HELP:Free hand Sharpening a very cheap blade

[P2P]

I have a friends cheap Chinese pocket knife that I am trying to sharpen. I typically have no problem putting a razor edge on a drop point knife.

Maybe it was the coffee I drank, but I am beginning to thing it is the steel. Very low vanadium, huge carbides, bad heat treat, or something of that matter.

I have already put too much time into this knife and I am getting frustrated to say the least.

Also, the grind on one side near the tang appears to have gotten a little obtuse. This is where I am have the most issues.

All advise welcome. Ask me any questions as well, I want to get to the bottom of this.

If I ever want to sharpen knives for money, I need to figure this issue out.

Thanks,
Dalton

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Cheap knives with 'mystery steel' (un-named, un-spec'd) blades are always a toss-up. Sometimes, they're worthless. At other times, they might pleasantly surprise you. A couple or three questions:

1. What brand/make is the knife (if it's marked)? Some 'inexpensive' Chinese knives these days, are being made with some relatively decent steel.
2. What are you using to sharpen it?
3. Do you have a guided system, like a Lansky, Gatco, Aligner, etc.? Sometimes, even when you're already comfortable with freehand sharpening, using a guided system can eliminate some variables (like angle control) if/when a troublesome knife/steel presents itself. When you no longer have to concentrate on keeping the angle, it's easier to focus on pressure, and making sure the edge is fully apexed. Especially with tougher steels; if you get fatigued, all other controls go out the window, and the problems become magnified.

 

[P2P]

Alright David, i found the issue to be me... not the steel.

I feel to properly address this new issue, I should start a new thread. That way others may be able to benefit from the information as well.

Look for

Free-hand Sharpening: Setting the initial bevel.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Alright David, i found the issue to be me... not the steel.

I feel to properly address this new issue, I should start a new thread. That way others may be able to benefit from the information as well.

Look for

Free-hand Sharpening: Setting the initial bevel.

OK Dalton. I'll be watching for it, sounds like you're onto a solution. That's always good to see here; problem-solving in action. :thumbup: