Help getting started freehanding on stones?

D

dawgvet

Joined
Jan 25, 2007
Messages
45
Ok, so I've gotten pretty good using a Lansky and then finishing on a strop w/Green paste.
Now I have always wanted to learn to freehand on bench stones.
What stones should I start with? (I only have a 4" Smiths natural Arkansas now)
What stones are going to be good value to start with (can't spend tons on stones right now)?
Also, what tips do you have for a freehand beginner?
Thanks,
Jed
 
I'd say:

- one of my Washboards (link below thru my signature)

- Norton combination India stone or combination Crystalon stone

- King 800 grit and 4k waterstone

Assuming you aren't working with steels that are high in Vanadium carbides. In that case a coarse and fine DMT diamond plate.

Even if you do not opt for one of my Washboard blocks, the website has some videos and PDF of the owner's manual. The content is applicable to all freehand though tailored for the widget.
 
Ever learning myself, the washboard is invaluable teacher to learn tactile feedback & listening to the bevel.
For high V carbide steel, after sandpaper, diamond polishing sheets are available. HeavyHanded can recommend most suitable size for the Washboard.
Highly recommended:thumbup:
 
I use Arkansas stones myself. You can get a set of (3) 2" X 6" bench stones (soft, hard and black) for a reasonable price. I received a set for Christmas and have really been enjoying using them. They work very well on my knives as well as my wife's kitchen knives. I have heard they do not work very well on the harder super steel blades. Have fun and enjoy. I continue to improve my skills free handing. It is all about maintaining the same angle with every pass. Good luck!!
 
dawgvet said:
Ok, so I've gotten pretty good using a Lansky and then finishing on a strop w/Green paste.
Now I have always wanted to learn to freehand on bench stones.
What stones should I start with? (I only have a 4" Smiths natural Arkansas now)
What stones are going to be good value to start with (can't spend tons on stones right now)?
Also, what tips do you have for a freehand beginner?
Thanks,
Jed
Click to expand...

What kind of Lansky? Why not start with the lansky stones?
Its better than bottom of a coffee cup, and thats a great way to start before finding a stone :)

Locally I can buy in store $1-$3 hard alumox stone, ~$7 hard silicon carbide stone, ~$20 waterstone ... you can find similar deals online
rabbit holes of good info/videos/links more links/talk about the same basics
The Seven Secrets of Sharpening
1363264-Best-correct-way-to-inexpensively-sharpen-a-pocket-knife
 
If you are just starting out I would suggest some aus8 steel or maybe 420hc cheaper knife and a SIC stone to practice on it. Mark with a sharpie and lightly touch the stones when you start out and try your hardest to match the bevel. I found it helps to look straight down the stone and make sure no light or space is showing below the apex of the edge. If it is then you are only hitting the shoulder of the bevel and it will be a pita. I just started seriously hand sharpening and it took me a good 5-6 months before I could get to whittle hair straight of the spyderco ceramic plate..I never use a strop anymore because I feel it does little to nothing. That tip of how i was not fully hitting the apex helped me tremendously. You will get extremely mad and probably throw things but just keep at it and take a lot of breaks. The forum is full of alot of guys that will help you with any issues you come across. Just be patient and ask alot of questions and soon you will sell your lansky or give it to a friend because bench stones are imo far superior and faster
 
Get any course/fine stone you wish and then use trigonometry to calculate how high you hold beck of blade up for desired angle
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top