Bolster Re-Profiling
Many western knives are designed with a bolster ( see "Anatomy of knife" blog post ).
In order to straighten out a concave profile ( see above image ) you'll need to have the bolster re profiled and polished.
Fortunately this is something we do automatically and at no extra cost to you.
You'll see in the image above why it's important to have a bolster that is in line with the cutting edge. If it's not, it simply will not cut and dice correctly as intended.
We will not re profile bolsters on paring, boning, carving knives or filleting knives as blade profile at the bolster does not affect the performance/use of these types of knives.
We do not see benefit in removing material unnecessarily in these instances.
However, we are more than happy to take alternative direction if customers leave a comment at Checkout.
Bevel flare at the bolster
The thickness of some knives change as the blade nears the bolster due to their design and construction.This can result in the new sharpened bevel flaring as it nears or reaches the bolster. It can also blend slightly into the bolster/handle depending on make or model of knife but always within our 2mm tolerance. See below.
In most cases this can be polished but due to the width of some knives such as paring, filleting or carving knives, the polishing process can affect the blade logo as the new polished surface is blended across the entirety of the blade.
There is always a compromise between aesthetics and blade performance in the sharpening process. As a company we err on the side of practicality over aesthetics. There may be slight bevel creep into the bolster but no more than our 2mm tolerance.
We are more than happy to take direction by leaving a comment at checkout to polish out the blade or administer an abrupt edge that stops short of the bolster. See below. However this finish leaves the bolster more protrusive and so we opt not to do this as standard, unless asked to.
