Hook Eye Sharpener

[Enuf]

I recently bought a Hook Eye Sharpener and some sandpaper - anybody else use one of these, any tips?

 

[Another Shepherd]

This one? You might want to get a fine belt. And what's the sandpaper have to do with it?

Description​

Hook-Eye Commercial Pro Belt Sharpener 240v

Commercial belt knife sharpener provides a professional, quick and effective method of sharpening or completely reconditioning cutlery blades. Strong aluminum precision castings and all ball bearings construction ensures reliability and years of carefree service.

The aluminum oxide abrasive belt is easily aligned and automatically tensioned.

The knife holder and calibrated angle adjuster helps produce sharp and long lasting edges time after time.

Comes with 80 Grit 1-1/2″ x 24″ Sharpening Belt for Hook-Eye Sharpener – rough

Powered by a 1/4 HP, 110V, 60HZ, 1 PHASE, 4.9 AMP

PFM64303: Knife Sharpner Belt Machine 240V Hookeye (Cutlery Grinder)

 

[Enuf]

Yes, this sounds like it. I said "sandpaper" I guess it is technically a sanding belt. I ordered 80 and 120 grit - that is all I could find for it.

 

[Another Shepherd]

I guess it is technically a sanding belt. I ordered 80 and 120 grit - that is all I could find for it.

That's strange. There is no standard for what various grit ratings mean, but 80 and 120 are probably extra coarse and coarse. There ought to be belts that are medium, fine, and extra fine.

A 120 grit belt will probably give you a toothy edge, meaning it is sort of like having minuscule serrations. A toothy edge could be good or bad depending on your personal preferences. You should be able to get a very sharp edge but definitely not a polished edge.

The main concern with belt grinders is that they can overheat the edge, leading to poor edge retention. This is less of a concern with coarse belts than with fine belts. It is also less of a concern if you can run the grinder at a low speed.

I do not see enough information about the Hook-Eye machine to say much more. I use a different kind of small belt grinder designed for knives, a Work Sharp Ken Onion. I especially like it for machetes and very small blades. It comes with a wide variety of belt grits, so it can be used for almost any knife. Whether the Hook-Eye is anything like the Ken Onion, I cannot say.

 

[l1ranger]

I'm not familiar with that machine - but I did find a manual for one that called for 1 1/2"X24" sanding belts.
you should be able to source those from several different places in varying grits .

 

[Enuf]

That's strange. There is no standard for what various grit ratings mean, but 80 and 120 are probably extra coarse and coarse. There ought to be belts that are medium, fine, and extra fine.

A 120 grit belt will probably give you a toothy edge, meaning it is sort of like having minuscule serrations. A toothy edge could be good or bad depending on your personal preferences. You should be able to get a very sharp edge but definitely not a polished edge.

The main concern with belt grinders is that they can overheat the edge, leading to poor edge retention. This is less of a concern with coarse belts than with fine belts. It is also less of a concern if you can run the grinder at a low speed.

I do not see enough information about the Hook-Eye machine to say much more. I use a different kind of small belt grinder designed for knives, a Work Sharp Ken Onion. I especially like it for machetes and very small blades. It comes with a wide variety of belt grits, so it can be used for almost any knife. Whether the Hook-Eye is anything like the Ken Onion, I cannot say.

I also thought those to be coarse grits, surely there are more options out there. So, the main reason I bought this is, I make letter openers as some busy work and I sharpen them, pretty sharp. I also have a Work Sharp (which is also a belt sander, just has very fine grits available). It takes a long time to get an edge on these blades with the Work Sharp so I am hoping this will get it there quick and then I can tune it up with something else.

 

[Enuf]

I'm not familiar with that machine - but I did find a manual for one that called for 1 1/2"X24" sanding belts.
you should be able to source those from several different places in varying grits .

I figured it would be easy too, but that seems to be an odd size. I have a 3" x 24" belt sander for wood working - I figure if worse comes to worse I can take one of those belts and split it.