I need help with sharpening...

C

coreysaysyo

Joined
Jul 2, 2014
Messages
17
I have been a knife collector for a while now, and I am really looking to start sharpening my knives.

I just need to get some advice on what sharpening system I should start out with. I want to be able to put a razor edge on my knives (Shaving sharp)

Any suggestions are really appreciated.
 
Get 2 water stones (bester 1200 or kohetsu 800 grit and naniwa 2k green brick) and watch some videos.

Once you can sharpen free-hand, you will never go back.
 
Well if you ONLY want to be able to put a razor sharp edge on your knives, and want a no fuss no muss system. - Spyderco Sharpmaker. It's practically foolproof. Very easy to use, very obtainable and repeatable results. However, I fully agree that EVERYONE should learn how to sharpen freehand. Believe it or not, if you know how to sharpen freehand, it helps you understand how to use all the fancy systems, jigs, apparatuses, etc. Best of luck with whatever you choose.
 
Thanks for all the responses guys :)

But yeah I am interested in learning how to freehand. I think I got the patience for it. As far as the EPA, I dont think I have the money to drop on it, but the sharp maker is much better priced for me.

I do want to know though, should I invest in a leather strop? Also, Do you think the spyderco sharp maker would work decently for higher end steels like S30V?
 
Yes, the Sharpmaker works fine for any steel you're likely to encounter in a knife blade. I've sharpened many an S30V blade on mine.
I "invested" in a strop at my local Goodwill. I bought a wide, real leather belt for 6 bucks. I keep the front clean and put compound on the back. Works like a charm.
 
I personally learned a tremendous amount by watching videos by JDavis882 on youtube. He has tons of sharpening vids, couple of which are focused on beginner kits and such. The guy is a total encyclopedia.

I highly advocate watching his vids and getting a kit that fits you based on what you learn. The philosophies will allow you do decide what personally works for you.

Good luck.
 
FWIW, I don't think a sharpmaker is good for reprofiling an edge unless you get the aggressive diamond rods. The brown and white stones aren't aggressive enough unless you have tons of time and patience. I use a wicked edge to get my mirror edge typically aground 18 degrees or so. I then do 5 or so passes on my sharpmaker from tip to shoulder at 20 degrees to give me a good toothy microbevel. The microbevel makes it super easy to maintain the edge when it needs it in the future without having to mess up my mirror.

You should be able to shave before you even get to your 1000 grit stones. You should never need to strop in order to get it shaving sharp.

The key to sharpening is the BURR. I don't think that is stressed enough. If you don't have it, you haven't made it to the edge. Once you find it, then work on getting rid of it. There is no need to create a burr with every stone. I try to find it on my 200 grit stones and then work it out.

BTW, I am no pro. There are a lot of people on this forum who are way more knowledgeable than I will ever be. That is just what works for me.
 
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Cardboard works great for a strop. OP grab coarse/fine stones, an old knife, YouTube and go at it. You will get your knife sharp in no time. Then you can spend the next few months honing your skill so your bevels are even and no nasty scuff marks to look at every time you unsheathe.
 
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