Rub-a-Dub-Dub Sharpening Techniques?

AFAustin

AFAustin

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Jun 8, 2004
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I always thought that when sharpening with stones or ceramic rods, it was edge leading. And, when convexing with sandpaper, or stropping, it was edge trailing.

Recently, though, I have come across two examples of using a back-and-forth rubbing type motion---one on the Sharpmaker, and the other when convexing on paper:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MHe_8wTHmg&list=PLB95E1C271CE6654B&index=23&feature=plpp_video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3G6BcaENwk

These methods would certainly have the advantage of speed, that's for sure.

But I would appreciate the comments of my more learned brethren on these rub-a-dub, back-and-forth techniques.

Thanks,

Andrew
 
I'm not an expert by any means but when I freehand and I have to take of a lot of metal, I do a back and forth motion. When I'm nearly at the proper bevel and near the edge, I stop doing back and forth and clean up and shape the bevel with edge leading strokes.

On the Edge Pro, back and forth strokes speed up the rebeveling considerably.
 
For the heavy grinding in early stages, back & forth (or circular/elliptical) works fastest to set a bevel. The difference in speed is all-the-more apparent, when working with small hones. like pocket hones (as I often do). Once the edge is apexed (burr formed), then I'll generally start working in only one direction, to make the grind pattern more uniform.
 
Unless putting the finishing touches on with a strop or polishing stone, I always use a back and forth "scrubbing" motion. I find it offers a lot more control and is much faster. Although I generally do a bit more of the edge with each stroke, here's a very good example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozZF2EgnYm0
 
When I first saw jdavis882 (on youtube) sharpening, I thought he didn't know what he was doing, as he was scrubbing back and forth on DMTs and then Spyderco rods. He slipped off a few times and then I was sure he was just screwing the edge up.

Then I saw his results. Doh. I guess he knows exactly what he's doing. As another person linked above, Murray Carter does it and he's very accomplished. Knifenut does it and his results are outstanding. I've now incorporated it into my sharpening and the results are very good for me.

I think it's a consistency thing. Doing back and forth, using both hands (one for support) really gets you a solid consistent hold and stroke. It's much better than holding the blade with one hand and trying to baby it down the stone, changing angle because you're not holding it solidly enough.

To me "the scrub" emulates using a power tool. It's a consistent motion at a constant angle, which produces a flat, consistent bevel.

Brian.
 
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