That is a good method, Thoth. I sharpen my Khukri's the same way, but use the mousepad method. Like you said, it's good for big choppers.
Would it be quicker, and perhaps more precise, to use a sharpening system like a Gatco to file a shallower fixed angle at first, to remove the shoulder, and then go to leather/sandpaper to finish the convex? Or are you counting on the compliance of the leather for the entire process to get the correct curvature? Was just wondering about my ability to accurately free-hand for the entire procedure.
I assume that you could use that system, but I dont think that it would be faster, since each stage with the sandpaper wont take more than 5 minutes, plus as you pointed out I count on the compliance of the leather for the entire process to get the correct curvature.
In my experience leather (3 or 4 mm thick) has the right amount of resistence to give a optimal curvature, without having to be very carefull with the pressure applied in the process. You could achieve the same result using a mousepad, but because it is softer one must take care not to apply much pressure, or the result will be a deeper convex and you can easily round the tip of the edge.
If you never tryed it before and dont want to risk the new knife, train on a old knife even a kitchen knife will do. If you start with 600 or 800 sandpaper the process will be slow enough so that you can observe and correct any mistake.
This process seems to be more complicated when reading it, than it really is in practice.
Watch the video that I embeded earlier in this thread and you will have a very good understanding of the procedure, the guy even uses a small microscope to show macros of the edge. 
Thoth, thanks. I'll have a go at it with one of my larger, less coveted blades. One trick I use with my conventional file sharpening system is to paint the edge with a black marker to help establish the correct file angle. This might also be useful as a visual aid for gauging the progress of a convex edge.
Yes you can certainly do that.
I find the sharpening one of the most interesting aspects of owning knives, it's a very rewarding feeling when one master the different techniques.
I'm struggling to open the Pdf diagram of the axis lock patent to compare it to the SRM one, do you need to subscribe ?
Just got mine. Wow. Fit and finish are as good as any SRM/LAND/Bee knife I've gotten recently. Great value.
I don't have a clue about sharpening. Any chance of an article about how to do it?
I'd be very interested in reading it..
I see this same(?) knife listed on the sanrenmu.com site as the "EL-01 Commando"
Are Enlan/Sanrenmu the same company, or is one sourcing theirs from the other?
Enlan is a separate company from Sanrenmu/Land.
All the "Athletic" models displayed on the Sanrenmu website are Enlan models.
According to the guy that runs Exduct (I've forgotten his name), "sanrenmu.com/en" is not an official Sanrenmu website.
Wow. I assumed it was their real site. Ah well, that makes my life simpler. Now I only have to look for one knife*, and not be worried that there are two similar knives :P Thanks, smelly
*for now
According to the eBay seller sanrenmu.knife (who has the eBay store Knife.Made.in.China) Sanrenmu's official (Chinese) home page is http://www.srmknives.com, but unfortunately that site cannot be opened at the time of this posting. Enlan's official home page is http://enlanknives.com ;)
This sounds like an excellent topic for jekostas's knife primer thread.
I can try to write something about the topic, but it will take some time especially because it is not easy to convey in words techniques that consist primarily in hand movements.
It would be much easier if I could link to some already nicely made videos on youtube.
Newbie Here: WHY IS CONVEXING A GOOD THINK?
Regards,
Bob
I think it’s primarily for two reasons and those are simplicity and economy. It’s easy since you don’t have to worry about matching a bevel angle and it’s inexpensive since you can get a “scary sharp” blade just using sandpaper.
Regarding the thread topic…this really is an outstanding knife.
I didn’t like the look of this knife (before I got it) initially I think because of the flat spot on the spine of the blade.
Once it came out in rosewood I liked the looks and now that I have it I can really appreciate the attention to detail in the design.
The flat spot serves as a thumb rest, there is jimping just behind that, there is jimping on the liner lock for the forefinger, more jimping toward the back of the liner for the last two fingers and yet more jimping on top near the back where it contacts the heel of the palm.
No thumb stubs to snag a pocket or to make sharpening more difficult since it uses a flipper which in itself also serves as a finger guard both while in use and upon closing.
My blade is perfectly centered and hair cutting sharp.
This has to be the best of the budget knives.
GC,
I’ve got several Enlans on order from Lazy Lizard [JoBen] including the 01. Can’t wait for them to arrive. I’ve got to study the “convexing” video so I can use that technique. All the users / reviewers have high regard for the Enlan/Bee knives so I’m really stoked to begin using them.
I just ordered one of these from Exduct. I realise it won’t be UK edc legal, but it just struck me that it may be illegal fullstop. Is there any likelihood of UK Customs confiscating this?
I certainly don’t plan to carry it, just want it on my boat to cut rope in an emergency. What are the chances of it actually arriving?