How to sharpen convex edge?

[motts]

Guys,

I'm fairly new to buying knives and dropping more than $70 on a knife. In the last few months, I've bought a Zero Tolerance ZT-0301, RAT H.E.S.T., Scrap Yard Scrapper 5 LE, and now I'm getting a Tank Buster.

I read that the Tank Buster is a sabre grind with convex edge. I don't know much, yet, about different knife grinds and edges. I've been reading what I can. My question is, how do I sharpen a convex edge knife without ruining it. I've read that you can't just use a rod sharpener. And, does the fact that it is sabre ground make a difference in sharpening methods?

Thanks for the help guys.

EDIT: I should also add that I'm looking to get a knife sharpening system for home, such as the Syperco, Lansky, or Gatco...or others you can recommend. I'd also like to get something for sharpening in the field, so I'd appreciate recommendations there as well.

I'm looking for sharpening techniques as well as systems.

 

[Houndstooth]

I use sand paper on a computer mouse pad. I know some who use a belt sander with a slack belt. I have also used padded emory boards on folders. Hope that helps.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Where in Utah? I lived in Provo for 6 years or so.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506342



here is a long tutorial on how to do it, run by one of the Hogs here.

Convex sharpening is so easy your blind grandma could do it. really, she could.

just a matter of having a strop, finding the correct angle, and using a very light touch.

here are some shorter tutorials, to get you started.

http://www.barkriverknives.com/convex.htm This one is nice and short with pictures.

here is some more info about sharpening, stripping coating, sources for belts, etc


• Belt Sharpening videos: http://backyardbushman.com/?page_id=68

• J. Nielson’s Sharpening Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLjFjT4vYsM

• Sharpening with a Belt Sander per Jerry Hossom
http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/sh...hp?tid/776367/
http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18391

• Scrap Yard – “Sharpening Thread”:
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbth...page=4&fpart=1

• Convex Sharpening (Stropping) the BRKCA Way By Reid Hyken (aka: Sharpshooter): http://www.barkriverknives.com/convex.htm

• Hand American – Strop kits: http://www.japaneseknifesharpening.com/catalog.html?&Vl=8&Tp=2

• Lee Valley Belts: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...&p=48040&cat=1

• “Stripping My Howler - Pics of process” - http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cg...=005087#000000

• “Tutorial: Stripping & Polishing Pics” - http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbth...0&fpart=1&vc=1

• Swamp Rat @ Bladeforums – “What is Best way to strip coating” - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=509324

• Swamp Rat @ Bladeforums – “How does a stripped Swamp Rat knife do?” - http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=497995

• General grinder tips: http://www.engnath.com/public/grinder.htm

• Compounds from DLT: http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/ind...747c577fca84c1

hopefully this will get you going.

I have convexed all my Infi, and other user knives as well. Just so much easier to keep them sharp.

I have used a Lansky sharpening system most of my life. It is a cheaper fixed angle system, that I can get consistent very sharp results. But since I started convexing my edges, I have not used it for over a year.

 

[motts]

Thanks for the help guys! I appreciate it. I'll try these methods out and see how they work.

I live about 100 miles or so north of Provo...in Brigham City.

 

[J. Oeser]

Motts,

I live locally although not too close to you, but I have actually put a convex edge on a few Busse's and would be glad to show you what I have to get a convex crazy sharp and it's pretty easy.

Shoot me a PM if you are ever down near Utah County.

 

[motts]

Motts,

I live locally although not too close to you, but I have actually put a convex edge on a few Busse's and would be glad to show you what I have to get a convex crazy sharp and it's pretty easy.

Shoot me a PM if you are ever down near Utah County.

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

 

[Bigfattyt]

really, you can get started sharpening convex edges for pretty cheap.

I made my own strop, and bought a sheet of glass from the hard ware store that is just a bit larger than the sanding sheets I have. Just slip a mousepad underneath, and follow the easy steps.

If the edge is already convexed, and there is no damage, you just strop it to maintain. Every once in a while you can give a few passes on the higher grit sandpaper.

 

[J. Oeser]

Here's a link to a complete setup that I really like especially for smaller blades.

Convex Kit

 

[3_hard_boiled_eggs]

I use sand paper on a computer mouse pad. I know some who use a belt sander with a slack belt. I have also used padded emory boards on folders. Hope that helps.

my way also. use a light sand paper and take light strokes. then feel the blade. the more steel you take off the shorter life of the blade. i take a coaster from Ruby Tuesdays and cut a small piece of sand paper then fold the sand paper over the coaster. when i feel good about this i will take the sand paper off and just use the coaster. the thick paper makes it difficult to damage the edge. i will also take my leather belt off my pants ( after sitting down ) loop it around my foot and strop the blade. i feel and some will disagree, this way it is difficult to damage the blade.

 

[motts]

Here's a link to a complete setup that I really like especially for smaller blades.

Convex Kit

THanks! Yeah, I have seen this before and was considering ordering one.

 

[J. Oeser]

It's kind of an "all-in-one" purchase. I had a hard time finding all of the grits of sandpaper at the local hardware store. Plus you need the compound and the leather strop that comes with it is really nice. I would recommend a larger, homemade strop for the bigger blades though.

I did the mouse pad trick on a Swamp Warden recently graduating from 600, 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 (which all come in that kit) and then I finished with the black compound then green and I will tell you it is scary sharp!!

Now if it gets dull just a few quick passes on the green compound and that thing is scary again.

I am with Bigfattyt in saying a convex edge is far easier to maintain.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Here's a link to a complete setup that I really like especially for smaller blades.

Convex Kit

Thanks for that link Oeser, neat little package there. I really need to get some quality stropping compound. I am using the some from the hardware store, which is a much larger micron than the bark river stuff from what I hear.

 

[LMT66]

Here's a link to a complete setup that I really like especially for smaller blades.

Convex Kit

Nice little portable set. Thanks for posting Brother!

 

[J. Oeser]

Thanks for that link Oeser, neat little package there. I really need to get some quality stropping compound. I am using the some from the hardware store, which is a much larger micron than the bark river stuff from what I hear.

I am no expert on compound but I do know that since I started using that kit I can now make knives sharper than I ever have.

Nice little portable set. Thanks for posting Brother!

Anytime.:thumbup:

 

[JParanee]

Leather wheel either green or pink rouge depends on what it needs