It's a very subtle difference, but it's a flat grind versus a hollow grind. I just prefer the way that the flat grind works. If you think about "rub the bevel", with a hollow grind you have to "rub" at least 1/4" (or further) from the cutting edge. With a flat or convex grind, you can "rub" immediately behind the edge. There's also the advantage of a 2" wide belt versus a 1" wide wheel.
OK, thanks for your input, Malcolm.......
Looks like you might be the only person who actually uses the Sorby Pro Edge system in this thread. Likewise, you seem to be the one who, not only has the Sorby....you have chosen it over grinding wheels for your own tool sharpening.
Being familiar with the high quality of the work you produce, this has great weight in this discussion.
I wish I had the luxury of having both flat and curved bevels in my own shop so I could test the applications of both......but, I don't......and since I'm feeling there is no particular circumstance where I consider myself handicapped, I will probably not spend the money to find out......
......that is......unless, you'd care to offer some more information, and give some specific applications that would cause the rest of us to do a little more consideration.......
Here's a question: Is the advantages of rubbing the bevel closer to the cutting edge more advantageous with cutting wood within a tight curve a better place to see what you're seeing/experiencing......or, would a more gentle curve of the wood be a better place to observe it? Or, will this make any difference at all? I am looking for some specific input that would help us, who can only visualize the differences on a theoretical basis, to gain a little insight into the advantages, as you see them.
Anyone else is perfectly welcome to answer those questions, but I'm mainly interested in responses by those who are actually using a flat grind in preference to a curved bevel, or hollow grind.
thank you......
ooc
Additional: I believe I can see the 1" vs 2" grinding surface advantage when sharpening something like a wide skew. Is there any advantage when sharpening a gouge that sharpens only at a single point......?