Beginner Reading, Waterstone Knife Sharpening

[RickKr]

Newbie to Blade Forums, but an experienced Tormek sharpener here. I've been asked to teach a friend waterstone knife sharpening, that is, sharpening knifes using what I would call traditional water or oil stones. I've been deep into the Tormek system for about 8 years, have a T8, a wide range of grindstones and jigs, etc. I think I understand the principles of sharpening and a strong believer in controlled angle sharpening. I would like to help my friend, but know I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to the style of sharpening they are asking about.

I've been looking around for good reference/instructional information. Best I've found so far is "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening", by John Juranitch. It appears to come highly recommended on this forum, and as solid as it seems to be, it is definitely dated. I have the hardcopy book and am reading it, at least the knife sharpening parts and will be recommending my friend read it as well. I am wondering if there is much that is similar, but more up to date.

Haven't seen it in the book yet, but one thing I liked about products the Razor Edge offers is the knife angle guide that clamps on the spine of the blades. It appears it is single angle only, no options for different angles. I also found what is called Japanese kinfe sharpening guides, at Sharpening Supplies that offers several angles, from 15 to 30º. And then there is the DMT Knife Sharpening Guide, also from SS. How well do these work?

I'm also aware of the much more sophisticated guided sharpening systems, but at this point, my sense is my friend is not likely interested in getting into sharpening to that level.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[EatingSarma]

Pick consistent angle, and work either by edge leading or edge drawing. You can act as if you're trying to cut off very very thin slice off from stone.
Alternate both sides.
Once you feel the burr on one side - hit the other side.
Use very very light touch when deburring.

Result should be shaving sharp knife.
You can also hone on ceramic or strop with leather and compound too... but that's another story

 

[EatingSarma]

You can also use a pen to mark the edge so you can see where is the stone cutting the steel. So you know you are hitting the apex.

 

[ChrisB507]

Murray Carter has some instructional videos on youtube that might be helpful:

 

[Alberta Ed]

Newbie to Blade Forums, but an experienced Tormek sharpener here. I've been asked to teach a friend waterstone knife sharpening, that is, sharpening knifes using what I would call traditional water or oil stones. I've been deep into the Tormek system for about 8 years, have a T8, a wide range of grindstones and jigs, etc. I think I understand the principles of sharpening and a strong believer in controlled angle sharpening. I would like to help my friend, but know I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to the style of sharpening they are asking about.

I've been looking around for good reference/instructional information. Best I've found so far is "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening", by John Juranitch. It appears to come highly recommended on this forum, and as solid as it seems to be, it is definitely dated. I have the hardcopy book and am reading it, at least the knife sharpening parts and will be recommending my friend read it as well. I am wondering if there is much that is similar, but more up to date.

Haven't seen it in the book yet, but one thing I liked about products the Razor Edge offers is the knife angle guide that clamps on the spine of the blades. It appears it is single angle only, no options for different angles. I also found what is called Japanese kinfe sharpening guides, at Sharpening Supplies that offers several angles, from 15 to 30º. And then there is the DMT Knife Sharpening Guide, also from SS. How well do these work?

I'm also aware of the much more sophisticated guided sharpening systems, but at this point, my sense is my friend is not likely interested in getting into sharpening to that level.

Thanks,

Rick

Good luck ordering an angle guide from Razor Edge. I've tried a couple of times and they never seem to be in stock. Try different spring clips on the back of the blade (same idea), or just taping a dime or nickle to the sides. I use an ancient Buckmaster angle guide, if you can find one.