Free Hand Sharpening

Freehand all the way.

A stone is far more portable than any system and works better , for me.

I will always freehand stone those blades , G.

tostig
 
Freehand here. I bought a couple of jig systems a number of years ago and they did work, but I thought they were all very awkward.
 
I have 2 blocks that hold the stone at 12 and 17 degree angles from vertical, and then go to the 15 or 20 degree slots on the Sharpmaker. Since there is no clamping or anything involved, and the angle is determined by the way I hold the knife, I've always considered these free hand. Just to see if I could still do it, I took my knife in one hand and 220/1000 grit combo waterstone in the other and rubbed the two together, thus producing a hair whittling edge. The edges aren't as pretty as when I only sharpened this way, but they are good and sharp and to pretty them up, I just need to slow down a bit. The 2 main kitchen knives and my Buck Scoutlite pocket knife were done in about 5 minutes each, though one of the kitchen knives had some chips from the dishwasher that I didn't take out.
 
I freehand and I generally get my edges shaving sharp,then I strop for more refinement-lately though I'm having a little trouble w/my strop getting loaded up ,I tried sandpapering it to clean it,then re-rouge but still have issues...@#%&
 
free hand definitely. I still need practice but I can take it from nothing to arm-shaving at least.

3 steps for me
1.New bevel (if needed) on a cheap coarse stone. though I'm thinking of trying sandpaper. Any suggestions?
2.Move to a 1000/6000 Japanese water stone (AMAZING)
3.Strop on a cheap piece of 2-inch wide leather from a leather store.
 
So far I had my knives sharpened by other people, but I guess it's time I got independent on the procedure, as my usage and blade carry are increasing lately...
I have to say I was about to buy a kit/sharpener some time ago but then I backed out. I have always felt the lure of freehand sharpening, and I'm seriously thinking of taking that path.
How important do u think it would be to have someone expert teaching me? I mean, I know that with time and practice I would eventually become good enough at it...still I have this feeling that getting some "basic lessons" would make a huge difference, more or less like playing a musical instrument I guess. A good basis leads u to an easier and longer path.
So what do u think? are u all self-trained? what's your experience and ur own idea about this?
Thanks alot
 
SardinianDr said:
So far I had my knives sharpened by other people, but I guess it's time I got independent on the procedure, as my usage and blade carry are increasing lately...
I have to say I was about to buy a kit/sharpener some time ago but then I backed out. I have always felt the lure of freehand sharpening, and I'm seriously thinking of taking that path.
How important do u think it would be to have someone expert teaching me? I mean, I know that with time and practice I would eventually become good enough at it...still I have this feeling that getting some "basic lessons" would make a huge difference, more or less like playing a musical instrument I guess. A good basis leads u to an easier and longer path.
So what do u think? are u all self-trained? what's your experience and ur own idea about this?
Thanks alot
Click to expand...

My Grandpa's both tried to teach me , granted they sharpened their knives not for beauty but for use. They did not mind swirly scratches at all.
My freehand epiphany came near two decades after I was taught. I sharpen as they taught me but with my own twist in that I avoid scratching up my blades :D

My advice is to buy a couple quality stones , a decent knife to practice on , say old carbon kitchen knives for example. Check out some youtube videos , or tutorials online and develop your own special method.
It really is not all that hard but it does take patience and practice , once you master it - It becomes therapeutic. :)

Tostig
 
Free handing really isn't that big a deal (It's not like it's a new thing or anything), did it for over 30 years myself and still do it some today when I feel like it.

I use the Edge Pro for most things these days because it's one heck of a lot faster to get done what I need to get done.

I still do all touch ups free hand though, just a few strokes and it's done usually.
 
Free hand sharpening it's definitely more rewarding and challenging specially when convexing the edge with stones. Wouldn't do it any other way.
 
For small recurves, I use a DMT Aligner, finished free hand stropping. I freehand on most large knives including my Khukuris, finished by sand paper and leather strop.
 
I explained free hand sharpening to a guest like this. If all you want is a sharp edge, with no regard to looks, free hand sharpening is easy. If you want a knife you are willing to use and show to others, its gonna take some practice.
 
SardinianDr said:
So far I had my knives sharpened by other people, but I guess it's time I got independent on the procedure, as my usage and blade carry are increasing lately...
I have to say I was about to buy a kit/sharpener some time ago but then I backed out. I have always felt the lure of freehand sharpening, and I'm seriously thinking of taking that path.
How important do u think it would be to have someone expert teaching me? I mean, I know that with time and practice I would eventually become good enough at it...still I have this feeling that getting some "basic lessons" would make a huge difference, more or less like playing a musical instrument I guess. A good basis leads u to an easier and longer path.
So what do u think? are u all self-trained? what's your experience and ur own idea about this?
Thanks alot
Click to expand...

i taught myself how to sharpen. i bought a few beat-up, decent quality chef's knives at a thrift store and a cheap $3 aluminum oxide stone and practiced.

technique is more important than equipment.

don't use too much pressure. you can always just do a few more strokes.

with sharpening, all you are trying to do is to make both sides meet at a single point in the middle. if you can keep the angle of the blade the same for both sides and do the same amount of sharpening on both sides, you'll be set. count how many strokes you do for each side to keep the edge even. if you are putting a new edge on a blade, you can do 5-10 strokes per side until you make both sides meet in the middle. once the sides meet, lower the count to 3 strokes per side, than 2, than 1. check the edge, you can always go back and do another set of 3-3, 2-2, 1-1.

as you get close to a final edge, use lighter pressure.

i would recommend you practice on cheaper knives first. good luck.
 
I always free hand. I'm not a monster but I do it quite well... I use pretty much Arkansas and Japanese waterstones, but I have also stroppers, ceramic/diamond rods etc. For every knife I've a preferred set of sharpening tools
 
Just a note - Sierra Trading Post sells Dans Arkansas Stones for 50%+ off. I just picked up a 10" surgical translucent for under $50. It puts one heck of a edge on.
 
My Grandpa taught me how to free hand sharpen when I was 8,that was 40 years ago.Tried other systems,but can't take a shine to them.
 
Wicked Edge! Holy smoke. I've sharpened knives with great success since I was kid (almost 55
years ago. But NOTHING gives an edge like Wicked Edge. Expensive and worth every penny.
Tomatoes tremble in fear.

I have no financial interest in the company, just a really satisfied customer.

Bill
 
Ok guys you got me...I will learn to sharpen my knives by myself, and freehand...start with cheap kitchen knives and do my obvious lot of mistakes before I get it right...
So now comes the next question :-)
Tools!!
I know the first ones don't necessarily have to be the best ones, and that I may change in the future, but still I want something good enough to start and learn with.
So I was wondering about buying the DMT D4 continuous diamond stones or the DMT W4 diamond whetstones and see what edge I can get with them (and some leather strop)...somehow they appealed to me, they don't seem to be that expensive, and diamonds are forever (mmmmm I guess I heard that before, and it was not about sharpening...) but before buying anything
I wanted to get some opinions here, and eventually alternatives.
I'm also checking on youtube for videos that might help me with the basic technique.
So any help is welcome.
 
SardinianDr said:
Ok guys you got me...I will learn to sharpen my knives by myself, and freehand...start with cheap kitchen knives and do my obvious lot of mistakes before I get it right...
So now comes the next question :-)
Tools!!
I know the first ones don't necessarily have to be the best ones, and that I may change in the future, but still I want something good enough to start and learn with.
So I was wondering about buying the DMT D4 continuous diamond stones or the DMT W4 diamond whetstones and see what edge I can get with them (and some leather strop)...somehow they appealed to me, they don't seem to be that expensive, and diamonds are forever (mmmmm I guess I heard that before, and it was not about sharpening...) but before buying anything
I wanted to get some opinions here, and eventually alternatives.
I'm also checking on youtube for videos that might help me with the basic technique.
So any help is welcome.
Click to expand...

the DMT D4 is only 1"x4". that's good for sharpening in the field, but i would suggest getting something larger for your house. you could start off with an inexpensive aluminum oxide stone that's about 2"x6" or 2"x8" in size. they can be had for under $10 at most hardware stores. i have 3 stones that i keep at work. one of them is a $3 (2" x 8") aluminum oxide stone. i have put a very sharp edge on many knives with that stone.

i use water with all of my stones.

always remember, technique is more important than equipment.
 
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Ive only done free-hand sharpening, and i don't think I will ever try anything else. Like others have said, i find it relaxing.

I only have two stones, one thats 600/800 and a Japanese water stone thats 1000/6000.

However, I sharpen my knives like i do my axes, in a circular motion; and i can get all the knives i own shaving sharp. :thumbup:
 
BlackMamba426 said:
Ive only done free-hand sharpening, and i don't think I will ever try anything else. Like others have said, i find it relaxing.

I only have two stones, one thats 600/800 and a Japanese water stone thats 1000/6000.

However, I sharpen my knives like i do my axes, in a circular motion; and i can get all the knives i own shaving sharp. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

is the 600/800 a japanese stone as well. Can you set new bevels easily on the 600?
 
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