anyone use a sanding block on large fixed blades?

[hardheart]

I just thought of the sanding blocks I used for paint/bodywork (not a pro) and wondered if anyone used them for machetes & such. I may get a new one and toss in my truck box with some paper for my golok. I have a diafold, but tha's for the bob.

 

[frugalweaver]

Get another diafold, in fact get two.

 

[Dog of War]

Yeah, couple weeks ago I mentioned in another thread using a rubber sanding block with emery cloth. Learned it from an old guy who sharpened hatchets and axes this way, but works equally well on knives large and small. Produces a very good working edge, easily refined with a few passes on a Sharpmaker or ceramic rod if you want, and seems to minimize burr formation.

 

[thombrogan]

Sanding blocks work great on knives of all sizes. So do those diafolds. Many folks smarter than me recommend putting a nice, mirror-polished edge on machetes and other knives seeing lots of chopping (easily done with a sanding block when you progress up to 1500-2500 grit wet/dry paper so long as you don't just from 320 grit up to 1500). If you get the edge formed at a lower grit (60-220) and start polishing at 320-400, the rest of the polishing/sharpening will go by easier.

 

[JohnR7]

wondered if anyone used them for machetes & such.

I often use sandpaper, belt sander or a sanding disk to sharpen knives. It is easyer for me to hold the knife steady at the right angle when I do not have to hold onto a sharpening stone to keep it from moving.