Guys I was wondering if any of you knew what angle the SOD is sharpened to? What angle do most of you sharpen your SOD's to? Thanks.

I don't know what the angle is. I always repofile mine any way. Just approximate the existing angle and sharpen away. If the rod or stone is not making contact with the final edge, then go to a higher angle until it does. It's a fairly big angle, like 20 degrees or more.

HD what degree of angle do you prefer? Do you use different angles depending on the intended knife use?

I never measure angles. I just look at the blade and go with what seems right to my eyes.

Probably takes experience and skill...

Anyone can do it. Just look closely at an edge. Then take a straight object and lay it against the ground edge so that it makes maximum contact. Look at the angle formed with the flat of the blade. There is your angle, if you want to duplicate the factory V grind. I go steeper than that because my angle is going to bend when the belt flexes to make the edge convex.

It feels like I am at like 30 degrees a side. At least it will not grab if I slide my knife along a surface like wood until....30 or so degrees. I got a feeling Vic's is a much more productive angle when he gets done.

Don't worry about it to much. SR-77 is great steel and can take smaller angle then what comes from factory.

I am not surprised. Those obtuse grinds will cut and chop concrete blocks. They are hard to chip or roll. I suspect mine are more like 20 degrees or less in some cases. Mine hold up on hard maple in all four Busse steels. I have rolled an edge or two on some Barkies that had really thin edges, but I just redid them a little thicker and no problem. Going to a narrower angle with hand sharpening is the same way I do it with belt sanders. Start with an aggressive grit to get some steel off. Once you get the new angles to meet you'll get a wire edge that appears all along one side. You can knock the wire edge off by drawing the edge through wood (ever notice my porch railing in the pics?). Then go to finer and finer grits to get a sharper edge. If you still have a slight burr or wire edge, strop it off on leather or very lightly with a ceramic rod.

thanks guys

Hand sharpening these good steels takes time without good hard stones.

On that note, if am looking to add a diamond hone to my standard lansky sharpening system should I go with a diamond hone in coarse, medium, or fine. I am only to buy one at a time for now. Should I start with the diamond or finish with one?