How to sharpen 52100 knife?

R

rodelio

Joined
Feb 9, 2011
Messages
27
Just got one but it is not that sharp, what is the appropriate method to sharpen it? The smith told me to use a smooth stone. The steel is very smooth and I am afraid to roughen it if I am not careful.
 
I would use something flat and not round, or sharp wedge shaped and be careful not to press too hard. The hardness it's run at will change it's response on the stones and since some/a lot of 52100 blades are run hard pressing down too hard on a round stick, or triangle type sharpener like a Spyderco sharpmaker can mess up the edge with this steel. Use the flats and don't press hard with the sharpmaker and you'll do fine.

It does well at pretty sharp angles down to 20-25 degrees inclusive depending on the hardness and use intended. More normal would be 30 to 40degrees inclusive. I use DMT's and freehand, sometimes using sandpaper and convexing when appropriate. The DMT diamonds are my standard, go to system using the diafolds, or occasionally the 8 inch base mounted units.

Can you post pictures?

Joe
 
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