New pliers dull?

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

Hello. Recently I got some brand new European pliers, but the edges on them seem quite dull compared to what I'm used to. Is this a feature to prevent wear? I ran my finger across the edges and it's not sharp like a knife is. I want to keep the brand hidden for now until we know more so no snap judgements are made, thank you.

 

[T45]

If it cuts paper, and it cuts wire...

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Hello. Recently I got some brand new European pliers, but the edges on them seem quite dull compared to what I'm used to. Is this a feature to prevent wear? I ran my finger across the edges and it's not sharp like a knife is. I want to keep the brand hidden for now until we know more so no snap judgements are made, thank you.

You would not want it to be really sharp like a knife, If it is a really fine (sharp) edge then it could chip when you crank down on it. Axes are the same way.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

Just tried it, they do cut paper. This is confusing, heh. Hmm did not know an axe is like that, thanks!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Just tried it, they do cut paper. This is confusing, heh. Hmm did not know an axe is like that, thanks!

Machetes are also like that, if you are chopping into branches and vegetation you would chip the blade if the edge is very thin.
Also don't cut any more paper with the pliers than you have to, I heard paper dulls blades a lot faster than other stuff.

 

[Scimonetti]

You would not want it to be really sharp like a knife, If it is a really fine (sharp) edge then it could chip when you crank down on it. Axes are the same way.

You definitely want an axe to be well honed and razor sharp. They cut worlds better and a dull axe is an unsafe axe. Good steel and warming it up before heavy use is the key to maintaining it's sharpness and preventing chip. On a double bit axe there is a smaller angled side and a slightly steeper angle for chopping roots and tough stuff because a steeper angle will wear slower. Either way you want it sharp.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

You definitely want an axe to be well honed and razor sharp. They cut worlds better and a dull axe is an unsafe axe. Good steel and warming it up before heavy use is the key to maintaining it's sharpness and preventing chip. On a double bit axe there is a smaller angled side and a slightly steeper angle for chopping roots and tough stuff because a steeper angle will wear slower. Either way you want it sharp.

I should have been more specific, I was saying sharp as in thin edge, if the edge is very thin it will chip.

 

[uart]

Just tried it, they do cut paper. This is confusing, heh. Hmm did not know an axe is like that, thanks!

Just to make it clear, you're talking about pliers and not cutters (diagonal cutter, side cutters etc), is that correct. So I'm assuming you are talking about the wire cutter part of a set of combination of linesman's pliers.

These are not really meant for cutting paper, but it's a good test to make sure that the cutting edges close up nice and snug. If yours cut paper then they are well made.

They are mostly meant for cutting copper wire, but are also ok for cutting mild steel wire too. You wouldn't cut steel with a knife, so unsurprisingly these cutting edges won't be much like a knife.

 

[uart]

Just to add to my last comment. If anything the cutting edges on that type of pliers should more resemble (in miniature) those of a set of bolt cutters rather than a knife.

 

[rancherbill]

What kind of pliers?

I have lots of pliers and they are all different based on the intended use.