Sharpening a convex grind, beyond touching up with a strop?

[GarageBoy]

When the knife really dulls, how do you resharpen it? Sandpaper and mousepad? But then how do you retain or restore the shiny factory bevels? Also, what sandpaper, aluminum oxide?

 

[STR]

Try this link for a good way to go about it.

STR

http://home.nycap.rr.com/sosak/convex.htm

 

[Cliff Stamp]

But then how do you retain or restore the shiny factory bevels?

Generally you don't, you would have to satin finish the blade or worst yet mirror polish it each time you sharpen. Generally you do either :

1) tape the primary
2) use the coarse hone to shape the full grind if necessary

Then actually sharpen the last 1/8" or so. If the steel is really easy to machine then often polishing the entire bevel is possible, but *SLOW*, especially on convex bevels. The new blades are all initially sharpened and polished on machines, belt sanders and buffers.

Also, what sandpaper, aluminum oxide?

Yes, it just has to be of high quality, metal working grades. You can just use an ordinary benchstone as well.

-Cliff