Sharpening a buck

H

HSGarner

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Apr 21, 2017
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I have a recently obtained used Buck model 709. I have heard that buck knives were hard to sharpen but am making little progress with sharpening such a small knife. I am using a Ouachita, medium grit stone. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
 
Garner, welcome. Are you using a Arkansas stone? If so, the first most coarse of these natural stones is called a Washita...? DM
 
I'll go out on a limb for you. IF you're using this Arkansas stone it is about 500 grit and it needs to be clean and well finished. Even then
it won't cut that steel quickly. A Norton twin grit India stone will carry you a long ways in sharpening. They can be brought to your door for less than 20$. It will last a lifetime and sharpen a lot of various steels. Not knowing how dull your 709 is or the age of it. It likely needs the primary edge bevel set and apexed. If yours is an early model the steel could be 440A or 425M and a Arkansas stone will have a hard time cutting these
steels. DM
 
^you mean 440c, correct Sir? or did buck use a 440a other than their chinese stuff at one time while back? thank you Sir.
 
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Most of the 700 series knives came out in 1981. Except the 703 and it was brought out in Dec. 1979 and the 704 in 1982. It's possible this one could have blades of 440C. The others (after a lengthy debate with respectable collectors) are likely of 425M and at best 440A. As Camillus used this steel with good success. So, I wonder if Buck didn't follow this suit. There are articles on this series in Buck Collectors newsletters I'll look for them. DM
 
Sorry, I spelled Washita like the river and college here in AR are spelled> The symbol on the blade indicates 1986 manufacture. I am using a sharpening set made by Smith I believe from Hot Springs, AR. It has worked well in keeping my case pocketknives sharp. I don't think I need to invest in another set of whet stones. The little pocket knife will not get much use. If I can ever get it sharp it should stay sharp for a long time.
The blades show evidence of being sharpened before. Uneven sharpening looks like it might have been done on some type of emery wheel. Fortunately there was not too much metal removed.

Thanks for the suggestion and information.
 
Ok, thanks. I have fished in that river not far from Mena. The Case knives are of 420 steel and will respond to a Washita stone. Whereas the steel on your 709 is of 425M and responds with more difficultly. If your a good free hand sharpener and the stone is cleaned a Washita can improve the edge. As I did a Buck 110 of that steel on my Washita stone after leveling and cleaning it. It was not badly dulled but was struggling to slice summer sausage through the wrapper. It took me some time (an hour) but I got it sharp. Other stones would have cut that steel quicker. Your call. DM
 
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A good article can be found on this series in the June 2003 Buck Collectors newsletter by a good author. Even in this the steel was uncertain. Until 1986 when the year date stamps started. DM
 
Something that will enhance the cutting ability of your Arkansas stone is using a slurry. These different grits (SiC) can be purchased from Home Depot and other outlets. Even off of sandpaper. Merely scrape some off and pour it on your stone or sand the stone lightly with a 400 grit sheet. Then apply mineral oil and sharpen. This slurry will be worked off in a few sharpenings. I have used diamond slurry on mine to enhance it's ability to cut knife steel. And it does work. Just a thought if your sold on using a Arkansas stone. Good luck, DM
 
David Martin said:
Most of the 700 series knives came out in 1981. Except the 703 and it was brought out in Dec. 1979 and the 704 in 1982. It's possible this one could have blades of 440C. The others (after a lengthy debate with respectable collectors) are likely of 425M and at best 440A. As Camillus used this steel with good success. So, I wonder if Buck didn't follow this suit. There are articles on this series in Buck Collectors newsletters I'll look for them. DM
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good info. thank you Sir. appreciated.
 
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