! It's always so relaxing watching you sharpen, Slater!!! You make it look so easy omg!!! Your inclusive, positive, productive outlook on life gets the win today because it's beautiful!!!🙌 Thanks for another great video, Erica!!!! 🧡❤🔥

[@ericasedc]

Hey Jesse!!! Yeah- it sucks. I hope he can overcome all this and learn to take constructive criticism!

[@jeffjackson5331]

Cool! That sucks he did that to you. You have a wonderful week. God Bless Oh and i am a new subscriber.

[@ericasedc]

Thank you! Welcome aboard! ❤ So glad you’re here😊

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@ericasedc you are very welcome. Thanks. I hear Randy over at GEORGIA ADVENTURER and other channels mentioning you for awhile so i came over to check out your channel. You have a wonderful day today.

[@ericasedc]

@@jeffjackson5331 awh I love that!!! Thanks so much. I love Randy!

[@jeffjackson5331]

@@ericasedc you are very welcome. Yeah he is a good guy for sure.

[@pooltile10]

Hey Erica, is it possible for you to do a knife sharpening service in the meantime. You be you as i know you will. Keep up the good work.

[@ericasedc]

I’m not good enough for that. I am thinking leather work though maybe…

[@pooltile10]

@@ericasedc Seems to be a growing trend

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

To defend Mr Nudge I believe he grinds the bevels by hand. Water jet blanks are a huge time saver when you have the demand I see no issue there

[@ericasedc]

@@TheScrawnyLumberjack No I know. I was saying the blanks are cut by I believe NJSB because he showed that. And his scales are CNC machined. I am aware of what he does and does not do- I watched as many of his reels as I could/his video on his website.

[@mannynieves493]

Good video and good content. Do you can send me the link for Alex page.

[@ericasedc]

@@mannynieves493 spkultd.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaztt-rFPKo6z87fIunktsQ3rdUgJehyGU8oVVd9BQhktjDHc3HAQSd8g0_aem_ZxaKPj8JdcQRs5ZZ8kVy5A

[@kvernesdotten]

Idk if you have any experience with CNC machines, I happen to have several 3D printers, a CNC mill and a CNC router that I built myself as well as a laser cutter/engraver, and while I am certainly not a "knife maker", I have made knives and handles from scratch. Traditional knife making and machining are for sure two completely different skillsets, I can say from experience that the latter is not any less work or skillful, its just different. From machines needing service and calibration every few work hours, custom tooling needs to be made , every job has alot of setup, you need to stock up on expensive wear parts and end mills before starting a big job... and all that is before you even get to the hours and hours that goes into 3D modelling in CAD then more hours perfecting tool paths in CAM. I dont know if this is what you meant, but I keep hearing people talk about CNC / machining like its Chat GPT where you just ask a machine to do everything for you. Its really not, its expensive, time consuming and requires alot of know-how to do right. I would be pissed too if someone sold me a knife as "hand made" and it turns out its CNC'ed, mostly because thats just false. It doesnt mean lesser quality, and it doesnt mean cheap though. If you are making 10 knives, CNC makes no sense from a time nor money perspective at all, you dont really see the benefit until you mass produce it. Which most people cant do because you need alot of VERY expensive machines to crank out any significant numbers. Anyway I just think computer assisted crafting have gotten a really bad rap for a while now, probably due to alot of people with an expensive machine and 0 clue what they are doing. But hey, doesnt that go for alot of knife makers who hand craft too?

[@ericasedc]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and watching! I really appreciate it

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

Also send me the knife and I’ll reheat treat it and get it all fixed up for you.

[@ericasedc]

@@TheScrawnyLumberjack BAHAHAHA I probably would get sued

[@samsonedges]

Any idea when the sharks will drop?? Theyre slick looking for sure!!

[@ericasedc]

@@samsonedges no clue! I’d look at his post on IG. I have no affiliation with Alex. I just admire his work and his mission/contribution!

[@samsonedges]

@@ericasedc agreed! Figured I'd ask because you always got your ear to the ground when it comes to everything knaf lol imma have to snag one of those for sure though. Been looking for a small edc fixie.

[@ericasedc]

@@samsonedges There are TONS of options!!! I have a TON!

[@samsonedges]

@@ericasedc any recommendations on a small to mid size laser? I'm looking for a really nice n thin bte slicing machine.

[@ericasedc]

@@samsonedges did you watch my “favorite small edc knives” video!?

[@shoresharp8349]

Erica when you bought that knife did the maker say it was 60 61? Apex alcemy is doing free rockwell testing just send him the knife. He has been doing daily videos of teating different knives. That way you know what the actual rockwell is?

[@ericasedc]

@@shoresharp8349 yes it’s per his website.

[@DonnieDailey]

Good morning, Erica. Question from someone inexperienced in knife steels: Will this knife be good to go once you sharpen it, or will you forever have issues with that knife? I'm currently deciding about my first edc fixed blade. My steel choices are Nitro V or 80CR20. Do you have any videos that reference 80CR20? Thanks.

[@ericasedc]

@@DonnieDailey It is a little soft, so the edge retention isn’t going to blow your mind. Nitro V at 62 HRC or higher is great though!!! I don’t know what 80CR20 is. I have a number of videos on 80CRV2 though!!!! I would just check my play list out honestly. I have a TON of videos on this topic- I have a number of playlists!

[@DonnieDailey]

@@ericasedc It was 80CRV2. I got confused. So many different ones. Thanks. I'll check your playlists.

[@ericasedc]

@@DonnieDailey let me know if you have any other questions!

[@gregwilson3395]

I wish i could do the right hand, left hand sharping thing. I have tried many times and just can't do it.

[@ericasedc]

@@gregwilson3395 PLEASE keep practicing!!! You CAN!

[@alpha3NH]

I've often wondered why a good folding pocketknife with many parts and a need for precision in assembly might cost $200-$250 and a fixed blade of the same overall length might cost the same. A fixed blade is one piece of steel with far less precision put into the process. It seems like fixed blades should be significantly cheaper than folding knives.

[@ericasedc]

@@alpha3NH there’s a lot to it. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@christianlishen1280]

Wait wait wait. I thought steels like AEB-L perform better with a finer edge. I believe, All the cut tests I’ve seen by Cedric and Ada (and others but I forget their names) suggest that the only steels that really benefit from toothy edges are super high carbide knives like M4 and above. At least in their testing with Cecil rope. I could be wrong though. I know the finer edges can feel dull as they aren’t as “bitey” as toothy edges but they will still cut paper and shave hair. Not saying that’s what happened here just in general.

[@ericasedc]

@@christianlishen1280 geometry totally comes into play here as well. So it’s subjective essentially. Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@christianlishen1280]

@@ericasedc I mean I know that. Thinner main grinds with a smaller bevel degree will generally cut for longer. But most of if not all the tests I’ve seen were using controlled angle systems so they could isolate mainly on the grit finish of the edge. Also they really only measured edge retention but I’d think a more polished edge would also be more durable as there are less possible micro-stress points as well. Again I could be completely wrong though.

[@ericasedc]

@@christianlishen1280 I’m excited to hear your thoughts on today’s video. It’s a BLAST!

[@strikeIII]

Did the maker say he heat treated it at 61hrc or did you get it tested.

[@ericasedc]

He markets 60-61 per his website.

[@TheScrawnyLumberjack]

I hear survive is hiring 😅

[@ericasedc]

@@TheScrawnyLumberjack BAHAHAHA

[@ShawnCantwellKnives]

I was always under the impression that anything above 58 HRC would start to make the knife brittle and prone to breakage.

[@ericasedc]

@@ShawnCantwellKnives .. omg NO🤣

[@ericasedc]

@@ShawnCantwellKnives I really hope this is a joke

[@ShawnCantwellKnives]

@@ericasedc No it's not a joke. I always thought that under 60 was a safe route to take. That anything higher than maybe 58 or 60 yes would have the cutting edge. But would compromise strength when pressure was applied to it. Or it was dropped. Now I never HRC tested anything. But I used to drop my knives onto a concrete surface tip first to see if there was any damage to the tip. I don't advocate this due to safety issues. I also don't do this test anymore. But I'd drop the knife. The tip wouldn't break then also knock a small chip of concrete out of the surface the knife was dropped on. Then I'd consider the knife to be the right balance of cutting hardness and durability. Most of the knives I made were 01 tool steel. A high carbon tool steel. A writer by the name of Wayne Goddard wrote about the drop test. If I recall it was in his book The Wonder of Knife Making. He may of also wrote about it in 50 Dollar Knife Shop. Now I did the same test on my first folder. The folder that I made was ATS 34. The tip actually bent into a J shape. Which I actually bent back straight against a hard surface. It was ductile. I gave it a conventional heat treat. But no cryo treatment. That might have been the reason why it didn't set up. But I did carry that knife and it seemed to actually have cut relatively satisfactory. Which I thought was odd. Due to the ductility of the blade.

[@ericasedc]

@@ShawnCantwellKnives oh wow… well, my friend- you have a LOT to learn then!!!! There’s a whole world of knives out here for you to try!

[@ShawnCantwellKnives]

@@ericasedc I haven’t bought a knife in years. Primarily because I can make them and I can’t bring myself to pay someone else to make one for me.

[@paullmight42]

Boy, you really know how to hurt some feelings hahahahah

[@ericasedc]

@@paullmight42 I guess so.

[@secret2678]

Why is the stone dry?? Just curious?

[@ericasedc]

Works better for me!

[@marccohen5579]

Robots have to eat, too.

[@ericasedc]

@@marccohen5579 haha!

[@marccohen5579]

@@ericasedc Just trying to lighten your day.

[@ericasedc]

@@marccohen5579 I love it!!!

[@hdrvman]

How thick is that paper stock ???

[@ericasedc]

… I don’t know. It’s just paper - potty charts and schedules- from my old job

[@hdrvman]

@@ericasedc Thin news paper is the best test.

[@ericasedc]

@@hdrvman I don’t have that

[@billvan5219]

Maybe you were blocked by mistake...? My best friend did it to me once and then complained because I hadn't called 😖

[@ericasedc]

@@billvan5219 it was not a mistake trust me.

[@billvan5219]

@@ericasedc oh well, just hoping

[@BeSeeP]

61-63 is acceptable for Nitro-V, 60 is not. At that price, they shouldn't have used a Ken Onion sharpener. After you test it, you should sell it if it passes. Your sharpening is something people will pay for.

[@ericasedc]

I would feel too bad taking money for it

[@BeSeeP]

@@ericasedc I appreciate your integrity and understand why you don’t want to compromise it.

[@ericasedc]

@@BeSeeP yeah it’s just not fair to anyone

[@dombond6515]

Just stop messing around and start making knives. Or take our used knives start selling them. Make a commission. Like Rob. Ltk etc. But I want you to become a maker

[@ericasedc]

I live in a storage area above a garage where I could get kicked out at any moment… knife making is currently not in the cards 😂

[@dombond6515]

¹ @ericasedc cmon Erica is something or someone gonna be able to stop you????!!! Idk I don't think so. U need a small garage or small storage unit. Even a steel cargo container could work. We'll support you. Look at the community supporting pos makers all the time. U have a bunch of people watching routing and wanting more Erica pieces!!!! NOWS THE TIME!

[@ericasedc]

@@dombond6515 … I don’t think you get it haha I don’t have anywhere to do that. I am living in a storage area. I don’t have any space to make knives. Or money to even get the equipment! Trust me. That is my DREAM. I promise you that. But right now there is ZERO feasible way for me to make knives.

[@richardvirchow3390]

Please identify the product and its manufacturer so that we don’t waste our money on inferior product and manufacturing. And please, please, please increase the speed of your sharpening.

[@ericasedc]

Please watch the video with the volume on, as I did say it. And please stop saying that on every video. I will go the speed I am going. If you want to watch faster videos, please watch other knife sharpeners- as I will not be rushing on camera due to one person telling me to go faster for their satisfaction.

[@Staccato_nando]

Bruh she gave you all that info if you paid attention. Her knife sharpening is A1 let her cook

[@ericasedc]

@@Staccato_nandolegit like this guy is never ending. I’m not gonna rush and do a completely terrible job.

[@JoshsEDC]

This guy is a weirdo. I've been able to sharpen over a dozen times simply by watching all of her videos. She's the best. Please just be you Erica

[@ericasedc]

@@JoshsEDC he says this on every knife sharpening video. Like I said this was a discussion WHILE I sharpened. Not a tutorial. So I was taking my time. You’re the man Josh.

[@alexaveevelasquez6099]

That's so sad Erica that makers just trying to make money you're so for real keep it up 👍

[@ericasedc]

I gotchyu man!

[@Knife_guy]

I hope you eventually meet your goal of being in the knife world full time. You’ve already got a great start with your channel and the great collaborations you have done with some makers as well as myself. Keep the ideas coming and I’m sure any of us will work with you any way we can. 🫶🤜🤛

[@ericasedc]

@@Knife_guy thank you brother. I love you!!!