Advantages, Disadvantages, and Progression for Creating a Mirror Edge
A mirror edge doesn’t just look sharp—it cuts that way too. With the right grit progression and technique, Wicked Edge sharpeners make it possible to create a mirrored bevel that delivers outstanding performance for push cuts and fine slicing tasks. In this guide, we’ll walk through the advantages, limitations, and step-by-step instructions for producing a polished, functional edge—with or without micro-bevels.
What Is a Mirror Edge?
A mirror edge is a highly polished bevel created by progressing through increasingly fine abrasives. The result is a smooth, reflective surface that glides effortlessly through material.
Advantages of a Mirror Edge
Mirror edges reduce friction, making them ideal for push-cutting tasks such as:
- Shaving
- Making feather sticks
- Carving wood
- Chisel work
In these applications, the edge benefits from maximum refinement and minimal resistance.
Example: Post-Carving Mirror Prep
The first image above shows a Benchmade 484 after carving wood. The edge retains some scratch pattern for bite but is progressing toward a polish.
When Is a Mirror Edge a Disadvantage?
For certain materials, a fully polished edge can actually underperform. That’s because a mirror finish lacks the micro-serrations that help bite into slick or fibrous surfaces.
Less polished edges may perform better on:
- Cardboard
- Zip ties
- Packing tape
- Tomatoes
- Crusty bread
Mirror Edge + Micro-Bevel = Best of Both Worlds
Yes, you can have a stunning mirror edge and great real-world performance. The key is adding micro-bevels.
What Is a Micro-Bevel?
A micro-bevel is a small secondary edge applied at a slightly wider angle than the primary bevel. It adds micro-serrations for bite, without compromising the aesthetics or low-friction benefits of your main polish.
How to Apply a Micro-Bevel
- Sharpen your knife at the desired primary angle (e.g., 20° per side) and polish through your full grit progression.
- Increase your sharpening angle by 3–4° (e.g., to 23° per side).
- Make 3–5 light passes with a coarser abrasive, such as 1000 grit diamond stones.
This process creates a fine secondary bevel that’s barely visible but greatly improves utility.
Example: Final Mirror Finish
The second image shows a Zero Tolerance knife after full progression and polishing, with subtle micro-beveling. This finish performs well and looks exceptional.
Recommended Grit Progressions
To achieve a mirror finish with Wicked Edge systems, try one of the following grit sequences:
Basic Mirror Progression
- 400 / 600 Diamond Stones
- 800 / 1000 Diamond Stones
- 1.4 / 0.6 Micron Ceramic Stones
Intermediate Mirror Progression
- 400 / 600 Diamond Stones
- 800 / 1000 Diamond Stones
- 6 / 3 Micron Lapping Films
- 1.5 / 0.5 Micron Leather Strops with Diamond Emulsion
Advanced Mirror Progression
- All of the above, plus:
- 0.1 Micron Balsa Strops with CBN or Diamond
Each step refines the edge further, removing scratches and increasing reflectivity.
Troubleshooting Mirror Edges
If your edge isn’t quite mirror-perfect yet, here are a few things to check:
- Stone break-in: New Wicked Edge diamond stones take about 15–20 knives to break in fully. Expect more scratches early on.
- Harder steels: These may require more time at fine grits to eliminate deeper scratches.
- Finishing pressure: Use very light strokes during final passes to avoid reintroducing deep scratches.
Watch the Mirror Edge Process
Watch our video on how to create a mirror edge in under 10 minutes using a Wicked Edge sharpener.
Conclusion
A mirror edge can elevate both the look and performance of your knife—especially for slicing and push cuts. By pairing polished bevels with micro-bevels, you’ll get the best of both sharpness and durability.
Learn more about Wicked Edge sharpeners and accessories here.
