Directions Please

[japanesegorilla]

Hi all. I'm relatively new to the world of knives and could use some pointers in the area of sharpening. So far I have purchased the standard USMC Kabar, the Kabar heavy bowie, and some various inexspensive folders. Basically, I have no idea how to sharpen my knives or what product would be the most effective. If someone could direct me to some sites or other threads that are made for noobs like me, that would be great.

Also, any suggestions for sharpening products? Please keep in mind that at this point I don't really want to spend more on a sharpener than I did on my knives ($40 range).

Thanks

 

[Native Justice]

The Spyderco Sharpmaker is the most economical and most effective sharpener on the market and can be found for $40-50 online. Just follow the instructions on the CD tutorial and you'll be fine. The trick with any knife is to not let the knife get dull and the edge blunt. Periodic honing before it gets dull maintains and edge so you don't have to take alot of time bringing the edge back to spooky sharp. Good luck!

 

[ulua]

for the guy on a budget...try the idahone inc. cs-4 'V'sharpener.(303) 838-4635.
it has 4 rods
w/ a two angle wooden base...what is different and very desireable is that one set of rods is course ceramic. why,one might ask...'cause it's not a perfect world and sometimes you need to sharpen a blind mans knife (a knife so dull that a 'visually challenged' person would not know which side to cut with).
a course sharpening surface,will remove metal faster. a course ceramic rod is inexpensive, especially if compared to the diamond coated ones that have longevity problems (in my opinon). other systems have medium grit rods,
but with the idahone course rods, you start with med.heavy pressure and then just use light pressure for a few strokes before going onto the fine rods. you'll be happy you have this one when your buddy complements you, on your sharp kitchen knives and will you sharpen his block, of hard german steel cutlery...that would take forever w/out the course grit rod.
just thought i'd share...good luck

 

[Mtn Hawk]

There is a lot of excellent info and advice on the knife forums but the best way I've found yet to learn the basics is the book The Razor Edge Book Of Sharpening by John Juranitch.

Understanding the principles of sharpening rather than just going through the motions of what I was told has been a big help in improving my skills.

 

[ahgar]

I use an arkansas stone and mineral oil but a buddy of mine swears by a lansky. wally world sells a lansky knockoff that is supposed to be pretty good. good luck and try anything you'll find something that works for you. later, ahgar