Sharpening 3 & 4V

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Teesac81

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Jul 5, 2023
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I got my 3V kukri and have a 4V fixed blade on the way. I’ve never sharpened a knife and am ready to dive in. Screw a boring, “perfect” guided system. I’m into this for the feel of the experience. I’m going straight to freehand. What types of stones do I need for 3 and 4V? Can I get away with using the same stones on both of them?
 
Get diamond plates. You can use them on both steels. Worksharp sharpener and guided field sharpener are inexpensive and work extremely well for me.

Yes, for all steels:
CPM-3V
S35VN
K390
S390
1095
D2...

S390 custom is at 66/67HRC. If it can sharpen that - it can definitely can sharpen almost anything.
 
I’m assuming I need a coarse plate and a fine plate. What grits should I get if looking to not hog off too much material while still getting an ultra fine edge?
 
Teesac81 said:
I’m assuming I need a coarse plate and a fine plate. What grits should I get if looking to not hog off too much material while still getting an ultra fine edge?
Click to expand...
Worksharp field sharpener (google it) has coarse and fine side, plus ceramic hone and leather strop (you'll need compound though).

I usually skip the hone and go straight to strop with diamond compound.

Edge can be extremely sharp even without being ultra fine. The sharpest edges that cut most aggressive are in my experience edges from 600 to max 1200 grit and then straight to strop.

Just align edge to the stone, keep same angle and keep light touch. Lightest touch usually means sharper blade.

Once you get the burr - you go to other side and repeat. Then you alternate sides until there is no burr that you can feel. Then you strop.

Be careful when stropping. If your edge is around 20° then don't go over 21° or you might even dull the blade. If you go lower, such as 18° - it might be ineffective.

Anyways put it to test and enjoy.
 
LostCause said:
Worksharp field sharpener (google it) has coarse and fine side, plus ceramic hone and leather strop (you'll need compound though).

I usually skip the hone and go straight to strop with diamond compound.

Edge can be extremely sharp even without being ultra fine. The sharpest edges that cut most aggressive are in my experience edges from 600 to max 1200 grit and then straight to strop.

Just align edge to the stone, keep same angle and keep light touch. Lightest touch usually means sharper blade.

Once you get the burr - you go to other side and repeat. Then you alternate sides until there is no burr that you can feel. Then you strop.

Be careful when stropping. If your edge is around 20° then don't go over 21° or you might even dull the blade. If you go lower, such as 18° - it might be ineffective.

Anyways put it to test and enjoy.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
The two-sided CBN plate that Spyderco sells is awfully nice, and you get your coarse and your fine in one plate.
 
Well, if you are one of those '' I want to bring my edges to the next level with 5 or 6 expensive japan stones and I would like to add #64240 grit stone to further refine my edges '' then just skip my post.

But, if you just want to sharpen your knives freehand this is all you need - two sided diamond plate and a home made leather strop.
Watch this video and then watch it a few more times and then ask a few more questions.
The author of this video is one of those two or three youtube sharpeners I personaly respect.

 
Medium Spyderco bench stone works for me.

For the Kukri (recurve) you’ll need something else though. I have a round ceramic hone for the rare recurves that I own.
 
TheOne45 said:
Well, if you are one of those '' I want to bring my edges to the next level with 5 or 6 expensive japan stones and I would like to add #64240 grit stone to further refine my edges '' then just skip my post.

But, if you just want to sharpen your knives freehand this is all you need - two sided diamond plate and a home made leather strop.
Watch this video and then watch it a few more times and then ask a few more questions.
The author of this video is one of those two or three youtube sharpeners I personaly respect.

Click to expand...
Thank you for reminding me. I have watched his sharpening videos many times and just purchased a dual sided stone he recommends.
 
As suggested, the Worksharp field sharpener is great. I use them frequently and keep one in a pack for cutting chores at my cabin as they work well for knives, machetes, and loppers.

I will add to be careful applying too much pressure with sharpening. I have noticed that many folks new to it really push down. Strop or touch up the edge before it is really dull.

Good luck and enjoy your knives.
 
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