Hi guys I need some help making a basic sharpening kit. I've never sharpened a knife I've only taken my f1 to a local guy who made it insanely sharp with his belt grinder setup. I've been thinking about buying one of the spyderco sharpeners for my house as a basic beginner kit. Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated. Also what is something good to keep in a backpack or in a little knife pouch? I've seen the falkniven stones and have heard they are a great field sharpener. Last but not least where can I learn to sharpen before I give it a real go? I'll practice on a cheap blade.
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Basic knife sharpening
- Thread starter Dubins
- Start date
Jason B.
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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1000/4000 combo stones off eBay/amazon.
Should be $50 on average. Also buy a cheap knife to Practice on.
YouTube videos help, but good luck with the millions of useless videos already there.
At the moment I'm teaching a few friends to sharpen, too bad you're not local.
Should be $50 on average. Also buy a cheap knife to Practice on.
YouTube videos help, but good luck with the millions of useless videos already there.
At the moment I'm teaching a few friends to sharpen, too bad you're not local.
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
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- 1,223
I would suggest reading the "stickey" above about sharpening, and then the one about "stropping" to get the basic idea down, for example, reaching an apex with the blade, the forming of a burr, the removal of the burr, and the refinement of the edge through progression of grit size, etc. Then when you understand the basics of what to achieve, watch the video's to gain idea's on how to do what is necessary, and techniques from others that work for you. Then, practice, practice, and then practice some more on an old "beater" knife. Doesn't require a large investment in equipment, just an inexpensive india stone, and you are set to learn.
With the above knowledge gained, you can make a better decision on what you want to invest in later to move up to the next step in your sharpening quest for that "sharpening nirvana", we all seek in this stage of our knife hobby.
Blessings,
Omar
With the above knowledge gained, you can make a better decision on what you want to invest in later to move up to the next step in your sharpening quest for that "sharpening nirvana", we all seek in this stage of our knife hobby.
Blessings,
Omar
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
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- 1,223
The Spyderco Sharpmaker is a great tool for maintaining a knife that has its blade angle set at a 30* or 40* bevel. Once you have it sharp at one of those angles, then it is a great maintenance tool. The stones that come with it are not aggressive enough to re-profile or repair an existing edge. Repair meaning a chip or other major damage to the edge.
If your knife edge bevel is 30* for example, then using the Sharpmaker on it after using it, it will quickly return it to its sharpened state. It is better for maintaining an edge than putting one on it. There are diamond stones available for it that can be used to re-profile, but are expensive and time consuming.
Disclaimer: This is strictly my opinion from doing research on this device, when I was looking for a method to sharpen my knives. Others may have different views and/or experience with it. I eventually settled on the paper wheels for my system based on others success and the fact that I could be set up and running for less than $100. If I had it to do over, I would do the same. Takes a small learning curve, but with success less than about 5 or 6 practice knives later, it was great for me.
Blessings,
Omar
If your knife edge bevel is 30* for example, then using the Sharpmaker on it after using it, it will quickly return it to its sharpened state. It is better for maintaining an edge than putting one on it. There are diamond stones available for it that can be used to re-profile, but are expensive and time consuming.
Disclaimer: This is strictly my opinion from doing research on this device, when I was looking for a method to sharpen my knives. Others may have different views and/or experience with it. I eventually settled on the paper wheels for my system based on others success and the fact that I could be set up and running for less than $100. If I had it to do over, I would do the same. Takes a small learning curve, but with success less than about 5 or 6 practice knives later, it was great for me.
Blessings,
Omar
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
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If you set your grinding wheel up right and use the wax on it, it will hardly even throw sparks when grinding. The key is to go easy and slowly, but moving the blade and not to stop and grind in one spot. I bought some thrift store knives (kitchen type) for $1 each to practice on. You just need to practice your method until you have it down. Richard J recommends using an old hack saw blade to learn on. His "sticky" at the top of the page is worth reading from start to finish for some great tips and information. Lots of reading, but worth it if you are considering the wheels.
What speed and size is your grinder? Can you remove the side covers over the wheels?
Blessings,
Omar
What speed and size is your grinder? Can you remove the side covers over the wheels?
Blessings,
Omar
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
- Messages
- 1,223
If it is the 6" buffer from harbor freight it is the one I use. I paid $35 for it if I remember. It is still going strong and sits on the top of my workbench not bolted down. I have used it on the kitchen table before, as it is light and quite portable. The 6" is what you want for the 8" set of paper wheels. Works great. Here is a picture of my set-up with a Ball in a Cage I was carving on.
