Cheap Sharpening Method

F

Freeflow6000

Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
43
Some of my knives are getting dull and I am looking for a cheap method that does not take a lot of skill. I have a stone that I am learning how to perfect with some older knives. Can someone recommend me a tool or system that is cheap and get a good edge?
 
Mousepad and sandpaper for a convex edge. Sandpaper is cheap, mousepads are easy to come by, and using that method for convexing your edge is more forgiving of edge angle.
 
A Smith's Tri-Hone has worked wonders for me, so long as I keep some mineral oil around. Many people prefer kerosene, or a mixture of the two, so as to have the stones cut faster, but I kind of enjoy just taking my time. It's kind of relaxing.
 
WHY MESS AROUND with a cheapie get a good one and be done with it..

SPYDERCO SHARPMAKER...oh yes!!!!
 
Freeflow6000 said:
Some of my knives are getting dull and I am looking for a cheap method that does not take a lot of skill. I have a stone that I am learning how to perfect with some older knives. Can someone recommend me a tool or system that is cheap and get a good edge?
Click to expand...


Just keep on using that stone till you get good.

1. You already have it and it's free at this point. You don't get cheaper than that.


2. Get good with that stone, and you can freehand sharpen anywhere, at any time. You won't be dependant on some table top gizmo or gadget that won't fit in your pocket. A small flat pocket size diamond hone can be carried in your wallet, and go anywhere with you.
 
jackknife said:
Just keep on using that stone till you get good.

1. You already have it and it's free at this point. You don't get cheaper than that.


2. Get good with that stone, and you can freehand sharpen anywhere, at any time. You won't be dependant on some table top gizmo or gadget that won't fit in your pocket. A small flat pocket size diamond hone can be carried in your wallet, and go anywhere with you.
Click to expand...

+1:thumbup: I always was frustrated using a stone because I really never practiced so I bought a Sharpmaker.Great tool by the way but if I needed a touch up and didn't have it with me I was stuck. I got a leather strop on wood and loaded it with green compound and that along with the Sharpmaker allowed me to keep my knives scary sharp. Recently I have started practicing on a stone and I now can get my knives hair popping sharp with it!:D If you take your time and maintain your angle on the stone you will get it. I think that freehand sharpening with a stone also makes my edges slightly convex because it is impossible without a jig to keep exactly the same angle every swipe.
 
jackknife said:
Just keep on using that stone till you get good.

1. You already have it and it's free at this point. You don't get cheaper than that.


2. Get good with that stone, and you can freehand sharpen anywhere, at any time. You won't be dependant on some table top gizmo or gadget that won't fit in your pocket. A small flat pocket size diamond hone can be carried in your wallet, and go anywhere with you.
Click to expand...

You said it, man.:thumbup:
 
Dorito Monk said:
You said it, man.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Yah he did! I cant agree more. Since I learned how to put a fine working edge on my knives freehand, I have been able to carry a small stone (extra extra hard) for honing my knives. It keeps them chillingly sharp at all times. The credit card sharpeners are great too.
 
Cheapest and most novice friendly is sandpaper over an old mousepad.

As much as I like my whetstones, it took w while until I got efficient with them and I am still learning and perfecting my skills. Sandpaper/mousepad was good for learning and transitioning to stones. I've sharpened pretty much everything with that, including ceramic knives.
I still use that now, even though I have quite good set of Japanese synthetic and natural whetstones.

Spyderco sharpmaker is a good system, but limited in terms of angle variety and if you buy it you have to get the diamond rods with it, otherwise you will be disappointed. Ceramic rods that come with it are simply too fine for any serious metal removal.
I've given 2 of those as a present to my friends and both gave up on sharpening altogether after trying to sharpen dull kitchen knives for couple hours. That was before diamond rods appeared :)
 
I feel that you cannot go wrong with a Sharpmaker.
For a novice it is almost mistake-proof, safe and the DVD
that comes with it is very educational and worth watching.
 
jackknife said:
Just keep on using that stone till you get good.

1. You already have it and it's free at this point. You don't get cheaper than that.


2. Get good with that stone, and you can freehand sharpen anywhere, at any time. You won't be dependant on some table top gizmo or gadget that won't fit in your pocket. A small flat pocket size diamond hone can be carried in your wallet, and go anywhere with you.
Click to expand...

plus 3.
 
jackknife said:
Just keep on using that stone till you get good.

1. You already have it and it's free at this point. You don't get cheaper than that.


2. Get good with that stone, and you can freehand sharpen anywhere, at any time. You won't be dependant on some table top gizmo or gadget that won't fit in your pocket. A small flat pocket size diamond hone can be carried in your wallet, and go anywhere with you.
Click to expand...


:thumbup: That's it. It takes practice, but once you learn it you're good for life.
 
if you look on maintanance tinkering and embellishment you should be able to find a good post describing it, but basically you put the sandpaper over a mousepad and drag the the blade backwards over the sandpaper (edge trailing, the opposite of "normal" sharpening technique). the give in the mousepad creates a convex edge. most people once they have established the edge use 2000 grit sandpaper, and then finish with a leather strop with green compound, again MT&E has a lot of post talking about all of these things if you want more info.
 
sandpaper is cheapest. you get a progression of 3 grits it's like $10.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top