Hi guys, I'm new to BladeForums and to knife collecting and am currently thinking about purchasing a DMT Dia-Sharp Kit with Extra fine, Fine, Coarse, and Extra fine stones and strop/s and stropping compound and/or possibly diamond compound? I don't have much experience with sharpening stones but would really like to learn. Any tips on learning how to free hand sharpen? Would this set be good?
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Noob sharpening
- Thread starter sinsanity
- Start date
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- Apr 12, 2009
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Take a look at this:
The first sharpening
He uses much of the same gear you're considering, and his results speak for themselves.
He also has some links in his signature line, to other helpful threads.
The first sharpening
He uses much of the same gear you're considering, and his results speak for themselves.
He also has some links in his signature line, to other helpful threads.
I actually read knifenut's posts which encouraged me to get this stuff. I was just checking if I needed anything else before I go and get all the supplies. Thanks for the reply though!
Just another quick thing would i run into any problems getting the 6 inch stones?
Just another quick thing would i run into any problems getting the 6 inch stones?
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2009
- Messages
- 13,538
Looks like your 'shopping list' will get you going in pretty good shape.
As a starting set, and even long-term, I'd say the 6 inch would be just fine. I have two of the 6" double-sided DiaSharp hones (XC/C and F/EF), and I think they're quite capable. Should handle most blades up to the size of most typical kitchen knives. Considerably less expensive than the big ones, too. I especially like that they're just small enough to use free-hand (held in one hand, while holding knife in the other), instead of just on the bench. Small enough to be fairly portable too. But still big enough to get the job done.
By the way, welcome to BF!
Edit:
Here's a very good thread on making a strop:
Photos demo: how to build you own strop
Last edited:
Jason B.
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Jun 13, 2007
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I'd add the DMT aligner clamp, is only $10 and works extremely well with the benchstones. It will also help you in learning the movements for freehand. The stones, the clamp and practice, buy strops later once you have gotten a good handle on how to work the stones. The stones alone are enough to produce very sharp edges.
Personally I've put down the strops for a while, a polished mirror edge is nice to look at but in most cases your performance increase is minimal over what you get from the EEF stone.
Personally I've put down the strops for a while, a polished mirror edge is nice to look at but in most cases your performance increase is minimal over what you get from the EEF stone.
Jason B.
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2007
- Messages
- 11,196
Thanks for the tip knifenut! Guess i'll take your advice and get that clamp you suggested and hold off on the strops.
Didn't know the EEF stone would make such a difference guess i'll have to shop around for one now.
I though that was one you were getting but I see you have the EF listed two times above??