Hey You "Free Hand" Sharpening "Pros". Need A Good Diamond Dual Sided 8" St

G

Gene

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Oct 2, 1998
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Thirty years ago when I was in the Marines, I was pretty adept at free-hand sharpening and used to sharpen my, (and all my buds), knives free-hand. I have ALL of the systems, (Sharpmaker 204, Edge Pro, Lansky, etc...), and can get a good edge with all of them but I want to brush up on my free-hand again. I'm looking for a two-sided, (coarse/fine), 8" or 6" diamond stone. Almost all of my knives are ATS-34, S60&90V, D2E, Talonite, and Stellite, so I want to go with diamond, (for speed). I know DMT makes some and they seem fine. Are there others I should consider? What do you free-hand "pros" recommend and where's the best, (read "cheapest"), place to snag one? Also, shouldn't diamond stones be used dry?

I also keep my F.Dick smooth rod and leather stroppe for that "finishing" touch and to keep those edges aligned!:) Thanks.
 
Hello Gene, just my opinion, but I prefer good ole bench stones.I used to have one of those triangular shaped pieces of wood with a different stone on each of the 3 sides and a base for the wood to rest it. The stones have long since come off of the wood, but I find they still work just as well;).

Why the "need for speed"?. I find it somewhat relaxing to take my time and truely sharpen a knife free hand. I too have a sharpmaker 204. Sometimes I use it{rarely}.

A bud and I recently did the Indy 1500 show. He's a dealer, me, I'm along for the ride:D .Saturday Gary sold a WH T12 spearpoint to a guy. Sunday, the guy returned with a small, yet quite noticeable ding in the blade. Insisted it was there to begin with:rolleyes: Gary agreed to exchange the knife, while they talked for a minute or two, he handed me the knife. I pulled out my Spyderco double stuff stone {ALWAYS on my side, amongst other goodies:)} and simply removed the ding, then stropped it. I handed it back to Gary, he handed it to the customer. The customer was amazed!! He asked what did you do?? I simply replied that " I sharpened it". He was impressed. He told me twice before he left the table how "good" I was. He said he had a lansky and others of that ilk{ I call them training wheels}, and certainly could not do what I did in only a minute or two.He also took a 600.00 WH with him on this day :). Gary pointed out that I did not need praise, I was already bad enough:rolleyes:.
I relate this story to illustrate a point. Too many do not sharpen free hand anymore. I applaud you Sir.

It is only my opinion, but I recommend good ole bench stones. Take your time, hone your skill, and enjoy.
 
I've had very good feedback from my customers (mainly Chefs). on the Hewlett 12" three sided design . It has fine,medium and coarse sides with a very nice handle design with an ample guard. The diamonds are very uniform on all three sides.If you can't find them contact me. I sale alot of them and shipping is free in the U.S. Good luck on the search.:D
 
Gene
I have or had most of the systems too. I learned on a way too coarse and not too fine double sided man-made stone. Dad and I spent many an afternoon sharpening knives. Him trying not to let me ruin my knife. Still have it today was dad's now mine.

I have DMT double sided bench stones with the black stand/holder to keep the thin stones above the bench. One coarse/fine the other fine/xfine. Get the coarse/fine first. This will do almost all the sharpening you need. Do not put too much pressure on the stones you'll ruin them in a heartbeat. All it takes is a light touch. They actually sharpen faster with just enough pressure to hold the blade against the stone. These and a fine diamond "Steel", or the sharpmaker for touchups, is enough. I do cheat and use an old DMT "lansky" style system to reprofile edges.
 
Hi Gene!

I have been using the DMT "stones" for years..the 6" ones..I have blue red and green...

also carry the 4" combo ones that fold up into the handle in my briefcase , As the guys at work always have me sharpen theirs up..

I place mine in a vise to hold them steady...sometimes hit the crock sticks when I am all done or a strop....

I really like them..Don't know where to buy them cheaply though....

sharpening by hand is a learned skill for sure....:cool:
 
My DMT hones -- coarse, medium and extra fine have held up superbly after six or seven years of regular use. Pricey but top quality. Compare prices at Lee Valley Tools (www.leevalley.com).
 
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the input! I can still free-hand pretty well but just thought I'd invest in some diamond hones because like I stated, it seems better suited for the hard S90V, Stellite, etc. Man I LOVE the "Wonder Steels"!

Hi Russ, I know what you mean about regular bench stones because that's all I used to use. But again, with these super hard steels, I'd like to give diamonds a try. I have some in my Lansky and they really do "zip" through the harder steels. By the way, the checks in the mail. ;)

Hi Dave ol' bud! Thanks for your input, you megafolder maniac!:)

speedrck, thank you for the tip. I'll have to check those out and maybe I'll be contacting you.

pyrguy, (thanks you for the tip on the "light touch"), Paul and ED, thank you guys also and thanks Ed for the address!

Oh yeah, I forgot. Do you guys use your DMT's DRY? Thanks.
 
I use my DMTs dry most of the time, but use water to clean them. Sometimes, when they are still wet, they seem to do a better job. And I know what you mean by speed. Most of the time, the faster (fewer strokes) I can get an edge on them, the better the job turns out. It is relaxing to use oilstones, and when the mood strikes me I use them, too.
 
It depends on the knife. If I use then on harder blades I use them dry. Clean up after with a fingernail brush, BonAmi, and hot water. I wet the stones and wash under running water with softer knives, like kitchen knives.
 
Mostly dry, but once in a while with water....



Me, A Mega folder Maniac...:confused: LOL...

You and me both my Friend....:D ....:cool:
 
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