Keep 'Em ESEE Sharp

Horn Dog

Horn Dog

Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
4,363
One of the things I really like about the Rowen made ESEE knives is that they come with a good edge right from the factory. It is easier to keep a knife sharp than it is to sharpen a dull one. For "touch ups" to the edge, I like to use a cheap ceramic rod. There are two mistakes people tend to make using these rods: First, they use too much pressure. Second, they don't make sure they are touching the final edge.
ESEESHARP003.jpg

Having used the Junglas slashing and chopping the other day, I just gave it a little touch up this afternoon. Some folks like to hold the rod stationary and slice into it. This method works fine for shorter blades. Others like to strop the edge, moving the rod down the blade away from the edge. I get my best by very lightly stropping into the edge simultaneously moving the rod down the edge. Try to appoximate the original grind angle. Like this:
ESEESHARP005.jpg

ESEESHARP007.jpg

ESEESHARP008.jpg

ESEESHARP009.jpg

ESEESHARP010.jpg

ESEESHARP011.jpg

After doing each side, feel the edge by gently moving your finger away from the edge. NEVER move your finger along the edge or into the edge, or it WILL CUT YOU. If you feel a burr on one side, gently strop the side with the burr and then draw your edge across some wood. All done, and ready for the next chore. You can put a little oil on the edge. The easiest way is to just spray it with some WD-40. Then return them to their sheaths.
ESEESHARP014.jpg

ESEESHARP002.jpg
 
Last edited:
Cool write-up (and nice collection!).

I think there may be some debate about WD-40 on the knives, though.
 
tarditi said:
Cool write-up (and nice collection!).

I think there may be some debate about WD-40 on the knives, though.
Click to expand...

There is debate on everything! It works for me. A good protectant is better, I admit. I just like WD-40. Sure, it's a manly smell, but women like it, too.
 
carspidey said:
nice write up!!!

so all you use to sharpen all your knives is just that ceramic rod???
Click to expand...

Heck no. I use a leather strop with compound, various stones, steels, diamond sharpeners, files, and a Kalamazoo belt sander. But for touch ups, keeping an edge, I like the ceramic rods.
 
You use the same sharpening technique with that rod that I do with rods or diafolds, etc. I even do that on smaller knives. I find I have an easier time controlling the angle of approach along curves (like at the tip) if I bring the stone to the edge, rather than the other way 'round. :cool:
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
You use the same sharpening technique with that rod that I do with rods or diafolds, etc. I even do that on smaller knives. I find I have an easier time controlling the angle of approach along curves (like at the tip) if I bring the stone to the edge, rather than the other way 'round. :cool:
Click to expand...

Same here. It takes a light touch and practice, but once you get it down, it's easy and fast. Of course, on a seriously dull edge, it would take forever with a ceramic rod. Something more aggressive is required then.
 
Horn Dog said:
Same here. It takes a light touch and practice, but once you get it down, it's easy and fast. Of course, on a seriously dull edge, it would take forever with a ceramic rod. Something more aggressive is required then.
Click to expand...

Like a good file--which can be used much the same way! :D:thumbup:
 
matthewdanger said:
WD-40 is fine for knives. Keep it away from guns though.

Good write up Horn Dog!
Click to expand...

YES! Thank you! The first CCW class I taught you'd think I kicked all their dogs when I told the class to never use WD-40 on the internals of their guns.

HD, VERY nice collection. Great sharpening tip as well.
 
Right on. Thanks for the write-up. What sheath is that in the first pic (OD one holding your 6), and where could I find myself one? Looks sweet.
 
GoNadz said:
Right on. Thanks for the write-up. What sheath is that in the first pic (OD one holding your 6), and where could I find myself one? Looks sweet.
Click to expand...

That is a Spec-Ops Navigator I found on sale at EM Gear. It's the short version and if fits perfectly. They were discontinued.
 
Smoky Mountain used to sell them for 99 cents. I think they are $1.99 now. I keep them in the kitchen, my tractor tool box, and lying around. When they get loaded up, I just scrub them with Comet and a Scotchbrite pad and they work like new again.
 
Horn Dog said:
Smoky Mountain used to sell them for 99 cents. I think they are $1.99 now. I keep them in the kitchen, my tractor tool box, and lying around. When they get loaded up, I just scrub them with Comet and a Scotchbrite pad and they work like new again.
Click to expand...

you can just google crock stick (like crockery).
Thats how found mine.
 
great writeup! it's always been easier for me to sharpen away from the spine, maybe even a bit more forgiving of a heavy hand. suppose i should find a ceramic rod for touchups.
 
Last edited:
Nice tutorial, I use my DMT diafold in the same manner but I could use something a little finer for most touch ups. I was considering the Fine/extraFine DMT but these rods are a lot cheaper so you may have just saved me some $$$$$.
Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top