Hi
I've worked with knives all my life, I've made my living at them. And, IMO, knives DO NOT have to split hairs in order for them to cut through meat like butter. To break down a primal cut of beef, or a pig or lamb or even chicken you need the right knife with a nice edge. I ALWAYS get a nice enough edge to work with.
Now, a "HAIR SPLITTING" OR "PAPER SHREDDING" EDGE......well, sometimes yeah, I can...but NOT always...AND im getting worse!!
I have a 1 x 30 HF belt sander. I am seriously considering going with a kalamazoo or such 1 x 42 machine. I think my angles are right (i've been hand sharpening on stone for over 30 years. I am reading as much as I can....maybe I am overwhelmed. I also have a paper wheel that I USED TO put a crazy edge on knives with, but lately............. Are convex edges a problem with finishing on a cardboard wheel?
One last question. I use the bottom third of the belt to sharpen, not the MOST slack, but with some give. Is THAT a problem? Is there a stratagy involved? However, when I try to use the belt that is backed by the platen (sp?), the darn thing ACTS and SOUNDS like its BOUNCING....like there are ridges on the back of the belt or the platen that make a rat tat tat sound and feeling?!?? Is this weird and just me or do others experience this?? And if this IS common, what can be done with it??
Thanks for ANY info you can give me, its greatly appreciated.
Nick
I've worked with knives all my life, I've made my living at them. And, IMO, knives DO NOT have to split hairs in order for them to cut through meat like butter. To break down a primal cut of beef, or a pig or lamb or even chicken you need the right knife with a nice edge. I ALWAYS get a nice enough edge to work with.
Now, a "HAIR SPLITTING" OR "PAPER SHREDDING" EDGE......well, sometimes yeah, I can...but NOT always...AND im getting worse!!
I have a 1 x 30 HF belt sander. I am seriously considering going with a kalamazoo or such 1 x 42 machine. I think my angles are right (i've been hand sharpening on stone for over 30 years. I am reading as much as I can....maybe I am overwhelmed. I also have a paper wheel that I USED TO put a crazy edge on knives with, but lately............. Are convex edges a problem with finishing on a cardboard wheel?
One last question. I use the bottom third of the belt to sharpen, not the MOST slack, but with some give. Is THAT a problem? Is there a stratagy involved? However, when I try to use the belt that is backed by the platen (sp?), the darn thing ACTS and SOUNDS like its BOUNCING....like there are ridges on the back of the belt or the platen that make a rat tat tat sound and feeling?!?? Is this weird and just me or do others experience this?? And if this IS common, what can be done with it??
Thanks for ANY info you can give me, its greatly appreciated.
Nick