Having a hard time sharpening a William Henry Kestrel >>

patrickb

patrickb

Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
339
I picked up a Spyderco Sharpmaker last week and found it extremely simple to use. None of my blades were dull, but none were hair-popping sharp either. After 10 minutes each on the sharpmaker's 40 degree side, I had an old Leatherman's blade, a CRKT F4 fixed blade and my BM 770 hair-popping sharp!

However, when trying to do the same with my WH Kestrel, I just can't seem to get it as sharp as the others. It's not dull and will shave arm hair, it just takes a bit of effort. Since I use the Kestrel for very small tasks like opening mail, boxes and other packages at work, I'd love it if I could get it as sharp as the others. My Spydie Calypso Jr., for instance can eat envelopes for lunch :)

What do I need to do to get the Kestrel that sharp as well?
 
Mark the edge up with a magic marker, let the ink dry, and run each side of the blade down the corners of the hones in your Sharpmaker. The further back they remove a uniform line, the longer you'll have to repeat step 1 (20 alternating strokes on the corners of the brown hones).

It will happen and you'll get a great edge, but you'll need patience.
 
It sounds to me like you haven't got the edge profiled to your sharpening angle yet. Once you've got the edge totally ground down to that angle, you'll have the edge you are looking for.

Paul
 
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