Need help with sharpening the KAI recurves. Well, how about all KAI knives!

H

hccaves

Joined
Mar 20, 2013
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128
Hey guys,

I'm sure this has been done before, but a search didn't reveal what I was looking for. I'm not a very good knife sharpener. I'm hoping to change that this year. With so many products / systems out there, I'm wondering what you guys do to sharpen your KAI knives. While my collection isn't huge, most of my knives are KAI made. In the past I've used a 3-stone system. They pretty well wore out last month so it's time to move on and really learn how to sharpen knives. I know they'll sharpen them for you, but I'd really like to learn myself.

I'm especially interested in hearing what you guys do to sharpen your recurves.

I know some of you are probably experts at sharpening your blades. Any chance you'd elaborate on any system or product that you've had success with? There's the Spyderco Sharpmaker that seems interesting, but I've read that the angle on the KAI blades are different. The Edgepro Apex seems awesome, but I don't know how well it would do a recurve.

At any rate, I'm all ears and am ready to finally learn how to put a razor sharp edge on a knife. Thanks in advance!
 
TotalDbag said:
Why not learn to freehand?
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Is that just using a stone and running the knife across it? Sure, that sounds great. Which stones do you recommend?

My old system was a fairly cheap 3-stone dealy-o - They were all attached together.

I'm willing to learn whatever system works best for a wide range of knives. I don't want to invest a bunch of money in to a system that is specific to a certain type. I want to be able to sharpen straight blades, recurves, tantos, etc. I'm really very noobish when it comes to sharpening. I've never put the time in to learning how to sharpen properly. I just ran my knives across the stones a few times and was done with it. I'd like to learn how to put a razor edge on. I'm willing to spend some money if needed.
 
Let me introduce you to the Wicked Edge my friend. The best knife sharpener on the market. I don't own one, but from the videos and reviews that I've read about it, It's absolutely fantastic. It's almost impossible NOT to get a razor edge on a knife.
 
If you're real interested in freehand sharpening then YouTube jdavis' beginner freehand sharpening setup. His videos are pretty good to use for reference.

What I like is that you can get just as good edges from them as you could with a WE/EPA for around $200. You know as long as you practice.
 
KnottyEagle said:
Let me introduce you to the Wicked Edge my friend. The best knife sharpener on the market. I don't own one, but from the videos and reviews that I've read about it, It's absolutely fantastic. It's almost impossible NOT to get a razor edge on a knife.
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Wow, I just watched a video where some dude was splitting hairs on a Leek with the WE - that's insanely sharp. I'd love to make the investment on something like this, but also learn how to freehand first. I'd like to learn the mechanics of sharpening before using a system that's a "crutch" like the WE. Are there any good books on sharpening? Any good threads? Like I was saying, I'm really noob and want to learn the right way.

Thanks for the recommendation - I've never heard of the Wicked Edge until now.

P.S. What stones do you use for freehanding? Any particular brand / type? Also, will the wicked edge do recurves? Thanks!
 
Good stones would be DMT for coarser stones, and Spyderco makes some nice fine stones.
 
TotalDbag said:
If you're real interested in freehand sharpening then YouTube jdavis' beginner freehand sharpening setup. His videos are pretty good to use for reference.

What I like is that you can get just as good edges from them as you could with a WE/EPA for around $200. You know as long as you practice.
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Okay, I will do. Thanks for the info's.

Yeah, what I'd like to do is learn the old-fashioned way first. I suppose free handing is the old fashioned way. I was hoping not to have to spend a bunch of money, but I guess good stones do cost a bit. Too bad they're not like 10 bucks a piece... Maybe in 1985, right lol?
 
Oh awesome guys! Looks like I have another thing to save for, lol. Wicked Edge Sharpener, Bob Lum Tanto 0301st, blargh hahaha. I need a second job for all of my hobbies :)

Yeah, I was only 6 in '85, but prices on everything were a heck of a lot cheaper! Fuel being so dang expensive has grounded me lately and Ive gotten back in to my guns and knives. I used to go caving 3/4 weekends per month, but nowadays I may as well spend money on items over gasoline. Sucks but it is what it is.

If any of you know a good place to pick up a Wicked Edge by all means PM me. Thanks!
 
Some quick thoughts on recurves and sharpening...there are several methods available to you. First, the WEPS now offers rounded stones that work extremely well with recurves. I haven't found another guided system that works better than the WEPS with the rounded stones. If you don't want to spend that much $$$, get a low speed (~1700 RPM) grinder and a set of paper wheels. In setting up the wheels, use a bastard file and round off almost 1/4 of an inch on the outside edges of both wheels. Grit and use the compound on the rounds just like you would on the flat surfaces. This also works great. If you want to freehand, use a very aggressive stone and gently round the corners on the long edges. This method takes longer to set up than the others, but there is something good to be said about putting polished, hair popping edges freehand. Kind of like a Zen thing...The last choice (in my book anyway) is using the rounded edges on a Sharpmaker. After years of fooling with stones and different systems, freehand or the paper wheels are my choice.
 
SPXTrader said:
Some quick thoughts on recurves and sharpening...there are several methods available to you. First, the WEPS now offers rounded stones that work extremely well with recurves. I haven't found another guided system that works better than the WEPS with the rounded stones. If you don't want to spend that much $$$, get a low speed (~1700 RPM) grinder and a set of paper wheels. In setting up the wheels, use a bastard file and round off almost 1/4 of an inch on the outside edges of both wheels. Grit and use the compound on the rounds just like you would on the flat surfaces. This also works great. If you want to freehand, use a very aggressive stone and gently round the corners on the long edges. This method takes longer to set up than the others, but there is something good to be said about putting polished, hair popping edges freehand. Kind of like a Zen thing...The last choice (in my book anyway) is using the rounded edges on a Sharpmaker. After years of fooling with stones and different systems, freehand or the paper wheels are my choice.
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Hmm, this sounds like it might be the cheapest way to get going. Any particular freehand stones that you like? I might also pick up a sharpmaker since they're only around 50 bucks and can put a quick edge on a relatively sharp knife. I will also need to get some diamond stones for re-profiling -

I'm a book guy - Any good books you know of that teach technique? If not, Jdavis' channel seems to be the next best thing.
 
The absolute cheapest method I have found for recurves would be picking up some sheets of sandpaper and a length of PVC and taping the sandpaper to the PVC. Before I got a Sharpmaker, this was my method of sharpening. It leaves a lot to be desired but a good set of sandpaper and pipe can be had for less than $20. The sharpmaker is also a good cheap investment, I picked one up this Christmas with some Amazon gift cards, got it, the diamond and ultra-fine stones for around $100 and it really works well with recurves. My Spyderco Captain is one of the sharpest knives I own and it has a wicked recurve on it.
 
Invective said:
The absolute cheapest method I have found for recurves would be picking up some sheets of sandpaper and a length of PVC and taping the sandpaper to the PVC. Before I got a Sharpmaker, this was my method of sharpening. It leaves a lot to be desired but a good set of sandpaper and pipe can be had for less than $20. The sharpmaker is also a good cheap investment, I picked one up this Christmas with some Amazon gift cards, got it, the diamond and ultra-fine stones for around $100 and it really works well with recurves. My Spyderco Captain is one of the sharpest knives I own and it has a wicked recurve on it.
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Hey thanks man!
There are so many stones, sharpening systems, brands, etc out there I really am rather stumped on which brand to buy. I have more reading to do. I can grasp some sandpaper and a pipe, though! I guess I'm gonna just break down and go ahead with the Sharp Maker. It's cheap and I can get a better system here soon. Even then, the sharp maker looks handy.
 
With the Sharpmaker, don't forget the extra expense of the other stones. The diamond ones are usually sold as a set but the Ultra-Fine stones are only sold individually, so you will need to buy two.
 
huckabee said:
With the Sharpmaker, don't forget the extra expense of the other stones. The diamond ones are usually sold as a set but the Ultra-Fine stones are only sold individually, so you will need to buy two.
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Yeah, that's what I'm finding out :/

Man I looked in to that W/E sharpening system - Wow at the price. I guess I'm just not prepared to spend that much on a sharpening system. That's the entire kit I'm talking about - The smaller kit wasnt too bad I suppose. I didnt realize I needed all of the extra. To the W/E's credit, I've never seen knives so sharp - that's the truth. Scary sharp...

I need to find out everything I need for the sharpmaker. The sharpmaker, diamond stones, ultra fine stones...

At this point, I'm certain I'm going to learn how to freehand. It seems to be the most cost effective. So what if my knives arent hair-splitting sharp. As long as they'll shave my arm hair, that's sharp enough for me.
 
RevDevil said:
Sharpening section, thousands of threads on...yes, sharpening.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/794-Maintenance-Tinkering-amp-Embellishment
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Yeah, I made the thread here because all of the recurves that are prevalent in the KAI lineup. I know these KAI-O-Philes would have mondo experience sharpening their Kershaws instead of me doing trial and error with various systems. I've learned some good stuff already, but I'm going to ask the sharpening guys which book(s) they prefer. Thanks man~!
 
I've had the Wicked Edge for about a week now, moved on from the Edge Pro Apex which I had since September. I also have the Sharpmaker and use that as well.

I can say in all confidence that the Wicked Edge is much better a system than the Edge Pro, much easier, more effective, and an actual pleasure to use. It handles recurves just fine, which the Edge Pro did as well.

Which recurves were you talking about? I'd be happy to do a knife for you on the Wicked Edge. I've done 12 so far, and they were all brilliant coming off the WE.
 
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