The paper slice is a good test for most general purpose knives. However, depending on the blade and edge geometry that isn't always the best indicator. You can have an edge that will scare the hair off your arm but won't slice paper smoothly. For safety reasons I don't suggest the thumbnail or finger tests (not that shaving hair off your arm is terribly safe, but anyway), but a good eye is the best check. You can use a jewler's loupe if you want to get super close.
That reminds me, I need to work on my pocketknives. I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker, which is a semi-freehand system. Good product, but the stones are fine ceramic, so not really too helpful when the edge is dull. Much better for keeping an edge sharp. I may need to employ professional help since I no longer have a grinder at work...
---------- Post added at 06:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisJericho
Sort of interesting, I have two main pocket knife EDC's, a SOG Aegis and a Spyderco tenacious.
Sort of like Kirstang said, the SOG I have just doesn't really sharpen that well anymore while the Tenacious has no problem getting scary sharp again after sharpening.
I do use the Spyderco sharpmaker, but I doubt that makes a difference. The sharpmaker works really well on all my other knives (like the kitchen knives I have) but the SOG just seems like it's toast.
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The AUS 8 in the SOG is tough to get sharp by hand. It is on the softer side, so one bad pass on the Sharpmaker can undo all your progress. Easier to handle on a grinder IMO, where you can do 99% of your work in one pass.