Recurve sharpening

[Harley Hall]

So what do you all find is the most effective recurve sharpening tool? I’m talking 20cv and higher.

 

[JoeBusic]

Easiest is the Spyderco Triangle system or similar. Just use round diamond rods.

 

[Hedonizmdan]

I use 6x1/2" stones on a guided sharpening system, works great

 

[Harley Hall]

Which stones do you view as the best quality? Diamond of coarse. I have Venev but the knife I have has is a folder and round bar would better suit it.

 

[Hedonizmdan]

Venev or poltava CBN stones are top notch. But this is what I use on recurves.

 

[Harley Hall]

Thank you! I will check them out

 

[Maximumbob54]

I just searched for this exact problem and I'm still a bit lost. Even if they are 1/2" wide how is a half inch flat surface sharpening a inset curve??? I've used a ceramic rod to touch up a recurve but that's just creating a micro bevel on the edge. Belts are just going to convex the edge instead of create a V. What am I still missing? I want to buy a Kershaw Blur but that recurve keeps making me pass on it.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You are missing two things:
1) The edges of the stone are in contact with the edge of the curve in two spots. As the stone is swept down the edge all areas are sharpened.
2) Most EDM type stones wear and will naturally shape to the arc of the curved edge after several sharpenings. If the stone is used for sharpening only this knife it will soon be a perfect match.

 

[fitzo]

Check out AG Russell's offerings for round rod sharpeners. They have both a ceramic and diamond stone. CBNs are out there, somewhere, too.

 

[Maximumbob54]

As the stone is swept down the edge

That's what I was not grasping. I'm used to a guided system going back and forth in a gentle sawing motion on the edge. What you are describing makes me think of a system like from Wicked Edge. I'm guessing this is more of a slow and steady process.

 

[J. Hoffman]

1/2" wide j flex slack belt.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

J. Hoffman has the simplest answer.
I have seen some 1" wave-edge belts for handle work that would also work for sharpening recurves.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

1/2" wide j flex slack belt.

On a rotary platen with a 1" wide backing belt. Split the abrasive belts to one inch and slacken the backer a bit.