Apex Edge Pro & 760 LFTI
As the subject says I have a bench made 760 LFTI and an Apex Edge Pro sharpening system. My 760 LFTI is the nicest (value/design) wise - as such it is also the most expensive benchmade I own. I've 4 benchmade knives, this is the only CPM4 knife of the 4. For one reason or another I can't get it to hold an edge. I can get it sharp enough to slice paper like a razor would and cut anything else very nicely (smooth, not a lot of heavy handed pressure)but not for very long. I use it daily on anything from boxes to twine etc. I probably cut with It 5-25 times a day but nothing real heavy. I did have plans of using it to widdle but that's when it went dull the first time, fast. I have a knife strop I use as well with green hornet compound. I feel like I'm pretty proficient in sharpening and taking care of my knives but this thing is more of a paper weight with the use I get between sharpens/stropping it.
I sent it into the life sharp service on And hey confirmed it was received December third. They told me it won't be shipped until the 21st - which given the weekend and holiday - I don't expect it until 26th-27th-ish. I tried asking what the proper sharpening angle on it was and they told me "17-20 degrees." I have been using an 18degree angle on it so that shouldn't be it. But still I dont use 3 different angles (17-20) I would imagine the blade would not hold an edge with a 3 angle job! (This isn't a 3 angle valve job!).
Does anyone have experience with sharpening this knife, what they use, angle, etc. I was looking at getting a little warn-mini but this whole experience has really put me off and am considering looking at Spyder co.
Any help is appreciated. If it reads like a tangent it's because I have only ever had a bench made (since I graduated from the boyscouts knife work shop and got my official patch saying i would not poke my eye out with it). I am honestly pretty disappointed. The Swiss army from Boy Scouts never gave me this much trouble!
I sent it into the life sharp service on And hey confirmed it was received December third. They told me it won't be shipped until the 21st - which given the weekend and holiday - I don't expect it until 26th-27th-ish. I tried asking what the proper sharpening angle on it was and they told me "17-20 degrees." I have been using an 18degree angle on it so that shouldn't be it. But still I dont use 3 different angles (17-20) I would imagine the blade would not hold an edge with a 3 angle job! (This isn't a 3 angle valve job!).
Does anyone have experience with sharpening this knife, what they use, angle, etc. I was looking at getting a little warn-mini but this whole experience has really put me off and am considering looking at Spyder co.
Any help is appreciated. If it reads like a tangent it's because I have only ever had a bench made (since I graduated from the boyscouts knife work shop and got my official patch saying i would not poke my eye out with it). I am honestly pretty disappointed. The Swiss army from Boy Scouts never gave me this much trouble!
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When Benchmade sharpens knives it is by hand, so that's probably why he told you the angle will be "17 to 20 degrees". He didn't mean for you to give it multiple edges.
The 760 is kind of an exception to the rule as far as blade shapes go. As you've seen, it is way fat and reminds me of an axe head. I have one, but I had it re-ground to a thin clip point, removing the tanto grind. My recommendation would be to first, see how you like it after lifesharp returns it. I hope you explained to them the problem. If so, they might even give it a steeper edge.
Second, if you don't like it after that, you could consider having it reground. After a re-grind it is one of the finest knives I own.
I hope it just comes back with a killer edge for you. They can do some amazing work there. If you still don't like it, it's probably just the fat blade shape screwing things up for you.0 -
JJR, welcome to the forum. I have a Wicked Edge. I haven't used the Edge Pro so a can't say much about it.
You say you are stropping, by hand? When I first started stropping by hand (and even still some today) it is easy to roll the edge (if the knife is in fact sharp)by having just a little too steep an angle. When hand stropping I try to feel the edge and then lower the angle just a touch to avoid rolling it. The other trick I use when trying to "feel" a new knife on the strop is to intentionally use a shallower angle then start increasing it slowing. When the edge hits the strop I can feel the change, then stop/back off a little.
You may just need a proper edge. Can't tell if you have that start with. CPM M4 is the best. When sharpened properly it hold an edge a long time. Especially if you are only doing medium to light cutting a few times a day.0 -
I have considered a regrind of the edge but not removing the tanto shape. I love the thickness of the blade, it's part of the reason I got this knife. It feels very sturdy in my hand with the extra weight.
As far as stroping the blade goes I use the soft side of the leather and use an angle with light pressure that makes fell as if you were trying to lightly shave the top of it with a downward motion. Not laying it flat, but not a very heavy angle either. Once I do it 3 or 4 times per side I flip over the strop and do the same thing on the harder "slicker" leather. It's pig leather as well I might mention. The pig leather, from what I understand, does not have sweat glands which avoids any accumulation of chafings ending up in the leather which could ultimately ruin the effect of the compound0 -
In a shaving motion?! Noooo!!! 
Secondly, at 18 degrees you should still have a great edge, even with a thicker knife.
If they can't sharpen it, I can, though I can't vouch for the heat treatment of the blade from the factory.
Cutting paper is just the bottom of sharp, the tip of sharp is cleanly shaving your face, someone might come along and vouch for me, or not, but if you ask around in open chit chat I'm sure you'll get some replies.
And welcome to the forums!0 -
Heres one with the regrind job ............ 0 -
Oh god no, not like a straight edge. That would definitely round the edge. At least the way I was taught to use it on a straight edge (kind of a figure 8 motion).
Edit: okay I see what I said about the shaving motion. I think I provide a better description here.
And by cutting paper I'm talking about holding a sheet up so its basically limp (don't go there) on the side I'm not holding and letting the edge and whatever slight weight it naturally puts on it and having it just slice smoothly down. When it can do this it has always been fine enough to shave.
While I'm at it I may as well ask if anyone uses a hone on these and what your Luck is with a hone. I've never had the ability to make a hone work for a knife.0 -
So... To clarify things a bit for me, do you stroke towards the spine and not the edge? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by JJR:
As far as stroping the blade goes I use the soft side of the leather and use an angle with light pressure that makes fell as if you were trying to lightly shave the top of it with a downward motion.
This sounds to me like you are stopping in the same manner you use the stones. This is a no-no when stropping. Stropping, even on the Edge Pro, should be spine-to-edge... ONLY spine-to-edge.0 -
If its on the edge pro its away from the edge with the spine against the table. With my strop the edge would be closest to me pushing it away. If that doesn't clarify I'll take a picture 0 -
Okay, that makes sense, sounded like you were leading your edge on the strop lol. 0 -
Have you looked into the high grit tapes and glass blank from edge pro instead of stropoing freehand? 0 -
I have the yellow and green polishing tapes but not glass blanks. I understand the smooth/flatness but had read others say it wasn't necessary for your EDU stuff. I can get a pretty good polish with them just on the standard blanks.
I did just get the knife back from Benchmade. Gonna find out he long it will last. Had to use it today to run through two door widths of that "great stuff" foam someone used to seal the top of two doors behind some molding. For it being sharp from "the factory" it didn't cut as easily on one side along the top of the foam as my new smaller folder did along the bottom.
[IMG:left] [/IMG]0 -
I'm willing to bet the Bone Collector cuts better and stays sharp longer, look and the blade differences and you'll know why.
Either regrind the blade or reprofile the edge.0 -
Right on, Archer. "Blade geometry" should trump "sharpening" with those two extremes.quote:Originally posted by archer:
I'm willing to bet the Bone Collector cuts better and stays sharp longer, look and the blade differences and you'll know why.
Either regrind the blade or reprofile the edge.0 -
To JJR, I can't help you on the sharpening of the 760, but since you said that you are planning to buy a mini-WARN, I would like to add a word or two.
I can understand the difficulty you encountered with the 760, which to a very great extent originates from the thickness of the blade itself. On the other hand the mini-WARN has a much thinner blade and the knife is sharp from the factory. I haven't sharpened my mini-WARN yet but I think it should not give too many problems. Blade geometry plays an important part in the ease of sharpening, don't let the experience you have had with 760 deter you from buying other Benchmades.0 -
Too bad about the 760; I'm sure the original this was loosely based on had none of these problems. I owned one but had no need for a prybar, already owning one...although not in 'Super Steel'. I found the blade shape pleasing, but the geometry another story.
I traded it for a 740 and never looked back. I like what Tom Krein did to correct that issue, just never got around to having the 'mod' done to it, I prefer my knives to be as they were shipped in the box.0 -
proud owner of a 760
Why would JJR's experience deter him from buying Benchmades and whats to bad about the 760? What issue. You mean preferences with blade geometry. That would be a personal issue and not one the knife has.
I personally would recommend anyone who is on the fence to get one. You may have to tweak it a bit but its not the knife but BKC assembly. I handled 2 with off centered blades and its all in the adjustment. Honestly the best bang for the $ knife made in the USA at street price. Assuming the HT is optimal.
Worse than using a knife as a pry bar. Suggesting it has a problem when it doesn't. Especially on forums where people take others opinions as fact. Then repeat them.0 -
quote:Originally posted by sharpener1969:
Worse than using a knife as a pry bar. Suggesting it has a problem when it doesn't. Especially on forums where people take others opinions as fact. Then repeat them.
With only 125 posts, you don't know me very well yet. What I said above is my opinion and I'll stick with it, thanks. And it's only an opinion, but based on a ton of experience here.
Did I say the knife was a prybar? That was meant in humor...but it Is my direction that says the blade on the 760 could have been thinner by design; and would have made for a better slicer as a result.
I WOULD suggest the knife was designed by one of my heroes, Bob Lum, and while loosely based on one of his designs, you will note in the following set of photos the original looks very much like the ones sent to Tom Krein for thinning:
Lastly; and then off my soapbox, Benchmade does a great job at making their knives just right. That does not mean to say they're all perfect and not everyone will like every one.
I just have my reservations about this one (the 760) and that's all it is. Now there's my $.02 once again.
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Joe , I could careless about post counts. Reminds me of people saying they have lived somewhere longer. Usually kids. Cause then we grow up.
I not long ago read a post of yours on the 760.
Let me quote you
"I've had my 760 for a couple of weeks and it came out of box dead centered and perfect lockup. After waiting for months to get mine I'm really pleased with it. The detent keeps the blade in place and having adjusted the pivot to my liking am satisfied with the opening tension.
While others have sent their 760's to Tom Krein for regrinding, which looks cool, I'm going to keep it as is.
A few strokes with the white Sharpmaker stones and it cut hair, paper, and finally tomatoes as I expected it to. Owning a 710-801 I've really come to like M4 steel.
I hope to keep this knife for years of regular use, it's a good one and worth being patient for.
Sorry to read you guys are having problems, but if they really bug you, the knife's fully covered under warranty - and for a production company BM's customer service is tops and fast."
Now your entitled to change your mind. Just makes your 2 cents more like zero sense. To me.
Now Joe , I may not post a lot but I do pay attention. I'm also fond of humble pie. Not serving it but eating eat. Keeps me in check.0 -
Very nice reply.
Thanks for getting so hopped up on something I said. I'm not sure what the real problem you're having is about. Christmas brings out the best and worst of our thoughts and emotions.
Yes I owned a 760 and grew to dislike it and would not own another. My post count is meaningless because I started from the first post with the knowledge that I value my opinion on things and will be wrong more often than not, but heck, that's the way I like it not being perfect in an imperfect world.
Now enough of this; that's enough, I have no real interest in who you are or what you think.
Sorry this post drifted, this is to the OP here.0 -
quote:Originally posted by joe_karp:
Very nice reply.
Thanks for getting so hopped up on something I said. I'm not sure what the real problem you're having is about. Christmas brings out the best and worst of our thoughts and emotions.
Yes I owned a 760 and grew to dislike it and would not own another. My post count is meaningless because I started from the first post with the knowledge that I value my opinion on things and will be wrong more often than not, but heck, that's the way I like it not being perfect in an imperfect world.
Now enough of this; that's enough, I have no real interest in who you are or what you think.
Sorry this post drifted, this is to the OP here.
Joe,
Sadly you are very right this time of year can bring out the worst in people, you are one of the people on the Forum that I value there opinion the most as it comes from a great deal of experience and many years of collecting Benchmades.
I often seek your council myself and I have never found you to be wrong to date...
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Joe's good people, and I count it an honor to call him friend.
I like Lum knives... 760 being a design that I'm not fond of... save the re-grinds.
Also not much of a liner lock or frame lock fan... though that CF Sage is a hell of a blade.0 -
Hello JJR,
Welcome to the forum dude.
I own both your mentioned items.
I Love my Apex sharpener and the 760.
I admit that i do not carry my LFTi all the time. partially because it has been laser marked. And, partially because i Love carrying this Lum
....more often these days. It's A little more Sheeple friendly, and less bulky.
Here's my LFTi Before marking
After
I enjoy the Tanto shape very much. and would not have it reground. Though I Like the Look Very Much. It's part of what Makes it a Lum.
I have sharpened the LFTi. First tanto I ever sharpened. With the thicker Blade, I like how someone referred to it as an Ax. It's a bit to thick for my liking to be considered an Excellent Slicer. Even with a very thin angle the bulk of the blade just makes it less effective. (Compared to say the 746 mini ONSLAUGHT)
Add, that it has the BK coating. (Which is not broke in at the moment..) adds friction. Especially when breaking down cardboard.
None of which is really anything you mentioned.
SO, I had to sharpen the knife a couple times to get it to truly hold an edge. Making sure to Flip the knife after a couple strokes on each side, on each section of the blade, to keep the geometry even on both sides. Once the angle was where i wanted it. I Sharpened until I got a burr on one side. Flipped it over and did the same.
Then I raised the angle of the APEX just a touch and gave a few light passes on both sides on all Four sections of the Blade. (A tip from the Dale in the Edge Pro Tip Video) It has stayed very sharp with very little sharpening since. but, it also has seen very light usage. Mainly the cardboard boxes I mentioned , some twine, an old shirt or two into rags. A few passes down the ceramic rod that came with the APEX and it is shaving sharp again.
Speaking of Sharp. I can Testify that it will be Scary Sharp when it comes Back from LIFESHARP. They do an amazing Job. It'll be like a new Knife when it gets home.
The LFTi is a knife i grab when i want to make sure I have a Knife with enough, HUMPH! in it to handle Any TUFF cutting TASKS that comes my way.
I like my LFTi A Lot. But it's a knife that I don't Need That much HUMP! all that often. Proud to have in the EDC rotation..? You Bet! Carry from time to time with Pride.? You Know IT! I believe it's an Amazing Knife. It may not be everyones cup-ah tea.
But, then Again, I'm a Drink Coffee Black Kinda Guy Anyway.
Hope you have a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year JJR.
Peace
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Blueram234, I like your level-minded reply. It's apparent that you like the knife, but at the same time you are forthright with its limitations. You also share what you did in sharpening the knife. That's what the forum is for, sharing our views and experiences, learning from one another.
Back to the object of this thread, I would be interested to know the results of OP's testing after receiving back his knife.0 -
quote:Originally posted by sharpener1969:
Now Joe , I may not post a lot but I do pay attention. I'm also fond of humble pie. Not serving it but eating eat. Keeps me in check.
Then you need to eat some more. Joe is good people, and he's been around a heck of a lot longer than you, positively contributing to this forum.
JJR, I am not surprised that your Bone Collector cut better. The edge geometry is much better for slicing since it is much thinner behind the bevel. Putting a polished edge on it will help some as it will make the bevel smoother. You can then put a slightly steeper angle on your EP and go back with the 600 or 1000grit stone to put a toothier edge on the microbevel.
The other option is to put a shallower primary bevel on it to help thin the blade behind the secondary, cutting bevel (10-12º each side, with a secondary bevel of 15-20º), polishing the primary bevel with the polishing tapes. Short of a regrind to thin the blade, that might be your best bet to get better slicing performance from it.0 -
I apologize Joe , I'm not suffering from any Christmas issues. LOL I'm just a bit surprised by your turn around. I actually knew I wanted the 760 before ever reading your positive post on the 760. Granted I only read it a week ago. When I had read it you seemed to have been the level headed voice on that thread. To have seen this thread going in the same direction got my goat.
Blue , appreciate your love for Lum and your positive presence. I always have.
Merry Christmas to you all!0 -
quote:I'm just a bit surprised by your turn around.
Iam not ...... my likes and dislikes change all the time.
When the knife came out I wanted it just because it was m-4.
Then when I got it , I thought what a clunker of a blade , to thick for my purposes. So someone turned me onto Tom Krien and I had it reground (hollow ground) Now I think its an awsum piece , amoung other awsum pieces I think I have
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quote:Originally posted by sharpener1969:
I apologize Joe , I'm not suffering from any Christmas issues. LOL I'm just a bit surprised by your turn around. I actually knew I wanted the 760 before ever reading your positive post on the 760. Granted I only read it a week ago. When I had read it you seemed to have been the level headed voice on that thread. To have seen this thread going in the same direction got my goat.
Apology accepted. If anything my nose is a little longer, but it matches so many just like you and me. We learn as we go and thank God for opinions.
And appreciation offered to my other friends for their support, never forgotten or taken for granted.
Cheers!0 -
Well I am here late and I am not going to bash the 760 or anything like that, but I wanted one real bad and when I got it I also did not like it and resold it. It was the first knife I ever had in M4 and that was one of the reasons I really wanted it. I also think the blade geometry is not the greatest and almost made me not want anymore M4. Luckily I found some better blades in the stuff.
Benchmade is my favorite knife company by a huge way. However, they make a bunch of knives I don't like. Obviously if everyone had the same tastes and likes there would only be reason to make one single model. That isn't the case and Benchmade is great about having a ton of variety.0 -
Good post, different. 0
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