Finally got sharpening down.

S

smcjoecohen@yahoo

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Nov 22, 2011
Messages
515
I started trying to sharpen knives in earnest about 6 months ago. I used to use those $10 carbon steel sharpeners but I never touched any of my higher end blades w/it. I experimented w/a regular arkansas stone on cheap knives. I got a sharpmaker which works very well, but I wanted to develop enough skill to be able to use a stone freehand. It's also necessary to re-profile blades that have extensive damage. I just set up my sharpening gear on my ottoman, and I sit here and sharpen stuff while I watch tv at night. I'm finally at the point where I can get a blade to where it cuts paper better than the razor blades in my boxcutter (Lenox Gold razors). The blades I sharpen make hairs pop off my arm w/very little pressue. I use an old belt w/green strop compound to finish them off. My point in all of this is that as knife lovers, collectors, enthusiasts, we really should try to develop those skills before using something like Sharpmaker or Wicked Edge. Like almost anything, it's easy once you know what you're doing.
 
Congrats ! I am at the point where I want to do more with either freehand or something line DMT aligner first to get familiar with angles.

What stone do you like best right now?
 
Agreed and thanks for the post. Freehand sharpening is very zen and a lifetime journey. You never really master it... you just get better at it.
 
smcjoecohen@yahoo said:
My point in all of this is that as knife lovers, collectors, enthusiasts, we really should try to develop those skills before using something like Sharpmaker or Wicked Edge. .
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Kind of like:

Develop the skills to use a manual typewriter before a computer.
Develop the skills to drive a manual stick transmission before an automatic transmission.
Develop the skills to ...


Oh wait, I didn't do any of those.

Nevermind, I'll stick with my Wicked Edge.
 
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smcjoecohen@yahoo said:
I started trying to sharpen knives in earnest about 6 months ago. I used to use those $10 carbon steel sharpeners but I never touched any of my higher end blades w/it. I experimented w/a regular arkansas stone on cheap knives. I got a sharpmaker which works very well, but I wanted to develop enough skill to be able to use a stone freehand. It's also necessary to re-profile blades that have extensive damage. I just set up my sharpening gear on my ottoman, and I sit here and sharpen stuff while I watch tv at night. I'm finally at the point where I can get a blade to where it cuts paper better than the razor blades in my boxcutter (Lenox Gold razors). The blades I sharpen make hairs pop off my arm w/very little pressue. I use an old belt w/green strop compound to finish them off. My point in all of this is that as knife lovers, collectors, enthusiasts, we really should try to develop those skills before using something like Sharpmaker or Wicked Edge. Like almost anything, it's easy once you know what you're doing.
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awesome, although i disagree with the fact that people should start with freehand.

the sharpmaker can actually help people develop the skills and knowledge needed to learn freehand.

i don't recommend people start with devices like the wicked edge or edge pro but a sharpmaker can be beneficial.

another tip for future freehanders is learning on an ultra fine stone. this way if you alter the angle it won't damage the edge.

nice post!
 
I use a Smith's Diamond stone mostly. I also have regular Arkansas Stones that work. I like the Diamond one more though. It's just a small one, it's like a 4" surface w/a handle, couse and fine sides. It's not great for long blades like my Harsey T3, but for my Striders, ZT's, and other short blades it does fine. I am planning on getting a bigger one. With practice I've been able to get a great edge, of course Stropping is essential, I'm trying to get a mirror edge on my ZT 0560 right now, it's ridiculously sharp though. I have no hair on my right arm or thigh from showing it to other guys at work!
MTHall720 said:
Congrats ! I am at the point where I want to do more with either freehand or something line DMT aligner first to get familiar with angles.

What stone do you like best right now?
Click to expand...
 
I've heard the wicked edge works really well, and I do want one, I just wanted to be able to do it the old fashioned way, not absolutely necessary though. Not sure about the typewriter analogy?
 
It's true that technology and machines make life easier. It's easier than doing things the old fashioned way, the hard way, the way that takes practice and time. That's progress I guess, it's definitely the way things are going. I'm a carpenter, if I need a decorative edge or a compound miter I just break out the router or miter saw. I live in Mass. The Shaker carpentry around here is amazing. Partly because those guys did it all by hand, they were highly skilled, no power tools... no need for guys that do it by hand anymore. In time their will be machines that can do my job. Eventually machines to fix the machines, and run them. At some point the machines will surpass humans, and maybe there will be no more humans around, and that's called evolution, something better always shows up eventually. The WEPS is faster, and easier, probably does it better, it's on the $$$ side, I want one, but I still like being able to do it by hand.
 
smcjoecohen@yahoo said:
It's true that technology and machines make life easier. It's easier than doing things the old fashioned way, the hard way, the way that takes practice and time. That's progress I guess, it's definitely the way things are going. I'm a carpenter, if I need a decorative edge or a compound miter I just break out the router or miter saw. I live in Mass. The Shaker carpentry around here is amazing. Partly because those guys did it all by hand, they were highly skilled, no power tools... no need for guys that do it by hand anymore. In time their will be machines that can do my job. Eventually machines to fix the machines, and run them. At some point the machines will surpass humans, and maybe there will be no more humans around, and that's called evolution, something better always shows up eventually. The WEPS is faster, and easier, probably does it better, it's on the $$$ side, I want one, but I still like being able to do it by hand.
Click to expand...

heh heh http://www.futuretimeline.net/
 
Nothing will ever replace freehand sharpening for me simply because I really like the slight natural convex freehand sharpening puts on an edge. The guided jig systems like the edge pro or wicked edge are great systems, but not nearly as versatile as a skilled sharpener with some good bench stones. A perfect, even bevel coming off a wicked edge may look better, but in my experience, my freehand edges simply cut better for longer.
 
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