paper sharpening wheels are easy to use, even for beginners.

[Any Cal.]

I am the one who called the post SPAM in the first place. To be sure, I find it objectionable on a variety of levels, as do others, as can be seen.

It is significant though, that none of those who had a problem with the thread have any issue with paper wheels OR richardj, or even richardj recommending paper wheels.

The only issue is a constant recommendation of paper wheels even when they are an improper solution or off topic.

What is the best backpacking sharpener? "There isn't one, you wait 'til you get back and use paper wheels"

Why am I having an issue with getting my prybar sharp on my Sharpmaker? "Because you aren't using paper wheels that can remove metal much faster"

Can I use a Sharpmaker to sharpen broadheads? "Nope, you can buy broadhead paper wheels"

When should I strop? "You don't strop, you use paper wheels"

What am I doing wrong with my Aligner? "You didn't buy the paper wheels"

Obviously, there is a pretty low signal-to-noise ratio here. When I search for threads on paper wheels to answer questions that come up, I would like to find something other than 150 threads on Sharpmakers, broadheads, and stropping on leather.

As much experience as richardj must have, I find it amazing that the only thing he/YOU can can seem to communicate is that having to do with sharpening wheels, no matter what the topic. I would very much like to hear about the rest of his/YOUR sharpening experiences on other tools as well, as I expect that we could all learn quite a bit from them.

Richard, what kinds of stones did you use?

What kinds of steel types?

What were your biggest challenges before you went to paper wheels?

How did your taste in knives change when you went from stones to paper wheels?

As you can see, many here have plenty to offer, as we all have different experiences and abilities. I read with great interest many of the posts that are made, and hope to continue to do so. My intention here is to convey the point that the knowledge that we each have to share is best handed out to an audience when they are ready or have a need for it, otherwise it is simply static or background noise.

richardj, I realize that text doesn't convey emotion well at all, but I hope you realize that if we were at your shop, we could have a good time sharpening knives and sucking down a brew while we argued about who had a sharper edge. For that matter, if your screenname was different I would think you were my uncle who I have the same conversations with.

 

[Heiheit]

.....

 

[j_d]

I would not presume to speak for richard however for myself i will. I have used several different kinds sharpening stones (none particularly expensive) of various size in the past including diamond. I have spent hundereds on most of the gimmick sharpeners out there including my edgepro I used these on various knives of different steels, some cheap, some expensive. I had finially settled on the edge pro and took a blood oath to the wife that I was done buying sharpening stuff until reading richards post and seeing them work and I bought those. now my edgepro and stones are collecting dust and I am really done... except for the sander I bought to do some convexing .

It probably does get old for some to hear about it. Maybe there is a lesson there about not clicking on a thread you dont want to read but the fact that the people who use them want to tell guys that havent about them is a testament to how well they work, even for those without much experience. When you find something to help you get that perfect edge you have been looking for in record time you want to share it. If others choose to ignore the advantages thats their buisness but I dont understand calling it spam. Richard has the heart of a teacher and spends time helping complete strangers learn something free of charge that he has a passion about. Very few people do this. Some guys would rather sit on what they know and not be helpful. I for one am glad for the continued posting as I took some convincing.

Josh

 

[dsmegst]

I am the one who called the post SPAM in the first place. To be sure, I find it objectionable on a variety of levels, as do others, as can be seen.

It is significant though, that none of those who had a problem with the thread have any issue with paper wheels OR richardj, or even richardj recommending paper wheels.

The only issue is a constant recommendation of paper wheels even when they are an improper solution or off topic.

What is the best backpacking sharpener? "There isn't one, you wait 'til you get back and use paper wheels"

Why am I having an issue with getting my prybar sharp on my Sharpmaker? "Because you aren't using paper wheels that can remove metal much faster"

Can I use a Sharpmaker to sharpen broadheads? "Nope, you can buy broadhead paper wheels"

When should I strop? "You don't strop, you use paper wheels"

What am I doing wrong with my Aligner? "You didn't buy the paper wheels"

Hi Any Cal,

Yeah, I can see how people can get that impression. There have been a number of threads where the paper wheels have been suggested as an answer. I think we all have tried numerous sharpening systems to try and address something lacking in a different system.

And as annoying or over-played as that may have seemed, they all have some truths to them.

1. Paper wheels are fast. No one can argue with sub 5 minute reprofiling/sharpening/polishing times.
2. Paper wheels can handle any steel types currently out. Everything from carbon steel to the hardest super-steel.
3. Paper wheels will last a long time. Richardj has proven it. No expensive replacement is necessary.
4. There's no need for a separate stropping process to achieve a mirror finish or ultra-sharpness.
5. Start up cost is equal or less than other comparable systems to achieve the same level of sharpness. I can personally speak to this. I've bought and tried just about everything out there.
6. Paper wheels are easy to learn to use and master.
7. Paper wheels can handle the smallest folder to very large knives, including axes.
8. There's very little chance of over heating and ruining the heat treat as is with other powered sharpening options.

Here are the limitations as I see them:

1. Cannot create Scandi grinds or convex edges.
2. Not portable
3. Not easy to pack up and put away.

So unless I'm mistaken, the paper wheels are a viable solution to a large number of needs. It's no surprise that it's been recommended in a bunch of threads. Now I'm pretty sure no one's ever seriously suggested the paper wheels as a portable option. Possibly in a drunken state but I'm sure we're all a bunch of clean and sober folks here. Perhaps it was a tongue-in-cheek comment?

 

[O Bradley]

I'm new on bladeForums and just wanted to say hello to everybody.I would also like to say Richard J is a friend of mine and did a good job sharpening my knives.

 

[stitchawl]

Hi Stitchawl,

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I was some sort of skilled knife maker. I'm just referring to the fact that folks that go through high volume of sharpening must neccessarily rely on quick and foolproof ways to meet the demand.

I am in complete agreement about this. Anyone who is doing a lot of sharpening and needs to be able to finish a knife quickly will certainly appreciate powered systems.

What I was stressing was the fact that most people don't sharpen several knives every day.

As an average hobbyist, I'm making the point that the paper wheels worked very well.

No disagreement there either. Paper wheels DO work very well.

I completely understand that this is not a universal solution, fit for everyone.

THAT is the point that I've been stating all along.

I'm just as guilty of "giving unsolicited recommendations regarding the paper wheels" to new users and even long time enthusiasts when they ask for sharpening advice.

And there we've hit a point of contention. I don't think it's a good idea for new sharpeners to begin their experience with powered systems. Sure, learning to use paper wheels isn't quite on par with handling sub-atomic particles, but at the same time, it does require a lot more personal skill than using something such as a Sharpmaker. A new sharpener is certainly NOT going to be sharpening several knives a day nor have any need for being able to finish a knife in 30 seconds.

Or, let me put it this way; would YOU give your new Sebenza to a new sharpener to do on a powered system? How about a recurved Benchmade? If your answer is 'no,' then I think I've presented my objections.

I would argue that vast majority of us are always looking for something new and different and appreciate learning about others' experiences and their expertise.

I agree! And amen to that! There is a wealth of information to be found within this group, and just as many techniques and materials to be used.

Just because the longstanding members have read about a certain technique 50 different times doesn't mean the information is any less valuable and pertinent to a new member.

Again, I'm with the group that says there needs to be quite a bit more information and cautions given to the new sharpeners, rather than just telling them something is available that works well. I've used paper wheels, I know what they can do and what the overall needs are. I don't feel those overall needs are being presented to the new sharpener. All they hear are 'it's fast' and 'it works well.' Lot's of good systems work well. And how many people, other than professional sharpeners need 'fast?'

Sorry about another long winded post. I need to learn to be more efficient with my words.

I think you presented your ideas in a succinct manner. It wasn't overly wordy.:thumbup:

Stitchawl

 

[Guyon]

richard j is good folk and not deserving of the bull he's had to endure in this thread. The man likes to teach, will go out of his way to help others, and offers to sharpen knives of public servants (police, EMT's, fire and rescue department personnel, and State Patrol members) for free. I wonder if that rubs some folks the wrong way here since I'm told that other people in this thread charge fees to sharpen knives.

 

[fred j.]

well, richard started this thred, so i dont see how it can be off topic, or irevellant, plus you clicked on it.

 

[Seals]

richard j is good folk and not deserving of the bull he's had to endure in this thread. The man likes to teach, will go out of his way to help others, and offers to sharpen knives of public servants (police, EMT's, fire and rescue department personnel, and State Patrol members) for free. I wonder if that rubs some folks the wrong way here since I'm told that other people in this thread charge fees to sharpen knives.

Well said,Richard is a giver in a world of takers.I tried to mail him a few paultry dollars for shipping some stag he GAVE me and i'll be darned if i didnt get it mailed back.If anyone is put off by Richard's comments,you have your own issues to work on,they arent Richard J's.I believe there is an ignore option here if it really troubles you.

 

[electric]

Hi All,
Just my oponion, but it looks to my like who ever sharpened this blade was just using way to much preasure. I've sharpened my pocket blade several times. Even reprofileing it first and didn't remove that much metal.

Just send it to Fichard and he will try to bring it back to life. To bad he can't replace the metal that was wrongly removed by someone.

Just my opinion the wheels were a gift from God. Here again though it's what ever floats your boat. The wheels just don't float this operators though.

Thanks for listening,
Electric

 

[leatherman]

richard j is good folk and not deserving of the bull he's had to endure in this thread. The man likes to teach, will go out of his way to help others, and offers to sharpen knives of public servants (police, EMT's, fire and rescue department personnel, and State Patrol members) for free. I wonder if that rubs some folks the wrong way here since I'm told that other people in this thread charge fees to sharpen knives.

Your right on the money, Richard has done nothing but support the community here and I am saddened to see a couple of malcontents come in here and throw insults around. Yes, I consider calling Richard a spammer an insult, I know him better than that.

Well said,Richard is a giver in a world of takers.I tried to mail him a few paultry dollars for shipping some stag he GAVE me and i'll be darned if i didnt get it mailed back.If anyone is put off by Richard's comments,you have your own issues to work on,they arent Richard J's.I believe there is an ignore option here if it really troubles you.

I agree with everything but the last sentence, to ignore them would only encourage their behavior, would you not defend a friend? Or would you walk away in his time of need? I'd rather be ridiculed in defense of a friend than turn my back in shame. Richard is a friend of mine and well worth my attention.

The malcontents here simply dont know the definition of spam and throwing it around like this hurts everyone. I talk about knives and sheaths in nearly every post I make here, I guess in their definition I am SPAMMING this forum in general. Yea, right. :grumpy:

 

[richard j]

thanks guys for the support and kind words. i'm glad to have all of you as friends.

electric is a testament to how easy the wheels are to use. if a guy with 1 good eye can sharpen a knife the first time, thats says a lot.

 

[Guyon]

I agree with everything but the last sentence, to ignore them would only encourage their behavior, would you not defend a friend? Or would you walk away in his time of need? I'd rather be ridiculed in defense of a friend than turn my back in shame. Richard is a friend of mine and well worth my attention.

Hey Dwayne, I think he meant that, if Richard's posts were so upsetting, the upset parties could simply put Richard on ignore. Problem solved.

 

[leatherman]

thanks guys for the support and kind words. i'm glad to have all of you as friends.

electric is a testament to how easy the wheels are to use. if a guy with 1 good eye can sharpen a knife the first time, thats says a lot.

from one spammer to another spammer, you are very welcome.

We all know who our friends are, and we REALLY know who our friends are when we are in need. Just looking at the friends lists tell the tale in the simplest form.

 

[leatherman]

Hey Dwayne, I think he meant that, if Richard's posts were so upsetting, the upset parties could simply put Richard on ignore. Problem solved.

I bet I misread what he was intending, if so then I send deepest apologies. I am hyped up on coffee to get through the day and that makes me read a little fast. I blame it on the caffeine. oh yea and on Guyon, he's a bad influence. yea, thats the ticket!

 

[rscoffey]

Is there a source for paper wheels? I don't recall seeing them at the usual sources, TKS, Jantz, etc.

Thanks

 

[Captain Ron]

http://www.sharpeningwheels.com

 

[richard j]

you can get them at any woodcraft store or order them from grizzly imports. jants does carry them or they did at one time but they were cheap wheels. i made the mistake of buying a set not long after buying my first set made by razor sharp. they totally sucked and i wish i could have bought 2 sets of the good wheels. here is the link to the manufacturers website http://www.sharpeningwheels.com/ i see ron beat me to it

 

[childzplay]

First, I don't know Richard, but I would be proud to. I'm a knifemaker, relative beginner at that, and I bought the paper wheels Richard mentions. He didn't make anything from my order, just a kind recommendation. I went to the sharpeningwheels website and found out where to buy the wheels I was looking for. I ordered them, they came and I immediately tried them out. I was able to get the first knife I tried the wheels on razor sharp. Over time, I've been able to get better and better to where I can take off only enough metal to get the burr, and to polish it nicely. I can easily shave my face, arm, or hand with any knife I put to the wheels. I've practiced and can hit just about every angle I'm looking for depending on the knife style. There are very few products I try that I'm really impressed with, but this wheel system is one of them. Thanks Richard for the outstanding recommendation!

 

[richard j]

glad to hear you like the wheels childzplay. i see you are into martial arts also. have you ever heard of jt will?