This is a common question we get asked a lot! Luckily, we have a few key points to help you figure out when you’ve hit your stopping point for sharpening and when you may want to add a few more steps.
Working Edge:
What’s a working edge? When someone says they want a tough, working edge on their knife, they’re usually talking about their every day carry that needs to be ready for any task they might encounter, whether it’s cutting rope, cardboard, or zip-ties.
A working edge is usually finished with mid-level stone, either the 600, 800, or 1000 grit Diamond Stones. These stones leave micro-serrations on the edge, allowing this edge to bite in and cut through tough material. This finish is a favorite for us here at Wicked Edge when we’re working in the warehouse and have to cut through plastic, boxes, and tape.
Polished Edge:
A polished edge is pretty. It’s the knife you’ll see on Instagram that catches the light and makes you stop scrolling. It's the finish you'll want to put on your show piece. This more refined edge means that it may struggle with biting into tougher materials, but it’s an excellent finish for push cutting (think carving, shaving, chisels, etc.).
For the fastest polish:
If the highest grit you have is 1000 Grit Diamond Stone > 9-Micron Lapping Film > 6-Micron Lapping Film > 4-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop > 2-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop
If the highest grit you have is 1500 Grit Diamond Stone > 6-Micron Diamond Lapping Films > 4-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop > 2-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop
If the highest grit you have is 2200 Grit Diamond Stone > 6-Micron Diamond Lapping Films > 4-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop > 2-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop
If the highest grit you have is 3000 Grit Diamond Stone > 3-Micron Diamond Lapping Films > 1-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop > 0.5-Micron Emulsion on Leather Strop
