I picked up some stones at Lowes, a soft Arkansas stone and a medium Arkansas stone, they were cheap to say the least which might be the problem. These were my first attempt at sharpening a knife. I started on my cheapy Imperial stockman and the only one I could get sharp was the sheepsfoot blade. The sheepsfoot blade has a minute angle on it, almost non-existent because the blade is some cheaply thin (It actually bends when cutting cardboard). I tried with the clip and the pen blades also but I made them duller it seems. I'm not sure if its the stones combined with the cheap steel or me being inconsistent with the angle or both. I ordered a Lansky system the other day so it should be here soon. I figured I would have more luck with that since I can keep it at a consistent angle. Now to end this rambling that I have done, will the lansky effectively be able to sharpen my other blades? I have a case peanut in CV that is brand new but will need sharpening eventually. I also have a ZT 0350, will the fact that the blade isn't straight make it harder or actually not work with it? I can't think of the word that I'm looking for to describe the blade, I assume you guys know what it is with the wave part of extra belly to the blade.
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New to sharpening
- Thread starter shadow93
- Start date
Which Lansky did you order? I don't see any reason why any system wouldn't be able to sharpen your other blades.
The blade on the ZT you're thinking of is called a recurve blade. Again, I have no clue which Lansky you ordered so I don't know if you'd have any trouble with it. It may take a little getting used to sharpening a recurve free-handed with whetstones, but most other systems will sharpen a recurve without much hassle. I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker and it does a great job of sharpening pretty much anything. If you don't want to spend that much, you can also check out Smith's version; somewhat lower quality and with less options, but still gets the job done. Biggest factor with sharpening systems is the quality of the stones they use. Spyderco, DMT (diamond), Norton, Smith and Lansky all make good stones so you should be fine.
Edit: As a sharpening newbie, I'd also recommend that you give freehand sharpening and stropping a try. The "systems" are great for convenience purposes, but having knowledge of edge geometry, bevel-setting, etc. will only make you appreciate your knives that much more. Learning the skill can take a little time, but it's worth it. It can become a hobby just as much as knife collecting itself. You can also take pride in that bevel you can see yourself in
The blade on the ZT you're thinking of is called a recurve blade. Again, I have no clue which Lansky you ordered so I don't know if you'd have any trouble with it. It may take a little getting used to sharpening a recurve free-handed with whetstones, but most other systems will sharpen a recurve without much hassle. I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker and it does a great job of sharpening pretty much anything. If you don't want to spend that much, you can also check out Smith's version; somewhat lower quality and with less options, but still gets the job done. Biggest factor with sharpening systems is the quality of the stones they use. Spyderco, DMT (diamond), Norton, Smith and Lansky all make good stones so you should be fine.
Edit: As a sharpening newbie, I'd also recommend that you give freehand sharpening and stropping a try. The "systems" are great for convenience purposes, but having knowledge of edge geometry, bevel-setting, etc. will only make you appreciate your knives that much more. Learning the skill can take a little time, but it's worth it. It can become a hobby just as much as knife collecting itself. You can also take pride in that bevel you can see yourself in
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2012
- Messages
- 368
It was probably the crappy steel that was the problem not the stones. From what I hear those schrade imperials don't take an edge very well. The lansky is a solid system but I wouldn't give up on the Arkansas stones. Pick up some cheap knives with decent steel to practice on. Maintaining your angle can be a little hard at first but don't be afraid to go slow to make sure your maintaining the angle. Also, pick up a sharpie to mark the edge so you can tell if the angle is correct by seeing where the ink is removed.
Thanks guys, this is the Lanksy that I ordered http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B8IEA4/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00. I figured it was the steel but wasn't sure. I have a couple other knives with better steel to work with so I won't give up. The lanksy will be used with my more expensive knives that I don't want to roll the edge with while I get used to the stones. I'll have to give the sharpie trick a try also. I've seen that suggested a couple of times and just haven't tried it yet.