New to Sharpening

E

eneyman

Joined
Dec 11, 2009
Messages
701
Hey all, I just wanted to get your opinions on what is the best way to sharpen folders? I have some full plain edge and combo serrated edge folders and just want to know how to get these sharp again. I picked up this tiny cheapo pocket sharpener
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and want to know if this will work and how to use it properly, or if I should get a stone or some other better sharpener.

thanks!
 
My advice: dump the gadget. They are cheap for a reason. Get a set of stones, or look into convex sharpening with sandpaper and a mousepad (my favorite). The Spyderco Sharpmaker is also a favorite as an almost fool-proof sharpening system. Whatever you choose, read a lot, get a cheap beater knife for practice, and do just that: practice. Welcome to the sickness!
 
Greetings Eneyman: I agree with Kbrasmodeler-- dump the gadget. It is more of a blade ripper than a blade sharpener. Perhaps the sharpening system with the shortest learning curve and least opportunity to screw up an edge is the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is probably the easiest to use without prior sharpening experience. The Sharpmaker is excellent for maintaining a sharp edge. It can also be used to reprofile but is VERY time consumptive. You are however limited to two preset sharpening angles of either 30 and 40 degrees. Used as per the included video and printed instructions it will get the job done and produce a consistently even and sharp edge. At about $50.00, it comes with medium and fine grit rods, a DVD and instruction booklet. OldDude1
 
would you guys say a flat stone or diamond stone would do the trick as well? I know you have to apply at the right angle about 20 degrees or so, but will a stone with water be okay because it's alot cheaper for me.
 
Diamond stones are nice to have, because they take a lot of steel off, so reprofiling is faster. Bench stones are slower, but will make wonderful edges if done right. Also, if you are not using japanese water stones, the water is optional. It helps the stone stay clog-free longer, but also slows it down some. Whatever method you choose, I find that if I work the edge to a burr, through successive grits or fineness of abrasive, then strop the burr away, I get highly polished, razor sharp blades avery time.
 
steelheadr said:
Knifenut...What did you use to give that old folder an edge like that. I have that exact same knife from the early 80's. It was my working knife in the Navy and I'll be using it to develop my sharpening skills.

Jay
Click to expand...


DMT diamond stones.
 
I have to agree with the others - ditch that plastic piece of crap and get either a Sharpmaker or a set of stones. That was my first mistake a couple years back and has destroyed the edge of a good paring knife. It takes some practice, but eventually you'll develop a good feel how to properly sharpen on stones.
 
You have two choices. You can learn to sharpen freehand or invest in a sharpening system that will take care of the angles for you. If you are going to try the freehand route, then you need a set of bench stones, coarse, medium, and fine. If you want to take your edge a step beyound the bench stones, you can also buy or make yourself a leather strop. This will take practice and is more of an art. I, for example, suck at freehand sharpening. ;)

Your other choice is to use a pre-set angle system like Lansky (and many similar systems), crock sticks, Sharpmaker or Edge-Pro. This can be anywhere from 20 bucks to many hundred dollars. A good middle of the road system is something like the Sharpmaker. I have a set and it does the job well. It's fairly easy to learn and all you have to do is keep the knife straight vertically. These systems are more science than art.

There is a third set of choices but it involves power tools and a fairly big investment.

Please don't let a quality knife touch the cheap pocket sharpener. It's a great way to destroy the edge. Good luck and there's a ton of resources to help you achieve that scary edge. Don't be afraid to ask.
 
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