How to Sharpen Scandi Grinds on a Wicked Edge Sharpener
A Scandi grind, also known as a Scandinavian grind, is a popular blade style known for its durability and ease of control, especially in bushcraft and woodworking tasks. These blades have a single, wide bevel that runs from the flat of the blade directly to the edge, without a secondary bevel. Sharpening them on a Wicked Edge precision sharpener is absolutely possible—with just a few adjustments to your normal sharpening routine.
Understanding the Scandi Grind
Unlike most blades that feature a narrow secondary bevel, a Scandi grind has a full, flat bevel extending from the midline to the cutting edge. This wide bevel can be tricky to match—especially around the curved belly of the blade—because it demands more contact surface with your sharpening stones.
Tips for Sharpening Scandi Grinds on a Wicked Edge
1. Find the Sweet Spot
Before sharpening, it's essential to position the blade correctly in the Vise. We recommend using our guide for finding the sweet spot, which helps you determine where to clamp your blade so that the angle remains consistent across its entire length.
2. Tilt the Blade as Needed
Due to the width of the bevel, you may find that tilting the blade slightly in the clamp helps match the bevel more accurately. This small adjustment allows the sharpening stones to stay in proper contact, especially through the curve of the belly.
3. Re-Grind If Necessary
In rare cases, part of the bevel might not align well with the Wicked Edge sharpener’s guide rods and stone path. If this happens, a minor re-grind of the blade may be needed. Don’t worry—this is usually minimal and doesn’t require extensive metal removal.
4. Consider Adding a Micro-Bevel
If you're looking to reduce the time and effort required to maintain a Scandi grind, consider applying a micro-bevel. Simply set your angle 1° wider than the primary bevel and apply a light micro-bevel to the edge. This lets you:
- Fine-tune edge sharpness and durability
- Sharpen more quickly and easily in future sessions
- Preserve the full-bevel Scandi look while improving performance
Final Thoughts
With the right technique, the Wicked Edge guided angle sharpening system handles Scandi grinds with precision and control. Whether you stick to the traditional full-bevel or add a micro-bevel for convenience, you’ll get a razor-sharp edge every time.
Learn more about our Wicked Edge precision sharpeners here.
