how sharp is your 511............

just got mine not so sharp..........not for SR-101........it could just be me...........i'll e-mail Renee in the morning...........a bit of a recure also.........

Mine's sharp. It may not be the sharpest Scrapper I've ever got, but it cuts paper alright. There's definately no recurve to mine, straight as an arrow.

Renee will get you fixed up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

there's no dought Renee will handle it......but my deregulater and regulater le are sharpe as can be.........

Hit 3 of mine with a 40 micron belt for two passes per side then slowly stropped em by hand, hair popping shaving sharp. Sold to some new Bussekin addicts for my cost.
Secret of SR101 or INFI, raise the smallest burr you can feel then slow strop em, they will shave.

Out of the carboard they would pushcut paper but just. Now I can slowly zig-zag paper or shave hair.

Mine is sharp enough for a factory edge and as far as a recurve, it looks like it to my eyes but it is straight as a ruler.

Mine is not terribly sharp. I have to work at it to cut paper.
Should I expect it to be sharper?

Fantastic opportunity to learn how to sharpen <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

All joking aside, if the recurve isn't too bad I would consider it a feature, if its something you can't live with, Renee will fix you up <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Pardon my lack of knowledge, can you define "recurve"? To me, with my limited knowledge, it means an "S" shape along the length of the edge/blade.
I am getting the impression that you mean something about the cross-section of the edge.

Hey Domino,check out the SY knife gallery.
The Yard Guard & Hook are both recurves.

You are correct sir, about the shape along the edge from hilt to tip.

OK! Not recurve, geometry looks pretty flat from hilt to where the tip starts to curve up to the point. I would just say that the knife isn't very sharp. I could try resharpening it or email Renee. Depends on how lucky I am finding info in how to sharpen a convex edge, or in this case, a slightly convex edge.

Dom, a lot of folks use the mouse pad and sandpaper method, but many more it seems are enamored of the "Charged" strop for maintaining that convex edge. The popular consensus is that the strop loaded with jewelers rouge will maintain your edge for quite a while. If you look I think there are some sharpening tips threads here on the site.

Please email me with any problems with the 511, we will be sure to make things right.

My 2 were sharp. They can cut paper easily and shave arm hairs.

Hey KS, hows your mudder collection?

It is complete. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I need to get them all out and take some pics I suppose.
It looks like I'll have some more to add soon with the 311 and 411 being mudders.

Only blade I wasn't satisfied with as far as the sharpness was the War Dog. I took car of that though by putting a conventional V grind on it. Every other one I've got new had a good edge.

I hear ya, I am sort of looking at the 411. I figure I don't need the 311 cause I've got the Muppy. I Like that knife. If I didn't have the S5 and War dog I would be getting a 511. NICE LOOKING KNIFE.

Well my relief should be here any minute so I guess I better get to go. Y'all have a nice day. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Domino Dan stated that the edge on the 511 is a V edge. He said that the 511's convex is very slight. So you could sharpen it up on traditional stones.

Well the good news I guess about not being in the first batch to go out is I am sure Dan is reading this and resolving any sharpening issues, my guess is the second batch should come out really sharp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'll be practicing my sharpening skills for sure. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Doesn't cut paper worth a darn.

I have found that even with my "V" ground busse's that didn't come as sharp as I would have liked, using the leather strop with black compound will usually bring the edge out to where it should be.

Thanks a lot, guys, for your comments. I will email Renee, and open a dialogue as to my expectations vs reality, sharpening, buying a few more <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. I'm a newbie, so, this will be good experience.

edit to add:
I did try some light stropping on an ez-lap fine, and a ceramic rod. Didn't really help much as I was probably being too cautious.

Very happy with mine. Besides the scrapivores this has been the sharpest SYKCO I have received from the factory.

I think that sharp may mean different things to different people. For me I use the shaving arm hair test. While not every Scrap Yard knife that I have purchased has passed this test, I am still happy with the product. I still am impressed with the Scrap Yard credo of best knife value for the money. I am prepared to massage the edges of the knives I purchase to the point that I am happy with them. After all once you use a knife a while you have to sharpen it anyway.

I am of the opinion that if Scrap Yard has to worry about each and every knife meeting the "sharpness expectations" of every conceivable consumer, that they would need to charge more for their knives.


For me I am willing to fine tune the edge to my own personal expectations for the benefit of a better price point.

....while you must be used to Becker/Ka Bar quality we here at SYKCO are used to much better quality...i owen a few SYKCO knives all are top of the line knives....but the 511 is'nt sharp...

I received a factory new Swamp Rat RMD that had an incorrectly ground "V". I tried for HOURS to get it sharp enough to cut paper, but no avail. Eric at the Swamp sent it back RAZOR sharp. I actually have a couple of "safe queens" that don't "look" sharp as they've never been used to cut anything. The angle of the final V grind seems to be too shallow on a few, but as these are EYE CANDY and not USERS I don't care.

Lifetime means lifetime...so if you ever have a problem they will take you. Period.

My 511's are sharper than some of the other Bussekin I've received factory direct. Honestly, I prefer to "tune" the edge anyway!

I meant to say "they will take care of you".

I always sharpen mine when I get them. But with that said I have received one from the yard that was dull as can be. I could press it into my skin and draw it across my palm without a scratch. Several members received dull blades as as well and it was all from the same person that did the sharpening. I ended up taking mine to a local sharpener to get a good edge on it and finished it up myself. I could shave my face with it if I didn't mind a trip to the ER for a missing nose or cheek.

I let Renee know that several of us had an issue with knives sharpened by a particular individual and hopefully he recieved some better training. Face it some people can't sharpen to save their lives and sometimes you have a bad day even when you are a blade sharpening Guru.

I will say they back their warranty and they will take care of you.

I was looking at that nice 511 when I realized why I like it. It's a lot like the Ratmandu. But they still have RMDs for sale. I LOVE Ratmandus. Y'all may have noticed I didn't sell mine. Maybe I'll get another one for the wife. And I can make it sharp if it doesn't already come that way.

Yep'....Vic can certainly sharpen a knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Vic, my favorite 5" blade is definitely the RMD. I think I have five of them.

I bought three during the pre-order period and they all came in with a sticker from the same sharpening person. I can't remember who now. Anyway, the grind was so shallow there was almost no blade "in the white" at the cutting edge. I chose the one that I wanted to use, and went to work trying to put an edge on it. It ended up going back to Eric. The other two probably need to go back, but they are just safe queens.

My remaining one or two RMD's were bought "new" on the secondary and came with a decent edge.

None of this matters though, as you're the belt sanding grand poobah <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

........ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />..........

I have never owned a Becker/Ka Bar knife.

I would be willing to bet that I "owen" more SYKCO knives than you do.

Just stating an opinion.

One of the reasons that Scrap Yard Knives are such a great value is that you can send them back if you are not happy.

Peace!

Mine is a weird sharp where you can run your finger over it and it feels very smooth but doesn't cut the skin but it shaves hair no problem. I'll touch it up to make it more "grabby", but that's just how I like it.

I've slowly been working the edge with a Falkniven 4 inch "diamond" sharpener.
Definitely getting better. A long process, as I am being very careful. I would not have attempted this if it was a convex edge.

I am looking into better sharpening options, and strops / compounds, and will do some more in depth searches in the forum. My search fu is horrible, but getting better. (I bought my first computer around 2008)

There is just something very nice about this knife. Feels good in the hand.
Pretty sure I'll get another one if some other things I"m working are successful. Will definitely get (2) 911s, and most likely 2 ea. of any more "11" series blades. This one just came out while I am trying to do some other near very expensive term projects with my funds.

I own over 30 Scrap Yard & Swamp Rat knives, and haven't been overly impressed with how sharp some have been from the factory. Again, I just touch them up. However, its a valid concern for the "new to Bussekin" crowd.

To clarify:

I can understand why someone who is new to Bussekin would ask about sharpness. I wasn't "new" to Bussekin when my RMD's arrived so dull they wouldn't cut flesh....I sent one back and it was returned razor sharp.

Remember: all Busse knives are made in the same factory (to the best of my understanding) and sharpened by the same group. If memory serves, Jerry was on Bladeforums a while back apologizing for the sharpness issue.

Its a known concern for some.

Since its a knife, and gets dull from use anyway, I just touch them up and move on....or put another way....I expect them to require "fine tuning".

I just counted...

0 Busse Combat
21 Scrap Yard
14 Swamp Rat
____________________
35 Bussekin

This seems to come up with every release. I think peoples standards vary on sharpness and the yard is very willing to make it right. I would gather if sharpness is a major concern a note with the order will help ensure things are right without asking Dan to devote time and money on a minor issue for many people. My SY knives have all been reasonably sharp, I sent a RMD and Swamp Wardens back and Eric took care of things for me.

There are a lot of manufacturing details that could be pushed to a higher standard, but the price will go up accordingly. That's why the Busse Custom Shop exists and the yard can offer the best prices.

I'm all for best prices for performance, however if you receive a blade with a inspected sticker, it should cut paper, that little effort would save money in the long run for shipping.

.....welcome...the Yard has no custom shop.......

Mine came with a functional edge, but it won't shave.

The sharpness doesn't really bother me too much, as many have said it doesn't take long to get one sharp even by hand.
A bigger issue to me is those grind lines, some have mentioned the value for money thing but I just don't buy that....I can get plenty of tough knives just as cheap such as Becker, Ka-Bar, Ranger Knives and Cold steel and all have a decent suface finish.

thanks...?
By that I mean, SY is a lower level of fit and finish at a lower price compared to Busse Custom. I know there is no SY custom shop, but they will fix up a dull edge.

I agree that the knives should come with a good edge and they almost all do, I just don't want to pay more to bump 99% to 99.9% passable edges.

Exactly the same with mine, very sharp... Very happy... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi zulu

How long did you wait for yours to get to SA? Just curious, I have never really ordered something from the States.

Hi folks!

I am a new one here and my first SY is 511. I am a hunter, knife user and collector form a long time. LIve and hunt in Europe. Sorry for my bad English!
I have a lot of knifes from Benchmade, Kershaw, Buck, BRKT and several customs from Bob Dozier, Eddie White, Jukka Hankala, Pekka Tuominen and others.
My favorite type of steels are tool steels - D2, A2, 52 100.
First my knife from 52 100 was from BRKT, second one - from Pekka Tuominen.
So I love a lot 52 100 and because of this I buy SR - RodentSolution and SYKCO 511.
Well my 511 come to me sharp enough - cut paper easy and shave arm hair - not so easy.

I am happy with knife - 511 have perfect size of the blade for my needs, just handle is little small for my big hands - not a big deal indeed . My 511 is not clear convex but I use sand paper (400, 600, 1500) and make it nice convex, but not thin.
I have several questions for sharpening:
I can sharpen my knives from 52 100 (BRKT and PT) scary sharp using Spyderco fine bench stone and then strop it on leather full with diamond paste.
When I start to sharpen sr 101 I see that if I over strop it, knife becom dull. Not like 52 100 from BRKT where more strop with diamond paste = more sharp. May be sr 101 need more rough sharpening - not polished edge?
I use search engine in forum but not found what exactly you folks use for sharpening - what grits of sand paper and/or stones, what you use for strop and so! Please show some video how sharp you made your 511!