My 806-901 wasn't as sharp as I would like from the factory. The bevel was extremely thick (>20 deg/side) - which I felt really didn't due the M4 justice. Unfortunately, a sharpening guru I'm not - I've managed to badly sharpen a number of blades.

I finally bought a sharpmaker + the diamond stones, watched the video, and (most importantly) practiced on a number of "lesser" knives. My skills are noticeably improved so I decided to take the challenge of reprofiling my 806 M4 while trying to not to scratch/mar the blade.

Using the diamond stones, I started reprofiling at 15 deg/side. I was trying to be very careful of the coating so I took it pretty slow. I'm not sure how long it took - I spent 1/2 hour here and there over multiple days - probably easily over 500 strokes/side. M4 is seriously tough stuff - I did a 710D2 in about 20 minutes (granted it had less material to remove but still...). Moved on to the full sharpmaker run (coarse corner, coarse flat, fine corner, fine flat).

The end result is an 806 that's a fantastic slicing machine! I don't have a shot of the original blade but here's what it looks like now:

Nice job, TD.

I need to do that, but am not looking forward to it...........

Nice job. I was thinking of doing the same thing.

MCM & LJ, here's a thought....sell one 806, use the proceeds to buy an EdgePro, then easily reprofile all of your knives in about 30 minutes each.

-fj

quote:

Originally posted by fastjan:
MCM & LJ, here's a thought....sell one 806, use the proceeds to buy an EdgePro, then easily reprofile all of your knives in about 30 minutes each.

-fj

That's what I'm talkin' about.

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Jim:

quote:

Originally posted by fastjan:
MCM & LJ, here's a thought....sell one 806, use the proceeds to buy an EdgePro, then easily reprofile all of your knives in about 30 minutes each.

-fj

That's what I'm talkin' about.

exactly!!

quote:

Originally posted by Skimo:

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Jim:

quote:

Originally posted by fastjan:
MCM & LJ, here's a thought....sell one 806, use the proceeds to buy an EdgePro, then easily reprofile all of your knives in about 30 minutes each.

-fj

That's what I'm talkin' about.

exactly!!

Precisely

quote:

Originally posted by MCM:
I need to do that, but am not looking forward to it...........

MCM - just noticed your sig line. I'm with you 100%! OK - actually maybe only 99%. 806 CF S90V, no BK, and deliver it sharpened as well as my Manix S90V!

I have to agree, the factory edge on the 806M4 sucks!! Not sure why but after I went through the process I did below I can see why. I have to say sharpening this M4 is a chore. I re profiled the edge on my edgepro to 20 degrees with a course stone. I then went to the sharpmaker and started with triangle diamond very lightly (about 8 passes per side). Next moved to the course brown rods. Instead of 20 passes as is recommended I made 40 passes. Continued with the flat side of the brown with 40 passes. Moved to the fine and did the same 40 each way. I have the extra fine rods. Here's where you make the really fine edge. 40 passes each with the extra fine. Make sure the rods are clean because the M4 fills the rods quickly. Very light pressure was used with the extra fine rods. I now have a 806 that will shave the hair off your arm and I can't feel it cut. No pulling at all. I have to say this M4 is the hardest steel I have ever sharpened. I've been sharpening since I was a kid and this steel takes the cake. M2 is easy by comparison. Anyone that need some tip fell free to PM me anytime.

Stan