correct use of a whetstone

[chairman moe]

Howdy folks, just wanted to get a couple of opinions on an article I read on knife sharpening techniques in "American Rifleman." I have always used the "draw" method on a stone, basically start at the end of the blade (by the hilt) and bring it back like you were shaving/cutting a layer off of the stone towards the tip. Repeat a couple of times and then flip over. After reading the article, it suggested that you use a circular motion? I've never tried it...any thoughts?

All I can say is, it's cool to see that there have been more knife related articles in a gun rag (especially an NRA one), in the last couple of issues. They primarily feature Buck, Kershaw and Benchmade....but hopefully they will show some nice alternatives....like "customs" in future issues.

 

[Crayola]

I think that using circles is fine for quick removal of steel. When using a coarse hone, I will use circles and/or vigorous back-and-forth movements.

When it is time for the fine hone, I prefer taking swipes. It may be interesting to test out the differences between circles and non-circles. At the edge, I suspect curcular movements will put really odd scratches on it, while a slicing motions will line up the scratches nicely, actually improving real cutting. But for the average user, I doubt it matters much. Go with circles for fast removal, and straight slices on the fine hone.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

There is a very large difference in the edge formed by circular scratches and those that run perpendicular to the edge. The circular ones are less aggressive and the edge weaker. As you go to really high polishes this effect is eliminated as the micro-teeth are removed (essentially carbide structure dominates). I looked at this about three years or so ago when discussing honing angle with a maker. I never went into any detail because it doesn't have any advantages so why do it. As a forming operation though, it of course doesn't matter, so you can shape the edge any way you want.

-Cliff