Noob here.... Want to learn how to sharpen

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blopez50

Joined
Nov 30, 2009
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Ok so I've spent the last few hours looking around through old threads and found tons of different references to stones, belts, strops and the techniques involved.

With that said Im looking for a recommendation. What do I buy?

Im brand new to this and dont have a background in it at all. I realize that it will take time and practice but I want to get something that can get me through for a long time and be able to put a great edge on my blades. Im not looking to spend a ton of money but I realize that to an extent, you pay for what you get.

Thank you very much for all of the help to come!
 
If you want to learn to sharpen, get some DMT stones (preferably 11.5" x 2", in XC, F, and EF) and maybe an Aligner clamp. The Aligner clamp is a good set of training wheels to teach you the mechanics of sharpening. After you've learned that, you can do things freehand.

Then of course after you learn this, you can go into belt sanders and wheels and other "exotic" forms of sharpening.
 
Dang crap internet I wrote a really long post, and then it timed out :(.
Here it goes again.
I would suggest you start out guided on a lansky DIAMOND set with a good strop coated with LIQUID/POWDER Cr2O3
(chromium oxide).
Or on a DMT aligner set deluxe.
A wouldn't recommend a beginner to power tools, just because of the chance of ruining a good edge/ temper.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions My original post was much better than this 1, and it had links :(.
 
The aligner is a very good tool but I would suggest the one that uses the diafolds, you get more options that way.
 
I'm glad this thread was started... read elsewhere that the dmt was a good way to go, was wondering what it looked/worked like. I currently have the Spyderco and I like it but it only does 30&40 degrees and most of my newer knives are about 20 degrees, does anyone know of or suggest a stick style (ceramic sticks that stick up like the sharp-maker) that has a 20 degree setting? Or is DMT just the way to go for this and versatility?
Thanks.
 
Yes but look for the set that has the c/f & ef/eef. You also might want to add in the xc too, its a big help when trying to reduce angle and fix damage.
 
The one reason I didn't recommend the magna guide in the first place was the cost.
It costs $77 for FULL grit Aligner kit (XXC-EEF).
It costs $96 for Semi-FULL (no xxc diafold) grit Magna Guide kit (XC-EEF).
Big difference.
Granted you won't need ALL the grits they are very nice to have, and sharpen faster.
If you want the magnaguide (it's more protable, but seems harder to set up IMHO, albeit hand sharpening with a diafold is easier than an aligner stone) Go with this 1 http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DMTDMG4
It has all the grits except for XXC and XC, and those you can add on if you want. Those two grits will reprofile extremely fast, and be very helpful in thinning out edges.
If you want the normal kit then get this one, and add in a EEF stone http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DMTADELUXE it makes the price the same as the Magna guide you get all the same grits, and you get a serration sharpener. You don't get XXC/XC
 
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Try a Lansky with the diamond stones and get the Blue Sapphire finisher, or maybe an Edge-Pro or a Tormek.
 
any opinions on the Spyderco Sharpmaker? I guess its for maintaining a knife's edge though right?
 
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