I want to get started in Freehand, tips?

[MrGlockJock25]

I want to start and was wanting some tips and what are some good stones. I have been told DMT stones. What grits should I get to start out? I am getting a hair whittling on my crappy Lansky Deluxe Jig stones when I just have to touch up. Thanks for the help

 

[jackknife]

You just need to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a Norton econo stone, and practice on some old paring knives. It's really very easy, and way less complicated than most people think. IN fact, it's almost instinctive, and the less you think about it the better. Just practice taking thin slices off the top of the stone, alternate sides, and it will happen. You can even use the bottom of a coffee mug that has the un glazed ring on it. Coffee mug ceramic is great for sharpening.

Carl.

 

[mrdeus]

^ dito on the "don't think too much". I was sharpening knives for some colleagues for the first time ever last week and I was being extra careful and tried to get everything perfect. The results were OK, but not even close to perfect. Then I took them for another round on the stones this weekend and went at them as if they were my own knives (went by instinct) and the result was much better.

As for stones, I'm using water stones. Mostly because I find them appealing for some reason. The drawback is that you have to lap them if you want to keep them flat. I splurged a little when getting my stones, but most of the common brands are probably fine (but it seems like stones rebranded for kitchen knife manufacturers cost more than the same stone under the original brand).

I, personally, have found Murray Carter's sharpening videos very helpful for beginners (like myself). He uses water stones, but you can apply the same technique regardless of stone type.

 

[Jason B.]

If your getting hair whittling now then the Norton stone will be a disappointment.

Going freehand will not give instant results so even if you had the same stones used in the lansky you would find it difficult to reach the same level of sharpness as when using the jig.

DMT stones are good but what are your goals? Every stone offers something different and has its advantages and disadvantages.

+1 to not over thinking the process. Think through your tool selection though.