Convex sharpening help

[Mrbladedude]

Hi guys. I know this has been discussed many times on this forums but i am still at a loss. I have watched the Knivesshipfree videos and they tell you how to sharpen a convex edge just fine. The problem i am having is this: Getting a soft material to put under the leather when you strop. Mousepad was the one that popped up many times. But the mouse pad i have is kinda hard. And so is my friends mousepad he has. It gives a little but only with a decent amount of pressure. They say light pressure is best for sharpening a convex edge. Also i made a strop and glued "hand american" leather to it but once again, the leather is kind of hard so it has no real give unless i force the blade down. Also what types of sandpaper should i use? Brand name? Grit? Wet/dry? Do i wet it? Hoem depot? Walmart? Sorry for the noobish questions but im having problems sharpening my F1 which is my first convex edged blade. I live in USA so if anyone can help me with this stuff, i would greatly appreciate it.

Summary.

1. Type of sandpaper/grits/wet/brand name?
2. Mouespad seems hard. Is this normal? What about a sponge for extra give?

Thank you

 

[paulhilborn]

There are others that will weigh in with more experience than me, like knifenut---(sorry knifenut I know there are numbers after the name but can't recall them), Richard J and others. I've been convex sharpening my knives for over 20 plus yrs and to me the mouse pad is good. In regards to the sand paper type/grit etc...

I use either 3M wet/dry (local hardware store and big box stores as well) in an aray of step up grits, 320, 400, 600 and a brand called crossfire wet/dry in 1000, 1500 grit and up. I mess around and sometimes go with a dry paper and sometimes wet----curiosity I guess

I sometimes don't care for the mouse pad---too soft and will use either a magazine or a sheet of leather.

I guess it's all personal preference, I've learned that more pressure is not a plus---your right light pressure (to me) is the best.

I then follow up with a loaded strop than flip strop over to a naked leather finish on the strop

Wait for the pro's to follow up and see how things compare:thumbup:

Paul

 

[al3xd4gr34t]

You'll need one of the mousepads that don't have the hard plastic on top.

I say go 120, 600, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit for grits to get. 120 only for changing a V grind to a convex or for highly damaged edges. I like 3M Wet/Dry sandpaper. You can get it at most automotive parts stores.

 

[razorback1595]

you can go to a hardware store and look for one of these

They have the right amount of give to them, and it holds the sandpaper in place

Credit goes to *jijoel* (member from a dutch forum )

 

[SPXTrader]

I've used a mouse pad, belt sander and a phone book. Short of having a belt sander, I'd suggest the phone book. Just the right amount of give and the sheets of sandpaper can be taped to the corners of the book so the paper fits tightly. As for the grit process, al3xd4gr34t has it right. Use an automotive grade paper, not one made for wood. The automotive grade is aluminium oxide paper and is black in color.

 

[richard j]

i find some mousepads too soft so i like something firmer. a phone book like spxtrader suggested is a lot better. the 3m brand wetordry paper works best. i use a belt sander now to do my convex edges. where in the states do you live? if you would like more help, send me an email. rje196021@gmail.com