They can both be made equally "Sharp". But, sharp and "cuttin'" ability are two different things.
Sometimes equally sharp is effectively equal.
Sometimes equally sharp still will have varying results depending on edge profile and blade profile (edge grind/angle and primary grind/angle).

If two blades are equally sharp, but have different grinds, they can still be comparable for certain types of cutting tasks.
But, depending on how or what you are cutting, "Edge" profile and geometry can be a factor first, then followed by the primary blade grind being a second or third factor in cutting ability.

Are you edge cutting or slice (through) cutting?

The deeper into material you cut, the more a factor the edge profile and primary grind profile becomes. (... and blade thickness...)

Also, different types of material will be a factor in how well different edge and blade profiles, thicknesses, anlges, etc. perform.

If you are cutting paper, the thin and/or flimsy material such as paper, the material will easily roll out of the way of a blade. Then the sharpness of the edge is most important and edge and blade profiles and thicknesses are not as relevant.
But, if you are cutting thicker material that isn't as flimsy and doesn't roll out of the way - such as cardboard. Then the thickness of the blade, edge profile, and primary grind profile all start becoming more of a factor.

Notice a thin box cutter slips right through cardboard.

You can make cartain thick knives just as sharp at the edge as a box cutter blade, but a .25" thick blade doesn't "slip" through cardboard.

Depends a lot on what you are cutting....

The full height flat grinds with thinner stock can ultimately be made to be better "slicers" - through cutting. But, there are always compromises.

Personally, I don't see much value in having SR-77 over .25" thick - other than some "Cool" factor in the hand. SR-77 has proven to be plenty tough that it doesn't need to be so thick.

I don't have a DF. I have the DFLE because I wanted satin and as it turns out, I am very happy with the weight, feel and balance. However, as supported by Vic's testing, heavier knives like the DF and the FFBM are just capable of delivering more force into certain types of chopping tasks. So, fair consideration for a big chopper if you want a very heavy dedicated chopper that is pretty darn heavy for carry.

But, as much as I will probably never get rid of my DM, I don't see ANY value in a 5.25" blade of SR-77 being as thick as the DM is. I would recommend the DMLE as a user over the DM. But, the DM (once stripped especially <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) is just somehow pretty cool! - although not the best slicer in the world.
The factory edge on the DM can be thinned a LOT. And with a good edge profile, it can still cut pretty well .... But, the thinner DMLE will be better for most cutting tasks on a 5.25" blade.


There are a LOT of common cutting tasks that are not effected by the full blade and where the edge is the only factor in cutting. Like cutting string or similar thin cuts. In these types of tasks, edge sharpness is most important which can always be made equal with same steel and same heat treatment and followed by edge profile which even with thicker blade and different primary grinds can be reasonably close.


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