Blade Sharpening

L

Lundo

Joined
Apr 10, 2000
Messages
141
Now that I own a few knives, I want to learn how to sharpen them, but don't know where to begin. I have seen ads for the myriad of sharpening equipment available, but still don't know where to begin.

Can anyone point me in the direction of instructions on sharpening? What is the best way to sharpen? By hand or guide. I would think that, being a first timer at it, something like the Lansky guided sharpening systems would be right, but I don't want to ruin or scratch the surface of the blades.

I see so many people talking about the hair popping razor edges on their blades, and of all my knives (not many yet), only my new UDT seems able to shave, but I wouldn't call it hair poppin either.

I need a place to begin to learn about this facet of cuttlery.

Thanks,

Lundo
 
Well, check out the sharpening FAQ at http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsharp.html

That said, there really isn't a quick answer to your questions. Freehand is very important to know, because you may be separated from your sharpening system at some time or another. Of course, you stand more chance of damaging a blade freehand, and the results will never be quite as good. As far as systems go, I tried the Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker, but it never felt right, so I have since upgraded to an EdgePro Professional. The EdgePro is a great system, but it is a bit on the expensive side, so that may matter.

For what it's worth, none of my knives are as sharp as a straight razor, because I have them sharpened to a higher angle to make the edge last. A thin edge shaves almost efotlessly, but chips out or rolls over very easily.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
I use a 4 hone diamond lansky with a added ultrafine stone (although I'm trying to get rid of it) and it will get a knife shaving sharp almost every time. However if you are going to get a system you might as well get an Edgepro (either Apex or Pro) as it is a great deal for the money. Nothing sharpens like they do. Hope this helps.

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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
 
I strongly suggest starting off with a guided system of some sort. That way you can learn the fundamentals of sharpening -- creating a burr, choosing a good angle & grit, etc. -- without *also* worrying about keeping the angle perfectly accurate. Spend a little time with the system until you're comfortable, then go freehand.

If you want to go freehand eventually, the Razor Edge guides have the advantage that you use the exact same movements as in freehand sharpening -- it is the only system that has this feature. The movements get worked into muscle memory, and sometime down the line you magically find you can sharpen freehand! That's how it worked for me.

Joe
 
Check out Joe's FAQ, read the Razor's Edge Book of Sharpening by John Juranitch, buy a cheap knife from the supermarket or a thrift store (even better) and practice with that. Understand what relief is, what you want your edge to do (duh, cut! But cut like it does only a few times or hundreds- it makes a difference on the edge you will make), and do learn how to freehand it eventually. I have the Razor's Edge Pro kit and love it, and I actually use it with my Sharpmaker 203. I also have a water wheel electric deal from Sears for grinding relief on kitchen knives too. Read as much as you can feore getting any equipment. Razor's Edge has a video that is supposed to be good too. Also, DO NOT decide to pinch pennies with your sharpening equipment. It sounds like you have some pretty good ($$$$$$) knives there, so get good gear to keap them in tip top, hair popping shape!

P.S., this is my 250th post!!!!

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"Come What May..."
 
Great info. Where do I find information on "Razors Edge" and where can I see info on the EdgePro sharpeners? I cannot seem to find this.
 
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