Sharpening angle?

[SarcoBlaster]

I just bought a Sharpmaker and was wondering which angle I should use. Should I use the 30 degree or 40 degree? I'm only looking to touch up the edge, so would the fine stones be OK? Do I just use it like any other v-type sharpener? How much pressure should I use? Any tips that would make this a little easier? This is my first time using a Sharpmaker and my first time touching up my Sebbie, but not the first time I've sharpened anything so thanks in advance for any help you guys can give!

-Randy

 

[bagman]

Sarcoblaster - use the 40 degree angle, the 30 degree is for back beveling.

I managed to round of the point some on my sebenza by using the corners on the fine stone - live and learn, advice is just to use the flats or if you use the corners to stop short of the point and sharpen that freehand.

You dont need to use very much pressure.

You should be fine with just the fine stone for a touch up.

I am sure that someone with much more sharpening experience will give you more details.

 

[JohnW]

Use the 40 degree (20 degrees per side).

However, you may find that this does not sharpen your knife. That's because the very edge of
a new Sebenza is >20 degrees (more like 23-25). So, you will have to turn the knife to
increase the angle just a little bit. When you are actually sharpening the edge, it will feel
different (even the sound will change). Just keep practicing, but certainly don't start
wailing on it at 20 degrees just because it doesn't seem to be getting sharp. In that case,
you are just grinding on the bevel, and given the steel involved, it would take you days
to reach the edge.

John

 

[Medic1210]

I agree with JohnW in that the edge of the Sebenza is a bit more obtuse than the 40 degree setting on the Sharpmaker. I recently tried to sharpen the Passaround large classic that is going around on the Sharpmaker with no luck. I finally decided to use my new 10" Pro Combo leather hone from HandAmerican. I started with 800 grit silicone carbide, moved to 1200 grit silicone carbide, and finished with CRO2 and then tanned leather. I was able to maintain the convex edge bevel, and keep the edge polished. This method seems to work better on the Sebenza due to the fact they come with a convex edge.

Mike