Knife Sharpening Newbie

H

hugo stiglitz

Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
6
Hello all,

I am new to this forum. Just wanted to say hi and ask a question.

I am a Soldier currently stationed in South Korea. While I am here I don't have access to my privately owned firearms so I thought I would start learning more about knife fighting and knives.

Well I ran into a bit of a hiccup. I cannot seem to sharpen my knife! I started out trying to sharpen my M-9 bayonet. First I tried the stone that came with it to no avail. Then I figured this might be a little more complicated then I thought so I started looking at YouTube videos and reading discussion forums/essays to learn more about knife sharpening. I read a bit more and decided I needed a descent stone. I purchased a Smith's 2-stone sharpening kit. After a few hours still no dice. The blade seemed a bit sharper but nothing. After some more reading I realized that perhaps my angels just weren't consistent and I needed a guided sharpener. I hunkered down and spent $30 dollars for a GATCO sharpening system. I read the instructions and tried again. This time the nice was again sharp but no dice. I wasn't razor sharp like my other knives and couldn't remove hair from my hair. I thought to myself "What the hell?!" I tried again, going through every stone in the kit, creating a bur and all that. No dice, nothing. Just "kinda sharp" and it wobbled its way through paper.

Finally I decided maybe it was just this knife, I tried a old Gerber knife I had. After a few hours, nothing. Just kinda sharp. I tried different angels, everything. My whole weekend was spent doing this and all I can manages is putting on a edge but its not nearly as sharp as I want.

What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

To date I had maintained a consistent angle (to my knowledge using the GATCO) and washed my stones after every use to ensure they don't build up. Am I missing something?
 
Try marking the edge with a sharpie, and running it over your stones. That will tell you if you are hitting the edge, or just taking metal off of the shoulder.
 
I agree w/ Sodak . Also, use light pressure with that device and if you become frustrated
the best laid plans can go amuck . So, calm yourself and start all over . Your close and just need alittle more correct touch to get there . Do you know another soldier in your company who seems to always have sharp knives ? If so, can you procure a slot of his time to watch you sharpen ? The little thing your doing someone present can catch whereas it would take us here days, weeks to realize it . Good luck . DM
 
Thanks guys! I tried again, while not watching TV this time. I set aside some time to concentrate on what I was doing and followed your advice. While my knife didn't get scary razor sharp, it did shave a couple or three hairs off my arm. For me! I was impressed. I tried some more, but try as I may I just couldn't get that scary razor sharp but it was definately sharper than it was. The blade in question is a Benchmade 8CR14MoV, its a blade handled, grey bladed folding knife. Its nice to know I can maintain the things I use. I then moved onto a CRKT big dog...managed to goof it up a bit. I used the wrong angle, it just doesn't look right. I just can't get a smooth finish because the serrations are in the way. I then moved onto a small pocket knife that is again a tanto shape with serrations...I am beginning to think that pocket knives with tanto blade and serrations are a PAIN to sharpen. Any ways, I free handed this one and got it sharper. I hadn't used that knife in over a year! Thanks for the advice guys, I will keep practicing.

Also I am considering purchase a Razor Edge guide to help me maintain a consistent edge if I am using a stone. http://razoredgesystems.com/index.p..._Razor_Edge_Guide_for_blades_over_3_1/2_.html

Any suggestions? Is it worth the 18? I don't understand how it works, wont the bar metal scuff up my stones as I pass my blade along?
 
The DMT aligner clamp would be a much better choice, you could even get the complete kit and take your edges to a new level of sharpness in about half the time.
 
Why the DMT over the razor edge? does the DMT also touch hone itself? Am I supposed to grind the blade and then the guide across the stone in one smooth movement? Nothing on either company website is very specific about that and youtube videos don't really show exactly what is going on. I just think I'll eventually grind away or sharpen my DMT or Razor Edge guide in the process....or royally mess up my stones.
 
How does the DMT differ from the Razor Edge Guide? Does the Razor Edge Guide touch the stones?

Thanks for answering my questions. I've tried reading the product brocheure at Razor Edge but it mentions nothing about this, and there device looks simple but leaves me wondering "how does it work" and does it touch the stone?
 
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