Originally posted by c_meisenzahl
I have a couple of 10-15 year old Victorinox pocket knives in very good shape. What's the best way to sharpen them? I've never actually sharpened a knife before? What kind of implement should I use?
If you're going to be heavily into knives -- and if you keep hanging out here, you'll probably end up that way -- then go out and buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker. You don't NEED it for a Victorinox, since I've found that steel incredibly easy to sharpen on ANYTHING, but the Sharpmaker is the best knife money I've spend -- if you buy any dedicated, cutting edge steeled blades, you'll want it. If not, just buy a small, medium grit stone, and learn to sharpen freehand. It's not hard. If you need specifics, I'm sure someone else here can help you much better than I can.
Where does the stainless steel used by Victorinox fall on the quality scale?
I'm much simpler than most of the steelheads out there, it seems: I have three qualities I look at in a steel. I want one that is easy to sharpen, that holds a good edge, and that doesn't rust. Rostfrei, Victorinox's steel, at least in my experience, is darn near the top in the first and third categories, and darn near the bottom in the middle. With that said, it's perfectly servicable; I usually have two or three SAKs on me.
When looking for a new pocket knife (I've already started reading some of the FAQs on the site), are there some brands to make a point of staying away from, or gravitating to, based simply on the quality of the stainless steel being used?
Only if you're picky (and I am). If you're not, just stay away from any trash, $2 knives -- if you are, stay away from CRKT. Otherwise look at the individual steel in the individual knife. As for gravitating towards: if you're big on steel quality, and it seems you are, look at Spyderco. They're usually pretty darn cutting edge.
Assuming that there is a pretty strong trade-off between a blade's ability to keep and edge, and ease of sharpening, which is preferable in a pocket knife?
You tell me, friend. This is a personal choice. As for me, I carry a couple that are easy to sharpen, and one or two that keeps a good edge. Mine are usually all or nothing; I very rarely carry anything that is pretty good at holding an edge and pretty good at sharpenability.
So it comes down to -- how often do you want to sharpen your blade? Keep in mind, even the lowest edge-holding steels, like Victorinox, will get you through a hard day or even a hard week without needing to be sharpened.
What are the best stainless steels to look for in a pocket knife?
Personal choice. I'll take VG-10 over everything else. I also usually want at least one Rostfrei or AUS-8, in case I need to cut something wet or corrosive, and because I'm better at putting a shaving edge on it, more easily, so I use it more. Now that I think about it, this is an incredibly involved question, and it really does depend on your personality, habits, etc.
Of course, my EDC uses ATS-34. And another one uses AUS-8. And the rest are VNox, currently. Depends on what you're going to use the knife for, too.
What's the word on the quality of stainless steel used by SOG and Gerber for example?
Can't help you there. I'd need steel types. Don't know what Sog and Gerber use offhand. I think I remember not being particularly impressed with Sog -- but you have to remember, even the "worst" edge-holding steel you're going to find is far more than adequate.
What brands give the most bang for the buck?
Almost all of them give a darn good amount. As for the "most," I'd say the FRN-handled Spydercos. Get ahold of a Calypso Jr Ltwt if you can, and if you don't mind the handle material -- it's probably the most bang for the buck knife I've ever had.
Thanks very much in advance and happy new year?
Christopher Meisenzahl
c_meisenzahl@yahoo.com
