Phill Hartsfield Blades in Need of Sharpening

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lukehendrickson@uchasting

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Hey all! I have five Hartsfield blades that I’ve been maintaining on strops over the years, but want to try and get the edges back to how Phill sharpened them. With Phill gone, I know that I won’t be able to exactly emulate his style (it’s one-of-a-kind), but I want to try something without altering the blade geometry. Any suggestions or tips? I appreciate your time with this. Oh and for reference, these are zero ground chisel-style blades that have, for the most part, an American tanto shape. Here’s one of them:

https://imgur.com/a/s5tbdwB
 
If you don't want to add an edge bevel, it's just a matter of holding the existing bevels flat on a stone and grinding away until you get a burr. Then flip the knife over and, holding it nearly flat to the stone, take a few very light passes to remove the burr.
 
Emerson knives got a great deal of design influence from Phil, I heard that some of the Spec Op guys brought a Hartsfield to Emerson and asked him to make a folding version - try calling Emerson or Busse Combat - I know that Jerry has some one of a kind sharpening technique's - both are top notch companies. It looks like a flat chisel grind - is there something special about the edge treatment? Have you considered the Wicked Edge, Edge Pro, Apex or Tormek systems? Basic systems start out at a reasonable price and then you would never again have to pay for sharpening again. There are quite a few blade smith's here that do offer sharpening. With a chisel grind it should be fairly straight forward. Also try looking on YouTube for some info.
 
I have never had much success sharpening chisel grinds freehand. I recommend one of the many excellent guided systems so that you can maintain the right angle really well.
 
I don't know if you are aware but Phil Jr took over the operation - Send them to Jr...

Not certain that posting links are allowed - if not mod please remove - You can find him on FB - H Hartsfieldknives

The website is Phill Hartsfield knives

Phone number to the shop - (951) 534-7375
 
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GMUGNIER said:
I don't know if you are aware but Phil Jr took over the operation - Send them to Jr...
Click to expand...
I’ve had no luck reaching him unfortunately! Should anyone be able to help, I’d be elated.

As for the Tormek, any particular recs? I’d like to keep the sharpening marks/grain of the blade while getting an edge again.
 
3D Anvil said:
If you don't want to add an edge bevel, it's just a matter of holding the existing bevels flat on a stone and grinding away until you get a burr. Then flip the knife over and, holding it nearly flat to the stone, take a few very light passes to remove the burr.
Click to expand...
An issue is that these aren’t totally flat but instead have a bit of nuance to the way it was ground down (especially with the tip of the Strong Boy pictured above).
 
lukehendrickson@uchasting said:
I’ve had no luck reaching him unfortunately! Should anyone be able to help, I’d be elated.

As for the Tormek, any particular recs? I’d like to keep the sharpening marks/grain of the blade while getting an edge again.
Click to expand...

Shops new address:

29160 Goetz Rd. MENIFEE. CA 92587

951-534-7375

This is another contact number - I don't know if it is still valid
(714) 636-7633
 
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You will need a slow moving Baldoor around 1100 RPM. A good cotton renforced wheel. Make sure the wheel is rotating away from you. Then Formax satin glo course RED. keep it in the freezer and don't let it melt. load the wheel and let it harden. Then go to town being very careful. Good luck.
 
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