Johanna Report post Posted August 7, 2009 Posted with permission from Bob Beard: Ceramic or Steel blades ? Ceramic blades are very hard and brittle. They can hold an edge for a long time without allot of service. These blades are certainly useful for someone who may lack the skills or equipment to sharpen blades properly. Their performance can be improved by stropping. Common red, green or white rouge is too soft to cut a ceramic blade. They are a waste of time. The best agent to use is some sort diamond paste or spray to polish the edge of a ceramic blade. Because it is so hard, it is also brittle. If dropped or stressed in any manner they will chip or break. To repair any damage to a ceramic blade you are in need of diamond sharpening abrasives which can be rather costly. I have found it difficult to work with ceramics because it continues to chip easily during resharpening process, even with diamonds, when you are trying to achieve that final delicate edge. Ruby Blades are even more difficult to resharpen. A steel blade is a "renewable" blade. If it is dropped or chipped, it can be reground and polished with more common abrasives. Honing stones of many varieties are available to properly work on steel type blades. Fine sandpapers can also be used to reshape a damaged blade. The type of steel used the in the blade or if it has been hardened and tempered will determine the best abrasives and polishing compounds to use in maintaining your cutting edge. Not all steel blades are created equal. The type of steel used, if and how well a blade has been heat treated is an important factor in a blades quality and service life. There is a big difference between a less expensive steel blade compared to the custom made blades available in todays market. You tend to get what you pay for in blade seletion... A swivel knife blade is a most important and primary tool in leather carving. It is cutting every line you wish to carve ! For my money, I would select a good quality Hardened, tempered steel blade over a ceramic blade any day. Robert Beard http://robertbeardtools.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted August 8, 2009 Amen Brutha!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
