A knife is really sharp when............

Check out one of the work sharps. THEY PUT A SERIOUS EDGE ON A KNIFE. I also own a couple of z blades they are the throw away versions of the havalons

 

it cuts you so fast you don't have time to register the pain

 

I had one for years, that was lost in the woods after gutting a deer, bought a relatively in-expensive "Remington" fixed blade that cuts 'em up quick and easy, and I paid $5 on clearance for it. I bear a small scar in my right palm as evidence of its sharpness, and it will cut through ribs, and even crack a pelvis when used right. I can pick up a scalpel at the hospital if I want want, actually have a couple, which are great for fine cutting, but for a "man's" knife, I'd rather not use a $40-50 scalpel. I have a Stihl Chainsaw knife I picked up over 20yrs ago that I've used from everything to skinning rabbits, to cutting cans to make spitters, to even cutting shingles when I was roofing, and it still holds an edge, albeit a little shorter than it once was, it still holds a great edge for about anything I want to do with it. Another excellent $4-5 investment that has been used many times over.

For butchering, I've found nothing better than a twin pack of filet and boning knives called "Baker's and Chef's" that you can pick up at Sam's Club for $8. Think I'm nuts, spend $8, and if you don't like 'em, I'll buy 'em off you for $5 and you'll only be out a few $$$, but the pairing knives are AWESOME as well, though they did cost my brother and his wife a couple hundred $$$ because their daughter cut her finger to the bone and through a ligament paring and apple with one. If you have a Sam's Membership check 'em out, they are bar none the best knives you'll have in your kitchen or pack if you keep a butcher set in your pack.

 

When I have finished building it and put the final buff on it the hairs run away screaming before the edge even gets close to them

 

When it cuts right threw the pelvick bone on a bear and goes gut hook deep in your knee. I was bleeding more than the bear!

 

when, after using it, you look to see why your hand feels wet and you can see the bone in your thumb. hHappened to me this week.