Sharpen edge first into stone, or pull backwards on stone?

L

lerner

Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
125
This question is so basic, but I had to know: push blade edge first, or drag like a strop?
I'll be using a Lansky with a coarse stone, but do you think this difference (if there is one) applies universally to:
* benchstones vs guided systems,
* diamonds vs oilstones vs waterstones,
* dry or lubed,
* extra-coarse, med... extra-fine grit,
* all bladesteels.
The difference would mostly be in the burr, I suppose.

I'd like to leave the blade with rugged "microteeth". I wont be going thru successivly finer grit levels, which is what would minimize any differences. Since the coarse grit will be my last, this nuance may be apparent.
 
It all depends on your style, for me I like to keep the edge on the stone and go tip to heel kinda fast. It gets me the results I want faster and I am able to hold the angle properly from lots of pratice. The microteeth you are in search of is kinda a mislead direction is sharpening. The finer the grit the sharper the knife.


Example: If you finish a edge on 600 grit sandpaper you will have the ruff edge that you are looking for. It will draw cut well and seem to cut heavy material very well but will loose its edge quickly. Now if you take that same edge to 2000 grit it will cut even better with less effort on your part. The edge will also start lasting longer because the "microteeth" are smaller and don't become bent and deformed as easy. If you take it a step further and polish the edge it only gets better.

Many will argue this but a polished edge cuts better and longer than one that is not. Why not have a sharp knife?
 
Sharpen by "pushing" the edge into the stone, or the stone into the edge depending upon the system that you are using. Pull the edge when you're stropping your blade. Hope this helps.

-Dan
 
It doesn't matter, as long as you hold consistent angles and remove any burrs.
I prefer the "drag" method, but most prefer the "push" method.
 
I push on hard stones - Arkansas, India, Shaptons, ceramic, diamond.
I pull on soft ones, like the King water stones, Norton 8000, etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top