advice on belt replacement

[mordi]

HI i sharpen a lot of knives with a 1*32 belt sander ,usually 10" rundown kitchen knives. I re profile with a 120 grit and then I use Lee Valley 80,40,20,9,&belt strop.My question is aside from the 120 how often do i need to replace the belts. I have used a couple of belts on over 300 knives.+ how do you clean up the belts.Thanks

 

[Bufford]

One way to know when a belt needs replacing is how its working. If the belt is heating up the blade too much, and not bringing up the edge well, then it definitely needs replacing.

If it still cuts and grinds without undue heating of the blade then keep using it.