Leather Belts

[amcardon]

So I've only done a couple "knives" and am currently having a hell of a time getting a finish I like on my most recent one (beautiful wood that I just can't make the grain pop like I want) but am also trying to learn how to properly sharpen knives. I've sharpened and/or ruined just about every sharpen-able object in my house (including my wife's favorite scissors - sorry Babe! ). Anyway, I was complaining about how long it was taking to get a nice polished edge with a strop and my wife interpreted my whining and bought me a leather belt for my 1x42 and oh my gosh! That thing is amazing! I wish somebody would have knocked some sense into me earlier and told me to buy one!

Maybe I'm just a late bloomer with this or something, I dunno, but if anybody is on the fence I would highly recommend getting one!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

One big problem with leather belts is that most sanders run way too fast. Also, be very careful on a leather belt. Any edge or tip that turns into the belt will cut the belt, rip the knife from your hand, and slice you badly.
Several years back, I was buffing the edges after sharpening a batch of fillet knives, and caught the tip on the leather belt. It sliced through my gloves and took a silver dollar size piece of the palm of my hand off.
Now, I buff and polish every day for a living, and know what I am doing....but one careless moment, and it happened in less than .1 seconds....so be very careful.

I still have a big scar to remind me how easy it is to make a mistake...and the piece of my hand in the freezer.

 

[amcardon]

Yeah, I've heard some horror stories so I was definitely standing to the side and trying to be careful just in case the belt popped on me!

"...and the piece of my hand in the freezer." You gotta be kidding me!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Don't stand to one side.
You need to be directly in front of the belt, with your feet somewhat apart ( foundation stance) and have a firm and balanced grip on the knife. If you are to one side, you are already off balance.