Basic sharpening supplies

[abiggs]

I have a two sided stone and a sharpmaker. What else do I need? I have a hard time getting a dull knife sharp. I can hone them up okay on the sharpmaker, but when a knife is dull I cannot seem to get a decent edge with any of my tools. Help please!!

 

[thombrogan]

Some honing oil for you two sided stone (to float steel away from the stone so it will cut faster), some windex to remove the oil, and a sharpie-style marker so you'll know when you're hitting the edge. Oh, and a rust-eraser for easily cleaning of your Sharpmaker hones. That's all you need for spooky sharp edges with most steels - though the other unmentioned stuff can be fun, too.

 

[belfagor]

You don't necessarily have to buy oil. I actually don't like to use oil, unless you already used it on your stone before and you have to keep using it. It may takes longer for you because you have an Extra Fine/Fine stone? Using the oil will make the sharpening process even longer thought.

 

[Donna V]

I started with just this stuff----
double sided [fine and coarse] stone.
honing oil.
triangle rod for serrations.
4" ceramic rod.
leather belt made into a strop.
semichrome polish.
lots of post it notes to test the final edge.
oh and a hoppe's silicone cloth to wipe the blade down with so it don't rust.