edgepro stones used for hand sharpening

[Last Visible Canary]

my appologies if this has been brought up before.

I just sharpened 2 axes I was going to use with these. initially I wanted to use the table to get a solid consistent edge, but these are obviously way to be for the little apex model's table. so instead I used them like I use a file to get a very nice convex edge, up to a consistent polish.

you can mark the edge off with permanent marker and work your way from acute to obtuse until you know your right at the edge, rather then the standard stone method where the edge being sharpened is covered and on the underside. I've never been able to freehand stone sharpen before, but I'm pretty good and consistent with a file, so using these in that manner is like bliss after many hours of frustration trying a standard stone method before.

I like the diafold sharpeners from dmt, but these are way better for full sharpening tasks, as they last until the stone is gone. it also helps that most of the stones wear down in the middle when used with the table, and this type of sharpening is only at the edges of the stone, which helps keep it even.

Even if my table broke or I had never bought it, I would keep buying these stones to use in this way.

The axe in the picture, the kelly true temper, is the hardest axe I've ever handled. only my brand new out of package files will touch it, and those tend to ring out unless you go very slow, and very carefully. It seems like the rc has to be at least 62, maybe a few points higher.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

the idea, but with permanent marker if needed.

 

[matt321]

Cool. Nice photos.
What does that mean when you say the files tend "ring out"?

 

[Last Visible Canary]

Cool. Nice photos.
What does that mean when you say the files tend "ring out"?

I think the technical word is called "skating", where the file is unable to pull a chip off the metal and the teeth just bounce, or skate over it. I tend to say "ring" because it makes a ringing bell sound when it does it, rather then a grating sound. I should probably stop calling it that...

the stones in the picture are from left to right - 180, 220, 320, 600, 3000

 

[thombrogan]

Very nice! Thanks for showing and sharing, LVC!

I thinned out my first HI AK with a 120 grit EdgePro. Very quick, though I did lose the stone (and gained a sharper khuk!).

 

[Skimo]

Excellent use of the stones. I've used those little portable diamond rods to put an edge back on before, I was taught to sharpen axes incorrectly when I was a fire fighter, I might have to try a convex edge out.

~Jon
kniferights.org member 606. how about you?

 

[Last Visible Canary]

Excellent use of the stones. I've used those little portable diamond rods to put an edge back on before, I was taught to sharpen axes incorrectly when I was a fire fighter, I might have to try a convex edge out.

~Jon
kniferights.org member 606. how about you?

to be honest I've never been shown or taught how to sharpen an axe, so I wouldn't know correct from incorrect. I'd put a straight edge on these with the apex if I could, but since I can't I go with semi-convex because that's how my filing comes out. straight at the actual edge, then I bring the file to a more acute angle to thin out the shoulder.

this stone use/experiment came from me being tired of people posting hair whittling sharp edges and mine being gritty at best. just trying to improve the edge on various edged tools.

I wish I had known you could do this with these earlier, many a dull edge would have been actively sharpened through the years.

 

[Lucky Bob]

the stones in the picture are from left to right - 180, 220, 320, 600, 3000

I'm pretty sure the highest grit stone EdgePro offers is 1000, then 3000 and 7000 tapes.

When I bought my kit, I think it was 800 stone, 1000 tape, then 3000 tape... my how times have changed

 

[Dinkum]

I have done the same thing to convex a tram machete. They work great dont they!

 

[Last Visible Canary]

I'm pretty sure the highest grit stone EdgePro offers is 1000, then 3000 and 7000 tapes.

When I bought my kit, I think it was 800 stone, 1000 tape, then 3000 tape... my how times have changed

wish I could get the 800 stone, that would be awesome. the 3000 tape works great getting the 600 up to mirror, but they do wear out fast.

 

[Last Visible Canary]

it kinda goes along the lines of "new use for old gear" sharpening wise

I've been frustrated with my kitchen knife set being dull, because despite my protest everyone things it's a good idea to throw them in the washer along side a bunch of other knives and forks.

so a few days ago I look down, and I see the equivelent of the side of a window, a glass cutting board. now, a glass cutting board is about the worst idea I've ever heard of for a kitchen gadget, it gaurentee's the destruction of any edge on any knife that touches it - BUT, the rim of this board was frosted. it has somewhere between a 220-320 grit ceramic edge.

so I tried a few passes with one of my blunt kitchen knives, and VIOLA! it works like a charm! not a great mirror polish edge, but for knives that are beaten up and thrown around, it took them from dull to sharp within about 10 strokes wich is really impressive to me, given that it's just a glass cutting board. we got ours at a thrift store so it was way cheaper then a new one, around 2$.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31SRFW0H0KL._SS500_.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Board...2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1239635497&sr=8-2


i'm seriously considering buying a 600 stone from edgepro and making a sheath for it... it would last way longer and be cheaper then the diafold from dmt.