When you’re looking for a knife, one of the most important factors to consider is the grind. A grind is the shape of the blade and how it was sharpened. In this article, we’ll look at two different types of grinds — the Scandi grind and the micro bevel — and what sets them apart. 

What is Scandi Grind 

A Scandi grind, also known as a Scandinavian grind or a zero grind, is a type of grind with a flat primary bevel that extends all the way to the blade’s edge. This means that the blade has a straight, flat grind that goes from the blade’s spine down to the cutting edge without any additional secondary bevels or angles.

Benefits of Scandi Grind

One of the main characteristics of a Scandi grind is its simplicity. The flat primary bevel makes it easy to maintain and sharpen with simple tools like a sharpening stone. The lack of additional angles and curves on the blade makes it easy to maintain a consistent angle when sharpening, making the process more straightforward for beginners. This makes Scandi grind very easy to sharpen and maintain in the field, as there’s only one angle you need to worry about. 

Another characteristic of a Scandi grind is its sharpness. Because the blade is ground down to a very thin edge, it can be extremely sharp, which makes it ideal for certain types of cutting tasks. Scandi grinds are commonly used for knives meant for wood carving, woodworking, and general outdoor use, as they are well-suited for slicing and cutting through fibrous materials like wood and rope.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Scandi Grind?

There are also some potential drawbacks to Scandi grinds. Because the edge is ground down to such a thin bevel, it can be more prone to chipping or rolling if used on harder materials. 

Additionally, the lack of a secondary bevel means that the blade may not be as durable or long-lasting as some other grinds. And since there’s only one bevel, you won’t get as sharp an edge as you would with other grinding methods. 

 

 

Overall, the characteristics of a Scandi grind make it an excellent choice for certain types of knives and cutting tasks, particularly those that involve wood and other fibrous materials. Its flat primary bevel and easy maintenance make it a good choice for beginners or those who want a simple, straightforward sharpening process. 

However, it may not be the best choice for all situations, and other types of grinds may be more appropriate depending on the knife’s intended use. 

What Are the Best Uses of Scandi Grind?

Knives with Scandi grind are particularly well-suited for certain types of cutting tasks, especially those that involve wood and other fibrous materials. Here are some examples of knives that are often made with a Scandi grind:

  • Wood carving knives: Scandi grinds truly shine in wood carving knives, as they provide a thin, sharp edge that can easily slice through wood fibers. The flat primary bevel makes it easy to maintain a consistent angle when carving.
  • Bushcraft knives are designed for outdoor use and often have Scandi grinds to make them better at cutting and slicing through wood, rope, and other materials found in the wilderness. For example, a Scandi grind on Adventurer CSHF Camping Knife makes it easy to work with wood of any hardness and at different temperatures. 
  • Utility knives: Scandi grinds can also be found on utility knives, as they provide a sharp and durable edge that can be used for DIY tasks.

While Scandi grinds are well-suited for certain types of knives and cutting tasks, there may be better choices for some situations. Knives designed for more heavy-duty or versatile use may benefit from a different type of grind that provides more durability and edge retention. Ultimately, the best type of grind will depend on the intended use of the knife and the user’s preferences.

Now, let’s take a look at another popular grind. What makes it so versatile?

What is Micro Bevel?

A micro bevel grind is a type of grind that features a small, secondary bevel along the edge of the blade. This secondary bevel is typically only a few degrees wider than the primary bevel, and it’s located at the very edge of the blade. This means that the blade’s edge comprises two angles, the primary angle and the second angle or “micro” bevel.

Benefits of Micro Bevel

One of the main characteristics of a micro bevel grind is its increased durability and edge retention. The small secondary bevel provides additional strength and support to the blade’s cutting edge, making it more resistant to chipping, rolling, or dulling. This can be particularly beneficial for knives used for heavy-duty cutting tasks or made from harder, more brittle materials.

Another characteristic of a micro bevel grind is its versatility. Because the secondary bevel can be added to various types of primary grinds, it can be used on a wide range of knives and cutting tools, including chef’s knives, hunting knives, and even axes and hatchets. 

For example, in Savage CHS hunting knife, the micro bevel blade grind makes it resistant to chipping and dulling. Hunters who want toughness in their knives should consider adding a micro bevel blade grind that provides superior performance while ensuring top-notch durability.

Additionally, the micro bevel can be adjusted to different angles depending on the knife’s intended use, allowing for more customization and control over the cutting edge. 

What the Cutting Edge Angle on Scandi and Micro Bevel Grinds?

The cutting angle in micro bevel and scandi knives can vary depending on the specific knife and its intended use. 

In general, a Scandi grind has a single bevel that runs all the way to the edge, creating a steep angle that can range from 12 to 30 degrees. This makes the knife very sharp and suitable for tasks that require precision and control, such as carving and woodworking.

On the other hand, a micro bevel is a secondary bevel that is added to the primary bevel of a knife to increase its durability and edge retention. The angle of the micro bevel is usually slightly steeper than the primary bevel, and can range from 12 to 30 degrees. This creates a more durable edge that is better suited for tasks that involve harder materials, such as chopping and slicing through bone or other tough materials.

What Are the Drawbacks of Micro Bevel? 

Micro Bevel grinds can also have some downsides. Because the edge has two angles, the sharpening process can be more complex and time-consuming than a single-bevel grind like the Scandi grind. 

Additionally, the increased durability and edge retention may come at the expense of some sharpness or slicing ability.

Overall, the characteristics of a micro bevel grind make it an excellent choice for knives that need to be durable and long-lasting, particularly those used for heavy-duty cutting tasks. 

Its small secondary bevel provides additional strength and support to the blade’s cutting edge, making it more resistant to damage and wear. Still, it may not be the best choice for all knives and cutting tasks, and the sharpening process may require more time and effort.

What Knives Perform Best with a Micro Bevel Grind?

Here are some examples of knives that are often made with a micro bevel grind:

  • Chef’s knives: Micro Bevel grinds are perfectly suited for chef’s knives, as they provide increased durability and edge retention that can be particularly beneficial for chopping and tasks when fine slicing is required.
  • Hunting knives may also benefit from a micro bevel grind, as they need to be able to withstand heavy use when processing game.
  • Axes and hatchets: The increased durability and strength of a micro bevel grind can also be beneficial for axes and hatchets, which are often used for chopping wood and other tough materials.
  • Straight razors: Micro Bevel grinds can also be used on straight razors, as they can provide a more durable and long-lasting edge that requires less frequent sharpening.

It’s worth noting that while micro bevel grinds can be beneficial for certain types of knives and cutting tasks, they may not be necessary or desirable for all situations. Some users may prefer a single-bevel grind like the Scandi grind for specific tasks.

So How Do Scandi and Micro Bevel Grinds Compare?

Scandi grinds and micro bevel grinds are two popular types of blade grinds that have their own unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some key similarities and differences between the two grind types.

Similarities:

  • Scandi and micro bevel grinds feature a primary bevel that runs from the blade’s spine to the edge.
  • Both grinds can be sharpened using traditional sharpening stones or other sharpening tools.
  • Scandi and micro bevel grinds can be adjusted to different angles depending on the knife’s intended use.

Differences:

  • The Scandi grind features a flat primary bevel that runs directly to the cutting edge. In contrast, the micro bevel grind features a small, secondary bevel at the very edge of the blade.
  • The Scandi grind is characterized by both its sharpness and ease of sharpening, while the micro bevel grind is known for durability and edge retention.
  • The Scandi grind is typically used on knives for wood carving, while the micro bevel grind is often used on knives intended for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
  • The Scandi grind can be sharpened at a broader range of angles than the micro bevel grind, which is usually sharpened at a narrow angle.

Final Thoughts

Scandi and micro bevel produce blades that can be used for various knives and cutting tasks. The Scandi grind is a popular choice for wood carving knives due to its sharpness and ease of sharpening, while the micro bevel grind is often used for knives that require increased durability and edge retention.