- Joined
- Oct 13, 1999
- Messages
- 1,731
Having snagged some YBBs and ebay winnings recently, I've had the opportunity to improve on my convexing skills. Lacking a belt sander and leather strop, I employ a strip of mousepad, five grades of sandpaper, and my trusty Raz-R steel. As Yvsa would say, one of the most important things for someone wanting to improve his/her skills at something to do is practice, practice, practice. I've done just that, sharpening four khuks within the past seven days (a record for me). All I have to show for my efforts are some blisters/calluses, several worn strips of sandpaper, and arguably some of the best edges I've put on a khuk yet.
They're not perfect by any means I'll admit; the last 1/2" of the edges toward the tip aren't as sharp as the rest of the blades and the first inch of the edge on my 17" BGRS is comparatively dull due to it being too thick for me to get a burr before running out of patience. They are, however, the result of my changing and improving routine for convexing. A changed routine that doesn't obsess or worry so much over conserving sandpaper strips and that strives for a bladelong burr with every grade. Today I tried my hand at slicing a strip of paper with one of these khuks. It sliced as well as a couple of khuks that I had sharpened by Dan. In the near future I may have to see if the Convex Mafia is taking applications.
My routine will continue to change with following sessions. Sandpaper will be used at an increased rate according to the demands of longer blades and thicker edges. I'll try and get myself to move on to 2000 grit instead of stopping at 1000. I'll sharpen my new khuks after each chopping adventure until they've had three sharpenings under their belt (softer metal removal). I'll start using my folding DMT diamond hone once in a while. I had tried it on my 15" BGRS but had used it like I would a sandpaper strip so the results were less than ideal. I take those who employ the DMT hones use them in the same manner as filing an ax edge. My routine will likely not include a belt sander or leather strop any time soon. While the sander would be easier to use on my 22" GRS (not to mention the various areas on my fingers that like to blister) and a good leather strop is hard to beat, I'm more than happy with the results I'm getting with my sandpaper (I like to think of the higher grits as disposible Japanese waterstones). Besides, I prefer to work on perfecting the methods I'm already using instead of having to learn new ones all over again.
To the newer folks out there who are trying their hand at convexing, don't give up. Practice, practice again. Give your favorite new khuk a sharpening session after each jot into the field, or failing that every once in a while (all the better to get to the hardened good stuff). Do a search and glean all the info on methods and equipment that you find helpful. I'll post my personal sharpening routine in the tips and suggestions thread a little later today.
Bob
They're not perfect by any means I'll admit; the last 1/2" of the edges toward the tip aren't as sharp as the rest of the blades and the first inch of the edge on my 17" BGRS is comparatively dull due to it being too thick for me to get a burr before running out of patience. They are, however, the result of my changing and improving routine for convexing. A changed routine that doesn't obsess or worry so much over conserving sandpaper strips and that strives for a bladelong burr with every grade. Today I tried my hand at slicing a strip of paper with one of these khuks. It sliced as well as a couple of khuks that I had sharpened by Dan. In the near future I may have to see if the Convex Mafia is taking applications.
My routine will continue to change with following sessions. Sandpaper will be used at an increased rate according to the demands of longer blades and thicker edges. I'll try and get myself to move on to 2000 grit instead of stopping at 1000. I'll sharpen my new khuks after each chopping adventure until they've had three sharpenings under their belt (softer metal removal). I'll start using my folding DMT diamond hone once in a while. I had tried it on my 15" BGRS but had used it like I would a sandpaper strip so the results were less than ideal. I take those who employ the DMT hones use them in the same manner as filing an ax edge. My routine will likely not include a belt sander or leather strop any time soon. While the sander would be easier to use on my 22" GRS (not to mention the various areas on my fingers that like to blister) and a good leather strop is hard to beat, I'm more than happy with the results I'm getting with my sandpaper (I like to think of the higher grits as disposible Japanese waterstones).
Besides, I prefer to work on perfecting the methods I'm already using instead of having to learn new ones all over again.To the newer folks out there who are trying their hand at convexing, don't give up. Practice, practice again. Give your favorite new khuk a sharpening session after each jot into the field, or failing that every once in a while (all the better to get to the hardened good stuff). Do a search and glean all the info on methods and equipment that you find helpful. I'll post my personal sharpening routine in the tips and suggestions thread a little later today.
Bob
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