General knife questions steels, sharpening, locks

[Natedog351]

Hey so I'm very new to the world of knives I just have a few quick questions that I need some light shined on

1. Preferred sharpening methods quite frankly I've only own knives that were given to me as gifts n I've never had to sharpen a knife once so in a general sense what is the best way to sharpen your knives. I understand this is probably too general of a question that there are different way your sharpen different blades in this case specifically I'm curious about s30v, d2, and blades with recurves for instance zt0350

2. Locks in my small experience it seems like every knife I've had with a linear lock developed blade play vertical from the lock rubbing again the blade and it eventually wearing down. Is this a common problem with linear locks or is it not a problem anymore with higher quality knives? Also would that apply for frame locks as well I know they both function in the same way but it's my understanding that frame locks are more solid.

3. Blades it seems like s30v is starting to be the pretty common blade on a lot of knive. What are some other higher quality steels that you prefer? I understand that this is probably too general again so maybe what you use for hard use and what you use for edc?

4. Why does it seem like a lot of people who collect knives also collect watches? I feel like im missing something here

5. What are some good retailer sites to order from?

 

[9blades]

1
Most people prefer a knife sharpenig system like the edge pro and the spyderco sharp maker and lansky makes some good ones you can nearly sharpen any folder with them they range from around $40/$120.

2
The liner lock is fine even the cheaper knives as long a there from a good company. And yes the frame lock is stronger but because it's a thicker piece of steel but the liner lock is plenty strong.

3
I like s30v some other good steels are m390, elmax, H1, vg10 and the list go's on i dont know a lot about steels if you just search
the forum youl find good info. For hard use you whant somthing easy to sharpen like 1095.

4
God knows iv wonderd this myself

5
Smoky mountain knife works, blade hq. are my favs and just so you know your not really supposed to ask about dealers I don't remember where it is but thers a list of blade forums dealers.

Hope this helps just my $0.02.

 

[NjHart]

9Blades answered the rest pretty much like I would have, so perhaps I can help on #4. I can't speak for everyone in the community, but some of us at least take the gear (a liberal term here) we carry every day to a pretty obsessive level. I know that I never leave home without sunglasses, knife, pen, and watch in addition to the basics of keys, phone, and wallet. Since none of these items are ever out of my reach and I tend to rely on them throughout the day, I always make sure they fit my specific needs and wants and perform to a high quality. Just as I have grown to enjoy knives with flippers and abrasion resistant steels, I've refined my tastes in sunglasses (have to have incredible polarization- costa del mar is my brand of choice) and watches (no batteries to add to reliability, accuracy is important, sapphire face to resist scratches- citizen eco-drive for my price bracket). It is simply put, about perfecting and honing the little items that excessively used on a daily basis that most people take for granted or ignore.

 

[9blades]

Njhart
I agree. If your a knife guy by default your kinda a gear guy. My edc for instance:

Most of the time I'll carry
A spyderco native (s30v)
A mechanical pencil and pen style eraser
A money clip/wallet
A Pack of 5 gum
A craftsman four sided screw driver.

These are the other knives I carry from left to rite:
Crkt summa (8cr13mov) for same thing as the native just edc.
Boker plus elegance full carbon fiber (440c) for when I need something more formal.
Letherman old wave (440c) got this one for $2.99! For when I'm working on a project or taking something apart. Also if I carry this I don't carry the craftsman screw driver.

Don't worry to much about steel. higher end steel are good but plain old 1095 or 440c are (just not for hard use) IMO just fine. the only steels you have to look out for are 440a and aus4
Lot of typings..............sigh!
Hope it helps.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

9blades, when I rolled onto your picture, the first thing I saw was Staedtler! Then the eraser and the Native came into focus and I thought you snuck into my EDC drawer.

Yes, if we're knife knuts, we're gear freaks. That goes for flashlights and guns and cars and trucks, too.

* ****** **** ****** *

Natedog351, good questions. Lets get you oriented around Bladeforums. We have specialized forums here for particular interests. Asking in the right forum can get you a much better answer, a more focused answer.

Question 1 on sharpening. Ask it in the Maintenance, Tinkering & Embellishment here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/794-Maintenance-Tinkering-amp-Embellishment

Sharpening you don't really have to ask. Just browse the threads there already.

Question 5 on retailers. Ask it in the FEEDBACK: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly! forum here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/699-FEEDBACK-The-Good-The-Bad-The-Ugly!

 

[9blades]

Thanks Esav.
I used to use a wood pencil but when I would get board id Whittle me down to a stub lol
Writing/drawing is a lot more fun with the proper tools

 

[Insipid Moniker]

1. If you're new to sharpening I'd recommend picking up something like the Sharpmaker or a similar system from A.Gm Russell or Lanksy. That will give you a good initial guide on how to sharpen and once you get the knack you can still use the rods to freehand. They will also handle most recurves pretty adroitly although for more extreme recurves like the Kershaw Bump series, I prefer a dowel rod with sandpaper.
2. The ohenomenon you're talking about is lock rock and, while somewhat common, is not inevitable. If I get a knife that develops lock rock I'll typically send it back to the manufacturer and let there warranty department handle it. That being said, liner and frame locks are among my least favorites and I'm much more willing to spend my money on a good backlock, or something more unique like the compression lock, axis lock or Hawk lock.
3. I don't actually love S30V that much. Some of my favorite steels are M390, CTS-XHP, CPM-D2 and Elmax for folders, 1095, 5160, D2 and CPM 3V for fixed blades.
4. Haven't a clue. Watches have never been my thing, but to each their own.
5. There are a ton out there and you'll see a number of dealers pop up if you watch the forums here. One that I think deserves special mention is A.G. Russell. Prices may be a bit higher than some other places, but customer service is unparalleled and the in house designs are really amazing.

 

[Melektau]

Use sandpaper elmers glue and glass from a picture frame

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Use sandpaper elmers glue and glass from a picture frame

I would try water between your glass and wet/dry sandpaper. No lumps and easily removed. Others, I believe, have used spray adhesive for this type of thing. Same deal, less likelihood of lumps, easier removal.

Just a thought.