Little Bird Sharpening Help...

fedaykincmndr

fedaykincmndr

Joined
Aug 3, 2004
Messages
971
I got my Ranger Knives Little Bird recently, and I'm having a bit of trouble sharpening it. I can get any other blade I have hair SCREAMING sharp, but I just can't get my usual wicked edge. I use a Japanese water stone of two unkown grits, a soft Arkansas for bur removal, and a ceramic hone as a final polish and then strop it on my belt or my jeans. My other blades will cut really deep before the blood flows but I just can't seem to get my Little Bird to do the same. I tried reprofiling the edge and now have a working edge, but it's not quite as sharp as I'd like it to be.

Is the steel too hard, am I missing something, does 1095 just not get crazy sharp (my impression because it was a high carbon steel it'd get wicked sharp without work)? However I spent almost 2 hours on that (man was my wife PISSED) little blade and can't seem to get it to work for me. Anyone's suggestions at this point would be GREATLY appreciated; oh, and BTW, buying new sharpening stuff is out of the question, I'm already in enough trouble. Thanks in advance.
 
It more than likely had a convex edge on it when you received it (Justin's preferred edge), so reprofiling it to a conventional v grind will take a while. You're going to need to pick what kind of edge you want: thick and sharp for a long time, or thin and very sharp for a bit less time. You're going to have to take off a bit of steel to achieve either kind of edge.
 
I would give Justin a call and ask him what the problem might be. I bet he could guess better than we could. :cool:
 
I suppose I could but I don't want him to offend him at all...that convex edge idea sounds like that's what it is and slowly but surely it's getting sharper. Suppose I'll just have to keep at it. Thanks!
 
I also don't think that Justin would be offended. He's great about answering questions.
 
fedaykincmndr

I wouldn't be offended in the least. The edge is indeed convex so if you are reprofiling it it will take some time. 1095 will get scary sharp just takes a little time to get the edge the way you want. If you have any questions feel free to give me a ring.
 
If you can get to the burr stage, and the edge will not stay sharp at that level, then something is wrong with the heat treat or the blade is soft due to overheating in the final edge preparation.

But if in doubt, do the felt tip test to make sure that you are 'getting to the edge' and you are certain that you can get a burr both sides.
No burr.......no sharp.
 
Thanks everyone and Justin, sorry I didn't come to you. I just didn't want to criticize your work especially since I enjoyed our transaction so much. You're right it's getting there but man is it time consuming!! Thanks again.
 
fedaykincmndr

No worries and no apology is necesary. I get calls an emails all the time asking how to sharpen or resharpen the convex edge. Hope it doesn't take you too long.
 
I was a skeptic when it came to sharpening convex edges . . . until I gave it a try, and now I'm slowly but surely re-profiling a lot of my flat-beveled knives to a convex edge.

I use the mouse pad/sandpaper method, followed up by a leather strop, and have been very satisfied with the results.
 
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