That's what really happens in a practical approach.
What we are really discussing is what is the best type if cutting edge.
I used to like the 600 grit rougher almost serrated edge that was described earlier, however when I learned taxidermy I noticed the scalpels cut differently so I investigated and found a finer edge was better.
When I started screwing with a better edge I made them too thin and the edge rolled over like a log bur, then I went the other way and made them too steep. Over time I fiquired it out. Now when the knife hits hair it almost jumps away from the knife, which is really on the edge of too damn sharp.
At the end of the day what I have found is that a extremely flat fine edge with no duration or cuts much longer and requires less touch up, just as the one gent. Said- after you have a good edge the strop is all you need. Example - last year I dressed and boned 5 deer and only strop'do my blade once - it's a crazy sharp SOB.
Steely - microchips are not the same as chips on a blade, ha can't see them, but you can feel them shen you cut paper and the blade stalls and pulls.
Last edited by Spotshooter; 10/26/14.
