Looking to get into free handing under $30

[AR850]

Hey guys I'm looking to get into free handing I have a lansky I am currently using but no experience free handing(unless you consider stropping).Even though I have the lasnky I still would like to learn,the catch is I only have about 30 dollars to spend is this even possible? I was thinking the dmt credit cards but would those be too small to learn on?I already have a strop so that's covered, any input will be appreciated.

 

[Jason B.]

On that tight of a budget I would say Norton India. You could also add a coarse silicon carbide stone for setting bevels. You could get just the combo India stone but I like individual stones and stones that are wider, a wider stone makes longer blades easier to sharpen. The coarse side of the India combo stone is ok for grinding but not great, that's where the SiC stone steps in.

You can get each stone in an 8x3 inch size for under $20 each. It's worth the few dollars more which is actually still really cheap for the quality of stone you get.

 

[AR850]

On that tight of a budget I would say Norton India. You could also add a coarse silicon carbide stone for setting bevels. You could get just the combo India stone but I like individual stones and stones that are wider, a wider stone makes longer blades easier to sharpen. The coarse side of the India combo stone is ok for grinding but not great, that's where the SiC stone steps in.

You can get each stone in an 8x3 inch size for under $20 each. It's worth the few dollars more which is actually still really cheap for the quality of stone you get.

The Norton stone you are referring to is the orange and brown colored one correct? I looked into it but wasn't sure as its fine side is only 320 grit,as for the dmt stones would you say they are to small to learn on?

 

[gadgetgeek]

Bigger stones will be easier to learn on that thin small stones. fewer variables to control for, and you can lay them flat, rather than having to use a stand, or awkward table edge. That will get you functional, and you can add stones on as you go.

 

[yepimonfire]

I would go with a norton India and a lansky hard Arkansas. That's about as cheap as you can get and a hard white Arkansas leaves a nice polished edge. This was my first sharpening setup and it worked excellently for many years. Add a strop and you'll have a complete cheap ass setup that will get knives screaming sharp.

 

[HeavyHanded]

Another vote for the India stone. Pick up some Ryobi white and black compound, or a block of Flexcut Gold. You can wrap a sheet of paper around the coarse side of the India stone, apply compound to that and it will stand in for a finer stone when used as a strop - not as effective as a finer stone but very effective in its own right. Finish off with your regular strop.
Pick up some honing or mineral oil to use with the India.

 

[Bighaze51]

Before I was able to throw down extra cash for nice stones, I found a diamond grit block at Harbor Freight. It was like $10 and had 200, 300, 400 and 600 grit sides. It's not perfect but I used it for almost a year before investing in a set of DMT stones. On a budget, it will get the job done.

 

[Squashfan]

Another vote for the India stone. Pick up some Ryobi white and black compound, or a block of Flexcut Gold. You can wrap a sheet of paper around the coarse side of the India stone, apply compound to that and it will stand in for a finer stone when used as a strop - not as effective as a finer stone but very effective in its own right. Finish off with your regular strop.
Pick up some honing or mineral oil to use with the India.

If you master sharpening like this, everything will be easier to learn afterward. I can ALMOST get treetopping edges this way. Which is more than enough for my EDC use.

 

[yepimonfire]

Denim works really well as well as the paper. Also I find dish soap and water works better then oil for keeping the stone from clogging.