Affordable Sharpening

[TheEdge01]

Most freehand sharpening--at least mine--is done with edge-leading strokes. There is a place for edge-trailing strokes or 'backhoning', but is usually used as an alternative to stropping, a way to refine and deburr your edge on the stones without needing to go to a strop.

Oh ok, I didn’t know that. Thanks for the info.

 

[flatblackcapo]

Thanks for the threads, interesting stuff there. I am open to try both but I wont be sharpening many at a time so a guided system may not be necessary. It seems most like the guided systems because of the convenience. If the quality of the sharpening is significantly improved with a guided system I wont hesitate to buy one. But if I can grind them down to equal quality by hand I'd certainly be interested in that

The Washboard sharping system is worth checking out. It is very affordable and versatile.
http://www.washboardsharpening.com/

 

[Fattires]

I guess it depends done in your definition of affordable.
I got a harbor freight belt sander for $45 and $40 worth of belts including a leather belt and am very happy with the results after some practice. Takes just a few minutes to get to hair splitting sharp. I really enjoy sharpening with power tools