New guy looking for help with sharpening with a belt grinder

[blackwaterstout]

I have a 1"x30" belt sander that I'd like to start using to sharpen knives. Would primarily be pen knives, deer knives, and even some kitchen knives. I've watched some YouTube videos and there is a lot of contradiction in the advice they give. Ive also been to some of the belt supply websites and the choices are overwhelming. Zircon, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, etc. What is preferred?

Unfortunately I cant afford to buy every size so looking for advice on which ones are the go to belts. I was thinking about getting basic sizes like 40, 80, 120, 320, etc and dimly use them progressively to fine tune the edge. How fine do I need to go? I see grinding belts that are 1200 grit. Do I need one? Also, these leather honing belts with compound......are these necessary as well? Do they ultimately provide the sharpest edge?

Appreciate any advice you can give.

 

[scotchleaf]

I like the combination of the paper wheels, a 6000 grit water stone, and the leather belt on the 1x30 with some white compound - in that order.

 

[Bazzle]

I start with a 120 zirc belt, then a 320 aluminum oxide or j flex, and finish with a 9 micron. I only use the leather belt for a few pocket knives or when something needs to shined up a bit.

 

[Fish30114]

IMO you don't need to start so low with the grit. Starting at 120 would be as low as I would go, but I usually start around 300 and work up. The leather belt is a great finishing belt, I'd actually be interested in what belt Bazzle uses for 9 micron... having said that, I use a surgi-sharp leather belt, no compound, and it really refines the final edge to be hair-popping sharp. I run my blades through several progressions finishing with the finest Tri-zact I could find, and then the leather.

This is the best way to put an edge on your blades IMO--I've gone to the WSKO for all of my blades, and then finish with my 1x42 with a leather belt, since I don't have the blade grinding attachment for the WS which is the only way you can get a leather belt for the WS.

 

[rpttrsn]

I have been using the 1"x42" Kalamazoo for years. I find this to be the fastest way to get a great edge on a knife. Mirror finish and push cut toilet paper is not a problem. You can spend all sorts of money on belts. My stock belts: 80,100,120,150,220,240,320 and 600 grit in alum. oxide.
Special belts: Klingspor 800,2000,2500,3000-3500 and 5000-6000 grit.
Linen belts with 0.025 diamond spray
Leather belts with diamond spray and chrom. oxide.

To start I would suggest 80,150,220,and 320. Keep with x back belts as they are stiffer.
A leather belt is good to have to finish the edge and gives it that hair popping edge. You can use a hand strop though it takes a little longer.

220 grit with the leather belt should give you a good working edge with some bite.

Keep the pressure light and control the angle. If the belt gets worn it will just heat up the edge and not perform as it's meant to.