02-05-2019, 02:32 PM
The thing that makes the biggest difference to me regarding belt selection is the price and size of the blade I'm sharpening. Few things turn my stomach like realizing I overground a blade. It can happen in two seconds on a Kally with an 80 grit belt. A new 80 grit belt will also leave deep scratches Above the edge bevel, which looks horrible.
A worn 80 grit still makes quick work of a broken tip or whatever, but I'd rather use a new 120 grit. I go through 220 grit belts far more than 80 and 120 put together. 120 grit burrs are really big and difficult to remove. I can do it cleanly on a stone, but it's frustrating on a belt. Especially when I'm trying to preserve as much blade as possible.
Inexpensive kitchen knives are a different story altogether...
A worn 80 grit still makes quick work of a broken tip or whatever, but I'd rather use a new 120 grit. I go through 220 grit belts far more than 80 and 120 put together. 120 grit burrs are really big and difficult to remove. I can do it cleanly on a stone, but it's frustrating on a belt. Especially when I'm trying to preserve as much blade as possible.
Inexpensive kitchen knives are a different story altogether...