convexing an opinel

[Waldamir]

I've been having some trouble sharpening my opinel with my lansky 4 rod turn box and I feel like putting a convex edge on it would help. The problem is that I have no earthly idea how to so can someone please explain to me what's the simplest way and cheapest way to convex this so it's nice and Sharp. I've heard sand paper on a mouse pad works. but what grits should I get? should they be wetdry or would any sandpaper work? closest shop I have to get this stuff is wally world so I'd like to stick to there to get supplies

Thanks in advance

 

[jackknife]

If you lay a rulers strait edge on the side of the blade from spine to edge, you will see the blade is already convex ground. Try just touching it up on the bottom of a coffee mug.

 

[Waldamir]

If you lay a rulers strait edge on the side of the blade from spine to edge, you will see the blade is already convex ground. Try just touching it up on the bottom of a coffee mug.

I may have ground it down flat from throwing it on my turn box and a diamond stone. so just in case it is what grits of sandpaper should I use?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I may have ground it down flat from throwing it on my turn box and a diamond stone. so just in case it is what grits of sandpaper should I use?

Anything from 320 - 2000+ grit can work quite well, depending on if you need/want to reprofile or just touch up the edge. Opinel blades are very thin already, so it doesn't take long. A very, very easy way to sharpen & maintain Opinels is to just 'strop' the blade on the sandpaper over a hard backing, like glass (better if the paper is firmly stuck/glued to the hard backing). Softer backing, like leather, under the sandpaper will increase the convex at the edge, but also increase the chance of simply rounding or dulling the edge. Personally, I'd avoid the mousepad (too soft); some thin & firm leather over a hard backing (glass, wood, bench, table) can work very well as the backing under the paper, especially if the blade is laid flush to the paper.


David