How to sharpen my Benchmade Barrage with a whetstone, and what whetstones to buy

O

Onyxnitram

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Jul 26, 2011
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Hello, I just purchased a Benchmade Barrage 583S tanto and I would like to learn how to sharpen my knife on a whetstone. I am mostly concerned about what angle I should use when sharpening, but I could also use a few general tips on how I should sharpen my knife on a whetstone as I have never done it before. Are tantos difficult to sharpen?

Here are a few images of my knife http://www.knifeworks.com/images/products/detail/bm583s.jpg http://www.benchmade.com/products/580-583 In case you were wondering my knife does have the combination edge on it.

I have been looking into Arkansas whetstones for knife sharpening. I found one auction on ebay that includes a medium and a fine whetstone with honing oil http://www.knifeworks.com/images/products/detail/bm583s.jpg would these stones be any good? I was also wondering if this honing oil be of any quality?

If you could be of any help I would be very grateful! Thanks for reading this post.
 
I'd recommend two things -

First, for a stone get Nortons Combination India stone. Best bet for the money. 154cm can be a bit tough for an Arkansas, especially to learn on.

Second, buy a cheap tanto and practice long and hard on that before you kill your Benchmade learning how. Tantos can be difficult to integrate the two bevels cleanly, though are no more difficult than any other blade profile once you've done one or two.

Too many options for hand sharpening, do a browser search and read/watch video. Match the factory bevel by marking it w/ a Sharpie to see where you're grinding.
 
Thanks for the advice, I am looking at a Cold Steel G.I. tanto for practice sharpening because they are only about $20-$30 on ebay. I will definitely look into the Nortons Combination India stone.
 
Hey, Bud.

I agree with Heavy handed. Buy a cheap tanto and practice, practice, practice. Tanto edges can be a bear to maintain the edge on the angle. Also, if you maintain the edge with a consistant stropping regime, you should not need to use a stone, unless it gets damaged. (One of our law enforcement customers nicked his edge while cutting an accident victim out of a seat belt.) Keep the edge maintained, and go home and practice. Never A Dull Moment!
 
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