F1 sharpening

[gadusgadus]

As a novice I am terrified of spoiling my newly aqquired F1.Are there any foolproof sharpening systems out there or am I better off going down the mousemat and wet & dry route with it having a convex grind? I have managed to keep my old opinel respectably sharp with an old stone and a strop but don't know what to expect with new fangled steel- any help gratefully received !

 

[IUKE12]

That's a great knife, I don't have the F1..yet, but I do have a few Bark Rivers in convex. It would behoove you to learn the mouse pad method and maintain the convex edge. It really isn't all that hard and you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

 

[StretchNM]

I'd say if it was newly acquired, perhaps it hasn't been used enough to dull yet? IF that's the case, you have a little time to practice.

Either put it on the Sharpmaker and forget the convex edge or........... do what I do:

It's easy. Start at 800 if dull, 1000 or 2000 if just a trifle used. Use very light pressure. Keep your angle low for the first few attempts, gradually raising it with each sharpening attempt. The F-1 is a fairly thick-bladed knife, so I image you could find yourself at a pretty steep angle to reach the edge.