New to sharpening knives, can someone point me in the right direction?

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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So I first purchased this lansky pocket sharpener which I realize is absolute crap and has destroyed many of my blades. Also my s30v kershaw blur has burs on a portion of the blade from a co-worker using it to cut a metal strap. (he didn't believe me when I said knives arent used to cut through metal) I ended up using tin shears. Anyways, some people suggest sharpening stones and others suggest using rods. I think I'd rather use stones.


Is 600 and 1500 grit stones good enough. One rough and the other is fine obviously, do I need a medium grit?
 
There are thousands of sharpening stones, we have no idea what stones you are talking about.

Grit is not all the same either, 1500 on one scale is just a medium grit but on others it's very fine, that's why being specific is important.
 
Jason B. said:
There are thousands of sharpening stones, we have no idea what stones you are talking about.

Grit is not all the same either, 1500 on one scale is just a medium grit but on others it's very fine, that's why being specific is important.
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As I said, I'm new to sharpening. I don't even known what I'm talking about. Hence why I stayed that I needed to be pointed in the right direction.
 
This video by Joe Calton gives a very good explanation of the basics of sharpening:
[video=youtube;sKmr2xr702M]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKmr2xr702M[/video]
 
This is a good video and for the technique of sharpening check also out the sticky up on top. HeavyHanded (http://www.washboardsharpening.com/user-videos.html), JasonB (https://www.youtube.com/user/MrEdgy81/videos) and others have good instructional videos.

In terms of stone setup, I think a good quality Norton Crystolon combo stone or a DMT diamond stone (coarse) is really all you need at first. Practice to get a good usable edge right of the stone and then go from there. If it is not too expensive, my recommendation would be to add the Spyderco Sharpmaker to it. You would use it for the final touch and you edge is going to be insane.
 
JDX said:
As I said, I'm new to sharpening. I don't even known what I'm talking about. Hence why I stayed that I needed to be pointed in the right direction.
Click to expand...

Got it,

To choose a stone or stone sets we must first determine the types of steel and blade styles you plan to sharpen. Having a majority of high alloy steels (S30V, S90V, S110V) or lots of recurve style blades could change what's recommended.

Next, what method is most appealing to you?

You mention stones so I'm guessing you would like to freehand with stones over using a guided system?

Lastly, what's your budget?
 
I too am a noob to sharpening. I was working with a Lansky turn box, got some success, but then I found an Edge Pro Apex 1 on craigslist for $100, WORTH EVERY PENNY. they are 165 new but I promise you, you will be happy with it. You may want to add a 600 grit stone or get the apex 2 for $200. the 2 also give you a honing rod, but just the standard apex 1 is all you need to get some freaking sharp blades.
 
This same question comes up sooo often here that I realize guys won't read or utilize the google feature. So we give you this each week. Just watch the above Joe Calton video it's good. I thought it funny that Joe stated he uses up 4-5 diamond stones each year. Yet, I agree the coarse edge is the way to go. As it offers better utility. DM
 
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