Blade Sharpening Angles

Not many people take blade sharpening angles seriously. In fact, a lot of experienced sharpeners don’t even care to memorize them, as these guys can sense when they are sharpening a blade at the correct angle because it feels right. Recently, RigCast acquired a knife sharpening system that is completely dependent on setting an exact degree measurement as a sharpening angle, so a need arose to learn what the inclusive angles of our blades were so that we could sharpen them with greater precision. This guide is the result.

Although there will never be a one-chart-fits all reference for blade sharpening angles, knife and blade companies typically produce a majority of their knives with a specific inclusive blade angle. This means that if Buck Knives manufacturers most of their knives with a 26-32 degree inclusive angle, then we can use that as a reference point for a 13-16 degree sharpening (non-inclusive) angle.

This data was compiled from information received directly from the manufacturers, and represent factory edge angles on most of their blades. It is still recommended to mark your bevel with a Sharpie during sharpening to determine angle accuracy. Note: These are general guideline angles and do not necessarily represent the angle of every blade the manufacturer makes.

Brand Specific Recommendations

Blade Manufacturer	Sharpening Angle (Non-inclusive)	Inclusive Angle	Notes
Benchmade	15 – 17°	30 – 34°	Hand sharpened, varies.
Buck	13 – 16°	26 – 32°
Cold Steel	23 – 25°	46 – 50°
Columbia River K&T	17 – 22°	34 – 42°
ESEE	20°	40°	Hand sharpened, varies.
Ka-Bar	20°	40°	Hand sharpened, varies.
Kershaw	20 – 22°	40 – 44°
Leatherman	16°	32°
SOG	23 – 25°	46 – 50°
Spyderco	20°	40°	Hand sharpened, varies.

Generic Sharpening Recommendations

Blade Type	Sharpening Angle (Non-inclusive)
Cleaver, Machete	25 – 30°
Hunting, Survival, Pocket, Sport	22 – 25°
Kitchen, Carving, Boning, Chef	18 – 22°
Filet, Paring, Razors	12 – 18°