I’ve got a Gerber Model 400 I’m sharpening for a friend. He says it uses it primarily for skinning. It had an original bevel of about 20 degrees which I’ve matched, but I’m thinking that’s maybe too acute for skinning. In my experience, it’s easy to damage a hide with a too-sharp knife. A little searching on the 'net shows comments suggesting that 25 or even 30 dps is appropriate for skinning knives.
Should I maybe add a 25 dps micro-bevel?
Sounds like a good idea. Or make it into a multi-beveled (or even convex) edge.
I think a convex edge with a final angle of 25-30 dps is ideal. Too acute and you’ll be cutting all the way through the hide now and then. Of course technique can significantly mitigate any accidental cuts, but it takes practice and discipline to hold the knife correctly so as not to cut the hide with a razor sharp knife.
Thanks Clay:
That’s exactly what I was thinking. I think I’m gonna go with a 25 dps secondary bevel.
Tom