Sharpening a Recurve Blade on the Sharpmaker

[almasy87]

I'm trying to come up with a definitive (or at least close to it) way to sharpen a recurve (Spyderco Rock Salt) on the Sharpmaker. Some people say to just use the corners of the stones throughout the entire process since that will be the best way to preserve the curve, but I've also seen people say they've used the flats of the stones without problems. Or maybe it should be both (e.g. using the corners exclusively on the recurve and then adding the flats on for the rest of the blade)? I've also heard that I would need to move the handle up and down to make sure that the portion of the blade that is being sharpened is parallel to the ground. Is this true?

I appreciate any advice that can be given, since I've never sharpened a recurve before.

 

[stitchawl]

The key to using a Sharpmaker is to keep the part of the blade in contact with the stone perpendicular to the stone at all times. With a recurve you will need to lift and then lower, then lift once again the handle of the knife when you reach the curved section. It's not difficult. You just need to be precise.

For extra precision, use the corners of the stones. Once you have the motion down properly, you can use the flats just as easily.

Stitchawl