Best way to sharpen an AK Bowie?

G

Gary007

Joined
May 17, 2002
Messages
1,452
I actually did do some searching around on this.

But, how would you sharpen an AK Bowie? The one I just got (my first HI product) hacks up wood just fine, I even accidently hit the driveway pavement with it, and chipped and dented the driveway, AK is fine! Would like the AK sharper if possible.

Would a Sharpmaker be appropriate? I also have a kitchen knife sharpener, not sure what they are called, but they are rod shaped. I tried that a bit, but could not notice it get sharper. Also have a Lanksy and could not seem to get it sharper.

Is this steel really tough and hard to sharpen?
 
Here's a method that I developed by trial and error which works well for me on any heavy convex ground blade. If first I was reluctant to touch a shiney new khuk with anything harder than a polishing cloth. Then I got one that really needed some work, so I dove right in with a smooth half round file.

The file will get you to the edge profile (thick to thin) you want fairly quickly. Use the round side of the file to work the area from the cho to the recurve and switch to the flat side to work from the recurve to the tip. Switch sides frequently and vary the file angle to get a consistent convex profile.

Next, I repeat the above process with a thick, coarse to medium ceramic rod with a good handle. I lay the blade on my thigh while gripping the handle in my left hand with the edge facing my torso. Then I take the rod in my right hand and push it into the blade edge while traversing the length of the edge in sections. After working one side of the blade, change hands mirror image style and work the other side. The handle of the knife is now held in the right hand and the rod in the left. At first it was difficult handling the rod with my left hand, but it got easier with time and was the best of the alternatives I tried. (Incidently, this is the same technique I use for the file work). You have to maintain good control of your motions during this process to avoid running your hand into the edge of the blade; a rod handle with a good guard is an asset.

Finally, I work the blade with a moderately smooth sharpening steel in the same manner one would sharpen a carving knife. This task is most easily accomplished with a 12" to 14" steel.

The process I have described will produce an edge with which you can slice paper smoothly with a chopping motion of the blade (and the whole process, start to finish, takes less than an hour). If a blade that is sharper still is desired, you can move on to leather strops or other tools for polishing the edge.

Hope this helps. I devised the technique through trial and error, and, as previously stated, it works for me. Good luck!:)
 
use a diamond rod or ceramic rod.

or a DMT handheld shapener (duo-fold)

You could use the sticks from the sharpmaker by holding the khuk upside-down (edge-up) in your left hand and running the rod to-n-fro over the edge until it sharpens.

Run a black magic-marker down the edge and then try to "sharpen it off". That'll teach you loads about finding the right sharpening angle. :thumbup:
 
Thanks Daniel, I really admire your work and respect your opinion. I've been trying the "upside-down" method with a rod kitchen knife sharpener. (for now, until I get a Sharpmaker).

Thanks again!

Daniel Koster said:
use a diamond rod or ceramic rod.

or a DMT handheld shapener (duo-fold)

You could use the sticks from the sharpmaker by holding the khuk upside-down (edge-up) in your left hand and running the rod to-n-fro over the edge until it sharpens.

Run a black magic-marker down the edge and then try to "sharpen it off". That'll teach you loads about finding the right sharpening angle. :thumbup:
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top