buck sharpening help

M

mustang67ford

Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
3
I have just purchased a new buck alpha hunter folder and need to "properly" learn to sharpen. I figured I would ask the experts befor I screw up the blade. I have sharpened knives before on a stone or V-rods, but always end up messing up the blade. I would like to use a stone on this knife, but when using a stone, I have never been able to keep that nice factory edge. I usually always end up with a non-defined edge that rounds itself into the rest of the blade and scratch the blade whent it shouldn't be scratched. Also, when I go from the back to the front, it seems like I need to raise the blade in order to reach the tip (is this a no-no?). I have tride to sharpen another buck knife on rods, but after 100 some strokes, it is still dull so I want to get away from the rods and buck also recommends using the stones. They do not give any help on how to maintain a correct angle

So basically, how should I sharpen this knife and is it indeed possible to use stones and keep a factory edge. I tried to do a search for this info, but just kept getting a white page?? I have also noted people that use leather after sharpening. What is this for and should leather be used?

Thanks,
 
The trick is to kinda lock your wrist or shoulder to keep a consistant angle and then rotate the blade forward through the stroke to hit the tip. Some people will raise their elbow to get the tip, and that works good to. There are all types of stratagies to keeping a good angle, but the way I found the one that works for me is through lots of practice. It is also a good idea to go very slowly at first, and examine the edge after a couple strokes to see where you are hitting.
 
What really helped me was when I found an old tarnished blade that I wanted to resharpen. I started on one side and it was really easy to see how much metal I was taking off and what angle I was getting - thanks to it being shiny where I sharpened and horrible looking else where. I suggest finding an old beater blade and working with that first. Once you learn how to keep the knife at an angle that works for you the rest is easy.

Stropping with leather helps polish a fine edge and remove micro serrations.
 
mustang67ford said:
So basically, how should I sharpen this knife and is it indeed possible to use stones and keep a factory edge. I tried to do a search for this info, but just kept getting a white page?? I have also noted people that use leather after sharpening. What is this for and should leather be used?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Just a factory edge? There are many here who consider a factory edge a starting point.

Just get a cheap knife and practice. Experiment with the motions, almost like buttering bread.
 
Your search turned up white because the search terms were too common.
Here are some links.

http://gpvec.unl.edu/filesdatabase/files/feedlot/sharp1.htm
http://users.ameritech.net/knives/index.htm
http://www.emersonknives.com/EK_Sharpening.html

To maintain an angle, try using your thumb as a guide. Find the angle you want, then mark it with your thumb by placing it so it touches the spine of the blade and the surface of the hone. Do the same on the other side using a finger. The spine marks on your fingers will stay for reference when you switch sides. Also, I sometimes use my other hand with a couple fingers spread out along the main bevel of the blade to help me feel it better, and to provide stability and consistent pressure.

When used correctly, benchstones and a strop will provide an edge that is highly superior to most factory edges.
Good luck.
 
idahone in colorado, has coarse sticks that cut quickly. don't give up on the V
sharpeners...everyone knows what straight up and down is...the v holds the angle. the real issue, from your explaination is, you have waited too long
to start sharpening your blade...trying to sharpen, good, hard steel that's dull, with fine ceramic rods is a long term project...(like sanding a raw wood desk, with only 600 grit paper)...that why the spyderco sharpmaker has med.
grit sticks, with optional coarse diamond sticks$$$.
bless you guys who can use a stone...it's like some folks can't sing.
i bought an edge-pro, but my knives never get dull enough to put them on it
because i touch them up on my V sticks. seems i only use the e-pro on friends and family knives. they all love to work in my kitchen 'cause the knives cut sooo easy..."could you make my knives this sharp?" and then they bring me good, hard steel knives that ray charles couldn't tell which side is the cutting edge, havn't been sharpened, ever! the fine and med. sticks took a long, long time to do them...hence the edge-pro$$$
my $.05. reinvent the wheel if you like...i bought the T-shirt
ulua
 
You can also get a Lansky or Gatco system--they work well and are very reasonably priced.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top