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• PRO

  Gary RK June 26, 2014 at 7:15pm

  You're effectivley talking about sharpening the top edge of the blade rather than the bottom ?

  I think there is some school of though that this can 'rip' the grass more, as the 90degree cutting angle is reversed if that makes sense. Only other issue as you say is balance...

  Open minded on this (can see the time saved), interesting to hear feedback as well :-)
• PRO

  Gary RK June 26, 2014 at 7:19pm

  Toro's view (down at bottom):

  
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  GORDON June 26, 2014 at 8:00pm

  Unfortunately I could not read the document you put up but irrespective I could not challenge any research/data that exists to show the that sharpening the blade on the top edge is any less effective than the normal bottom edge. I think the bigger picture for the sort of work that I am involved with (not mowing bowling or putting greens) is that I would advocate that a sharp blade at any angle is far superior than a dull or blunt blade.
  
  We all know how blunt a blade can be with very little use, certainly after a days mowing it could not be classified as sharp and, in my opinion, based on my experience to date the method used offers a better result all round compared to not sharpening as frequently. The other aspects to this is because there is effectively less resistance with a sharp blade it is noticeable ( could be my imagination though) how the speed is maintained and therefor one imagines reduced strain on the engine.
  
  All of this is just my opinion :0)
  
  
  
  Gary RK said:

  You're effectivley talking about sharpening the top edge of the blade rather than the bottom ?

  I think there is some school of though that this can 'rip' the grass more, as the 90degree cutting angle is reversed if that makes sense. Only other issue as you say is balance...

  Open minded on this (can see the time saved), interesting to hear feedback as well :-)
• PRO

  Gary RK June 26, 2014 at 8:07pm

  That's why I said I was open minded, 'cause I can see your logic :-)
  
  I do not know if the Toro stance is just their 'view' or whether they have done any real tests :-)
  
  Sometimes it is worth 'questioning' the status quo......
  
  GORDON said:

  Unfortunately I could not read the document you put up but irrespective I could not challenge any research/data that exists to show the that sharpening the blade on the top edge is any less effective than the normal bottom edge. I think the bigger picture for the sort of work that I am involved with (not mowing bowling or putting greens) is that I would advocate that a sharp blade at any angle is far superior than a dull or blunt blade.
  
  We all know how blunt a blade can be with very little use, certainly after a days mowing it could not be classified as sharp and, in my opinion, based on my experience to date the method used offers a better result all round compared to not sharpening as frequently. The other aspects to this is because there is effectively less resistance with a sharp blade it is noticeable ( could be my imagination though) how the speed is maintained and therefor one imagines reduced strain on the engine.
  
  All of this is just my opinion :0)
  
  
  
  Gary RK said:

  You're effectivley talking about sharpening the top edge of the blade rather than the bottom ?

  I think there is some school of though that this can 'rip' the grass more, as the 90degree cutting angle is reversed if that makes sense. Only other issue as you say is balance...

  Open minded on this (can see the time saved), interesting to hear feedback as well :-)
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  Benedict Simmons June 26, 2014 at 8:56pm

  I agree you can't beat a sharp blade on a mower. I can't stand looking at a lawn and seeing destroyed tips. I carry a makita 18v impact driver with a socket on it along with a 18v grinder. In less than 2 min I can whip the blade off (1 bolt) and put a new edge on it. My personal opinion is that the blade should be sharpened to the manufacturer's guide, but if it works and is simple and easy to do then great.
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  phil@gardenchief.co.uk June 26, 2014 at 8:59pm

  I carry spare sharp blades and regrind old ones at home
• PRO

  Seth Burgess June 26, 2014 at 9:20pm

  1 spare set of blades carried for me to. Although I don't have a battery grinder. And my hand eye isn't great with precision tools I'd rather put it in the vice and do it that way.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt June 28, 2014 at 1:27pm

  Surely if you sharpen mower blades on the top side you therefore create down-draught which pushes grass downwards? I agree sharp blades are definitely better but not sharpened on topside.
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  GORDON June 28, 2014 at 1:49pm

  Hi Neil
  I agree the perception is the reverse angle could be detrimental and be inclined to force the grass cuttings down away from the higher collection point. With the mower I use, Viking MB 655 VR, the reverse cutting angle makes no difference whatsoever in wet or dry collection. This could in part be attributed to the very lofted blade this model of mower is fitted with. The blade if you have not seen one is really scooped up on the ends which really makes a difference along with the plastic designed grass box to grass collection, particularly the wet stuff.
  
  
  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt said:

  Surely if you sharpen mower blades on the top side you therefore create down-draught which pushes grass downwards? I agree sharp blades are definitely better but not sharpened on topside.
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  Colin Hunt June 28, 2014 at 2:55pm

  We always remove the blades. Sharpening insitu is probably a 'boss only' thing as there is a definate hazard(no matter how small) of leaking fuel/oil/dry grass etc catching fire from sparks from the grinder.