Freehand sharpening tips.

B

brasileiro

Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
250
Hey there!
Do you have a specific way that works for you when sharpening on bench stone to keep the angle?
I mean: lock your elbow, or lock your holding hand wrist, or lock everything and tilt your torso like a robot...
Any tips for what work for you?
Perhaps any video?

Thanks.
 
I get best results standing at a bench. I lock at the wrist mostly but not entirely. The mechanics are very similar to how I use a file on a workpiece in a vice.

 
brasileiro said:
Hey there!
Do you have a specific way that works for you when sharpening on bench stone to keep the angle?
I mean: lock your elbow, or lock your holding hand wrist, or lock everything and tilt your torso like a robot...
Any tips for what work for you?
Perhaps any video?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Mostly you have to pucker and hold your tongue just right. The curve of the bill of your operator's cap can make or break a sharpening session. Be sure to study that; much subtlety there. So many factors come into play . . .
I like to get out my Edge Pro Apex, hang up my hat and relax.
Besides . . . sharpening by hand will grow hair in the palm of your hand. Who wants that !
:eek:
:)
 
I like to sit at my sharpening table with stone in holder in front of me. The spine of the knife always faces me so I can see the angle. Both hands on the blade. Lock my wrist, move at elbows. On the coarse stone move the knife back & forth. Do not lift. Work up burr. Flip do the same. Go to finer stone and only pushing the blade now. Lift bring back & push. DM
 
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Put sharpie marker along the edges you wish to sharpen. Cover the whole edge grind from apex to shoulder. As you sharpen it will remove sharpie marker, thus you will be able to see the parts you are missing.
 
I visualize what the angle is going to look like before i begin. Angling the knife on one side then the other, remembering what it looks and feels like. I do this throughout the sharpening process as needed to keep the right focus.
Watch for the hand holding the blade not to wobble and feel steady. Watch for the start of the stroke to be same angle, i help myself with my offhand here so the start is not too jerky and the blade doesn't angle because of it.
Start slow and feel the movement then it will pickup on its own.
Don't be tired or drunk ;)
 
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