Beginner sharpening set-up: Tell me what you think!

[cziv]

After thinking about it a bit, a bench grinder does sound appealing, but sharpening on one would void the warranty on a lot of my knives (specifically my Benchmades). So a bench grinder isn't an option (for now).

This might be a good idea. Did it take a while for you to learn how to get to a mirror polish?

Not really, I just set my angle and I don't count strokes. I do count how many times I work the stone from heel to toe and back, then repeat on the other side. Sometimes there'll be a bit of a burr on one side so I'll hit the burred side a a time or two until they both feel even, smooth - what have you. Use light pressure.

When I go to the next stone I will increase the strokes, and repeat the process going through the stones. Keep them rinsed off and wipe them with a rag or paper towel every so often to remove the steel & dirt shavings.

After the xx-fine, you should have an almost mirror edge. I strop with very light pressure umtil I get a mirror edge or very close. I have a .2 micron loaded strop, a 1 micron, and .5 micron, but don't use the last one too often.

Good luck with your choices! :thumbup:

 

[KarlMaldensNose]

The only thing you MUST have is another diafold - they sell them there. An x-coarse/coarse.

You can buy one with only the x-coarse side, but don't. Get the one with the extra "coarse" plate on one side or you'll be setting your initial bevels at a diffrent angle when using the one which has an x-coarse on one side and nothing but flat plastic on the other.

Yep, you'll want that XC/C to go along with the F/EF, or else you'll be grinding away for hours on just the Coarse or Fine to get the bevels to match the pre-set angles. Even with the XC through EF grit range to choose from, I still find myself passing the Magna-Guide over in favour of practising with my new waterstones, Duosharps and even freehand on the Diafolds. Pre-set angles and clamps can be very restrictive and a pain in the arse.

 

[Seb71]

Please delete this post. I made a new thread instead.

 

[sangkala]

I'm getting mirror edges with mine. The only thing you MUST have is another diafold - they sell them there. An x-coarse/coarse.

You can buy one with only the x-coarse side, but don't. Get the one with the extra "coarse" plate on one side or you'll be setting your initial bevels at a diffrent angle when using the one which has an x-coarse on one side and nothing but flat plastic on the other.

Get a couple of good strops for your mirror polish.

Found the coarse/extra course diafold...

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00004WFTX/1.-20/