Curved Blade (ZT0350) Sharpening Question, Please

S

sharkattacksw

Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
626
Guys,

I'm anxiously awaiting my ZT0350 and have a few questions. This knife is the first one I've purchased that has a 'curved' (for lack of a better term) blade. My other knives have traditional clip, drop point or tanto blades. Those I can sharpen with acceptable results on my flat stones.

However, I'm wondering how it will be to try to sharpen a blade that curves 'inward' a bit like the ZT does. Can it still be done on a flat stone, or will I need to invest in a different sharpening system? I have a Sharpmaker, and I like it OK, but I think I need to use it more to get better results. I still like the flat, oil stones that I grew up with. I'm after a decent utility edge, not necessarily toilet paper slicing sharp. Although that would be great to learn how to do.

If any of you guys who own ZT blades (or similarly shaped blades) can chime in on this and help me out, I sure would appreicate it.

Thanks.
 
If you have a sharpmaker you'll be fine. I think you can probably sharpen a recurve on a flat stone if it's super small like less than an inch wide. BUT if you have a sharpmaker, i'de just use that.
 
I use some lansky crock sticks to sharpen mine. Same idea as the Sharpmaker, but less than $20.
 
I reprofiled a ZT-0350 using a Lansky guided sharpener. It's hones are flat, and about 1/2" wide (about the same width as the Sharpmaker's rods). It got the job done. Just need to be careful to use LIGHT pressure in the recurve, as only the edges of the hone will be making contact with the blade most of the time. Pressing too hard will exert too much force on a very small portion of the blade edge, resulting in chipping and/or edge rolling.

Your Sharpmaker should do just fine. Use the corners of the rods, again with VERY LIGHT pressure.

Another possibility is to use a round hone (like a Crock Stick type) or even use some sandpaper wrapped around a round dowel or section of PVC pipe (which, conveniently, can be sized to more closely approximate the radius of your blade's recurve).
 
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I have 2 recurves, ZT0301 and BM 710 and have a single, Sharpmaker "fine" rod for getting into that pesky recurve - then a series of strops. Works okay for me. The suggestions above are great too. :thumbup:
 
Another good sharpener for recurve blades is the AG Russell Ceramic Sharpener. It is basically two round rods with a wood base and storage unit. I use mine everyday for touch ups and the Sharpmaker for resharpening.
 
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