- Joined
- Oct 4, 2009
- Messages
- 1,624
I do use a small folding 10X pocket loupe to check my work and look for dull spots, but I don't use a guide. I think that once you get the feel for it you don't need one, but I'm sure they can be helpful for some, though I've never sharpened that way.
I learned sharpening with my leatherworking tools and hand bookbinding tools during my apprenticeship, using japanese water stones with grits from 350 to 5000, though I rarely went over 1,200 or 2,000. In practical use the ultra fine grits really weren't necessary. We were trained to use our hands as much as possible because the resulting tools would be used in our own hands. Whereas a guide gives a standard angle. In a hunting knife such subtle customization probably isn't necessary.
I'm sure a guide can be helpful for someone who doesn't yet have a feel for it. It is a skill that takes practice (and patience) to learn, but I would fear that a guide may take away development of a skill which could be useful in a situation where no guide is available.
Anyway, we all have our own ways of doing things. I have friends who swear by a belt grinder; or a grinding wheel with a jig and a water jet. Of course, that defeats the warranty but they don't seem to mind.
Bottom line, I've found the Buck three-stone sharpener to be very adequate for sharpening the Buck knives that I use.
