My Quick and Dirty Sharpening Method.

J

Jamesh Bond

Joined
Jan 14, 2007
Messages
1,760
I recently stumbled onto an idiot proof freehand approach that I haven't specifically seen anywhere else. Sort of an "Oh duh" that reduces the need for time and skill to a base minimum, yet improves the performance of the blade all the way around. Been my go-to on a couple EDCs for awhile. This method shines best on small pocket blades.

Sharpen your knife to your hand. Grip your knife naturally, and place your thumb along the blades spine, just like you do when you cut stuff. Place the edge facing away from you onto stone, lower spine till the thumb touches, and that's your unique using angle. Grind away till you create that bevel, flip, then finish the other at whatever angle you desire. I go pretty obtuse here, to retain some strength. Now your knife is uniquely customized to your hand. Whenever touch ups are needed, the thumb will always take care of the important angle. Create a burr, then flip and remove. The second side shouldn't normally need any additional attention. Done.

The incidental enhancements to the knife are pretty cool. The acute angle created by the thumb guide increases feedback on fine cutting, and obviously slicing and carving ability. Much more control. The obtuse angle on the other side keeps edge geometry strong, without having a noticeable effect on cutting efficiency. I also notice the overall handling of the knife improves drastically, making a heavy tactical feel more ike a thin paring knife.

I thought this was pretty cool and useful. Saves me a lot of hassle with heavy users. I hope it can eliminate some frustration for the newbs, and add some convenience for everyone who tries it.

Share your thoughts and questions if you decide to give it a shot.

Thx.
 
... without having a noticeable effect on cutting efficiency.
Click to expand...
How do you know? You just guessing or have tested this?

So you're saying someone with a big thumb creates a 30°dps edge that will cut just as efficiently as the same blade with a 15°dps edge? :confused:
 
I did specify that i use this method, so yes, I've tested this. Done with simple common sense, real world cutting is minimally affected.

I did not say that I'm uninterested in petty arguments to defend an infinitely variable base concept I shared with the intent of being helpful.

There. Obvious disclaimer stated.

Anyone interested on nitpicking infinite variables and angles and data and and so on is completely missing the point, therefore in the wrong thread.

Of course, as this is a discussion forum, discuss away. Just be aware that my energy will be reserved for my intended topic.

Take it or leave it.

Thx.
 
Jamesh Bond said:
I recently stumbled onto an idiot proof freehand approach that I haven't specifically seen anywhere else. Sort of an "Oh duh" that reduces the need for time and skill to a base minimum, yet improves the performance of the blade all the way around. Been my go-to on a couple EDCs for awhile. This method shines best on small pocket blades.
Click to expand...

yes, its a very helpful tip I Seent It! :)

chad ward egullet/26036-knife-maintenance-and-sharpening mentions it

then in sharpening videos for kitchen knives its mentioned once in a while ( 20% ), mostly they talk about folding a piece of paper and stacking quarters



I find a thumb on spine critical for indexing/maintaining angle , otherwise my angle keeps changing too much
 
Same here. I just modified the idea to an asymmetric edge that could be maintained like a chisel edge. Great technique when I am lazy or pressed for time and don't wanna concentrate.

Similar concept to an Emerson being used by a lefty.
 
I used to sharpen while lightly touching the stone with my thumb like you describe. Around the 3rd time my thumb started bleeding though, I made sure to learn consistency without grinding my skin off.
 
Lol back to the whole common sense thing.

If something is hurting you, STOP what you are doing ! I don't grind my thumb, I just use it as a guide. No problems so far.

Heh.
 
Jamesh Bond said:
Same here. I just modified the idea to an asymmetric edge that could be maintained like a chisel edge. Great technique when I am lazy or pressed for time and don't wanna concentrate.

Similar concept to an Emerson being used by a lefty.
Click to expand...

Yep. Only not ground backwards.
 
TravisH said:
How do you know? You just guessing or have tested this?

So you're saying someone with a big thumb creates a 30°dps edge that will cut just as efficiently as the same blade with a 15°dps edge? :confused:
Click to expand...

i tried this! but after banging my thumb with a hammer i get some strange angles!this will never do.:eek:
 
Jamesh Bond said:
Lol back to the whole common sense thing.

If something is hurting you, STOP what you are doing ! I don't grind my thumb, I just use it as a guide. No problems so far.

Heh.
Click to expand...

Of course :D
I did try to have the lightest touch with my thumb but even that over longer sharpening periods rubbed my skin off. I usually didn't notice until it starts stinging to the touch, but by then i had probably millimeters of out skin left haha.

It works, just beware of how much you're grinding yourself; it's a slow realization
 
I like this method but I have a small problem. My thumbs are really fat. Maybe using my index finger will give me a finer edge.
 
Index finger will work, but completely defeats the 2 advantages of ease and an edge tailored to your unique angle of attack.

Even fat thumbs shouldn't be a problem unless your blade is super narrow. Sure, you'll end up with a more obtuse angle than me, but that doesn't mean your inclusive geometry needs to be. You decide the overall geometry you desire. That's the beauty.

Again, this isn't a be all end all, just another method subject to many variables.

Just a basic rule of thumb (ha! see what I did there ?).
 
One thing to add to the technique, put a piece of tape around your finger. For protection and helps the thumb slide better.
 
Friend don't let friends sharpen away thumbs or let them get them sticky from tape :P

They suggest using the thumbstuds first;)
 
Last edited:
TravisH said:
How do you know? You just guessing or have tested this?

So you're saying someone with a big thumb creates a 30°dps edge that will cut just as efficiently as the same blade with a 15°dps edge? :confused:
Click to expand...
It wouldn't even be 30dps since he said he uses thumb on one side and makes the other side an obtuse angle....

I'm with you thou on the idea of this not negatively effecting cutting performance...may not notice using it for things like shaving off wood, but when making push or pull cuts it will likely be highly noticeable. There's no way a knife with 20° on one side and 30° on the other is going to perform the same as the same blade with a 15dps edge.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top