Custom Dagger

[Aaron#15]

Hi, I am new at making custom knifes and have recently made my first knife. A dagger 5 inches long made of a medium carbon steel. It has been properly heat treated and tempered. Any good tips to put the first sharpening on it? I have it moderately sharp but not as sharp as desired. Any tips greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[john april]

i start my edge with a 220 grit belt until i get a burr, and finish on stones. it saves a bunch of time

 

[Aaron#15]

Ok thanks

 

[JTknives]

Pictures?

 

[Hengelo_77]

DMT diafolds black-blue-red-green then strop
20 degrees per side

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Daggers are traditionally not as "sharp" as blades made to cut and slice. I would use a 25-30° DPS edge.

 

[Stromberg Knives]

Yes, daggers are a made for thrusting and stabbing. I believe there were historical daggers where the cuttings edges weren't sharpened at all.

There are also stories about the Fairbairn Sykes fighting knife, that during World War 2, soldiers dulled its point, so it wouldn't get caught in bones.