Rob Lee
Hi David -

Been following *most* of the thread on unicorning (great name)….and have a question/observation.

Double-bevelling (back, front, rounding etc) creates a completely different set of forces on a cutting edge - and I have not seen (or missed) any discussion about that. The intersection of the back and bevel of a chisel blade (sharpened normally) creates a wedge where there are unbalances forces at the cutting edge that are not in line with the axis of application (this would be so much easier to draw....).

My view is that much of the durability is coming from a more balanced set of forces acting both sides of the edge - which is conceptually more compressive forces …..and far less shear. Material just tends to stay put - and not bend or fracture.

Your views?

FYI - my sharpening regimen has always been to back bevel through stropping (AKA ruler trick) using our green compound on pine (I don't like most leather). 800x, 4000x-6000x, then compound....

Cheers -

Rob