"Mike Pio" wrote in message
news:SHZ4f.55735$WR2.25096@fed1read03...

I'm sure what happens to knives is determined by many factor, namely
material, defects, technique, etc. I just didn't think soft maple and a
knot or two should bugger them so quickly. I'll shift a knife as others
suggested to see if that fixes me. This situation is why we keep a spare
set handy -- unfortunately, this is the spare set!


Did it occur to you that the branch may have had some time to collect sand
and such before it was overgrown?

The reason for a spare set is the surprises, not the anticipated wear as you
consistently joint all the way right on the table. That's our fault, the
other is chance.