help an old redneck

I hope to be ordering belts this coming weekend,,let me know how the ceramic belts work,,I am interested in anything that will work,,:thumbup:
 
I certainly agree with the no power tools comment. For knife makers, yes. For most sharpeners unless it's a full time business, no! You can ruin a knife and cut hell out of yourself in a half heartbeat with one small slip up. I have an Edge Pro and use it when I need to reprofile and/or sharpen several knives. Otherwise, I do just what you do, use a couple of stones followed by stropping on my palm or the side of my boot. I take my hat off to the guys who achieve 'hair popping' edges but I've never felt I really need my knives 'scapel' sharp and a good shaving edge is sufficient for my needs. Just my .02.
 
I prefer a coarse DMT diamond stone to start with, followed by a med. Spyderco alumina ceramic, then I finish up with a fine Spyderco alumina ceramic. The Spydercos are excellent stones, especially for the money. This is a relatively common combination of stones that folks around here use. The DMT cuts fast, and the Spydercos finish up nicely.
 
Old CW4 said:
I certainly agree with the no power tools comment. For knife makers, yes. For most sharpeners unless it's a full time business, no! You can ruin a knife and cut hell out of yourself in a half heartbeat with one small slip up.
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I don't. I've seen knives damaged without power equipment. It's like saying don't ever drive or ride in a car, 'cause you might get in an accident. Weigh the benefits and risks (of any method), and make an informed decision. Like anything else it just takes practice... and you don't have to be a knife maker or pro sharpener to appreciate the benefits. I do recommend that you not text or talk on a cell phone while sharpening. ;)

cbw
 
cbwx34, Damn, man! You cracked me up with your comment about not sharpening while talking on a phone. Thanks, I mean it! Been there, done that. But, as a long time master machinist, gunsmith, etc., I still hold to the concept that power tools are a last resort. If you can do it safely in a few minutes with something like a file or hand held stone, why resort to a power tool to save minutes and risk disaster?
 
CW, I agree . Social graces elude posters at times .
Smitty, I agree and so do the guys at http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com Just read what they say about the Norton x-coarse diamond stone and then using other traditional sharpening stones rather than diamond . I'm so glad for now its still a free country and differing opinions can still be post here . DM
 
Old CW4 said:
cbwx34, Damn, man! You cracked me up with your comment about not sharpening while talking on a phone. Thanks, I mean it! Been there, done that. But, as a long time master machinist, gunsmith, etc., I still hold to the concept that power tools are a last resort. If you can do it safely in a few minutes with something like a file or hand held stone, why resort to a power tool to save minutes and risk disaster?
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Thanks for your reply. Looks like you know how a forum works. To answer your question, first, you changed the focus a bit. I agree that if you can do something safely in a few minutes by hand, there's no need to resort to a power tool. I didn't (and don't) agree with power tools being reserved only for knifemakers and pro sharpeners. I also don't think you "risk disaster", in my experience, the actual risk is pretty low, the benefits far outweigh the risks, and a mistake doesn't necessairly mean the knife is ruined.

The flip side to a power tool destroying a knife in a instant, is that I've "rescued" many knives that most people wouldn't even consider trying to repair by hand... the time alone wouldn't even make it worth it. I've also read posts, and seen knives, where doing it by hand became so long and frustrating that bevels became steep, uneven, overgrinding other areas of the knife started to occur, and shortcuts attempted that actually made the problem worse. So, yes, a person can "ruin" a knife, but a knife can also be saved that otherwise might not be.

For a relatively small investment, a person can have a tool that will repair knives quicker, and in some cases better, than what can be done by hand. If they desire, they can sharpen a knife to a great edge. Whether it's better or worse than a hand sharpened knife is irrelevant, if the end result gets the job done.

Is there risk involved? Sure. Is there a learning curve? Absolutely. Trust me, I'm a perfect example. I literally bought boxes of knives off Ebay to practice on. My skill level starting was probably about as low as possible. Which, I guess, makes me more of a believer that if I can learn it, and do it right and safely, just about anyone can.

I'm not saying that power tools are the only way. I know it's not worth the debate of "which is better". Frankly, there's too many variables for that. But the OP already has a belt sander... I just don't think it's right to say or imply, don't use it. I do think it's right to say practice and get comfortable with it, before putting your good knife to the belt, and BE CAREFUL.

I could probably go on, but hopefully, I've made my thoughts a bit clearer. I certainly don't think your wrong, and in fact, your response brings up a good point that there are times when a power tool might not be needed. To me, engaging in a debate isn't an arguement, it allows people to provide information so that everyone can make a more informed decision.

David Martin said:
CW, I agree . Social graces elude posters at times . DM
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Couldn't agree more. Making an inappropriate and meaningless snipe at something that isn't even your concern is a perfect example. Fortunately CW4 has the intelligence to not take it personal, and engage in a meaningful conversation. To me, that's what forums are all about.

cbw
 
There is much room for improvement here and your second attempt was better . No snipe don't take it personal . I saw what I called . He took it well . DM
 
wow,,I got far more responses that I ever thought I would, thanks to each of you,,in the long run it boils down to what I try and what I like,,I have the belt sander so I am going to try it,,I have used power tools all my life, skill saws, air nailers, power miter boxes, table saws, drill presses, etc,,so handling the belt sander is nothing I feel I cannot handle,,maybe ruin a few knives at he start, but I feel confident I can learn to use it, I am going to buy the paper wheels to tey as well,,also going to get some good diamond stones, and after trying all these I will decide which I like best,,thanks again for everyones input,,I have learned much from reading all the comments. I am sure I will hav emany more questions and am looking forward to talking to each of you . have a good day
Rick :thumbup:
 
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