dmt has stones the size of credit cards in three grits

Dang, that was some serious information.

That Altoids can field sharpener is exactly what I have been using to reprofile my RS to a convex edge! I originally started with wood, but then realized that I didn't need the length, and wanted something I could take into the field if necessary. Cool stuff!

Here's a picture of an edge with multiple bevels. In this case, the main bevel is 24 degrees and the secondary "relief bevel" is 18 degrees.

(borrowed from Last Visible Canary on BF)
The reason for the relief bevel is to aide in touching up the blade, should it get dull. This blade is a 1/8th" custom shop Boss Jack.

As for pros and cons, a convex edge has more metal behind it, therefore making it more durable than a standard V edge or a hollow ground edge.

Cons, at least in my experience, is it is harder for me to reshapen should the edge take a real beating compared to a V-edge with a set angle. I'm sure others who are better at sharpening than I would disagree.

Good thread. I have a few knives with convex edges and have never used them
for the simple fact that I wanted to be able to sharpen them when needed.
Basically bought within the past two years. Something about that edge just seems so right.

I saw a video of a Japanese Katana Sharpener. My apologies for not knowing the proper name for such skilled individuals. My understanding is that this is all these gentlemen do; receive Katanas from the bladesmith, and sharpen them.
He had a huge waterstone, and he held the blade wrapped in cloth under his hands, rocking the blade as he worked back and forth. Quite the epitome of muscle memory.

My buddy is a black belt in Traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and quite skilled with the Katana. His blade was made this way, three individuals each responsible for a stage of manufacture. The convex edge on his Katana is remarkable for something done in such a fashion. He also payed enough for that sword as a new car! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> It also took about a year to make. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/2weeks.gif" alt="" />