Sharpening ? Best Way ?

[boarinator]

Whats the simplest fastest best way to put a razor, hair popping, screeming sharp edge on a knife ? I dont have 60 bucks to put down on a deluxe lansky sharpener I just need to know whats the best way ? what would you guys use ? whats your technique ?

 

[RubiconSS]

A Spyderco Sharpmaker is a little less expensive. Then IF you have a bench grinder - a set of paper wheels is absolutely the best way to go.

 

[richard j]

if you want speed and a razor edge check out the paper wheels. you can go from a butter knife to shaving sharp in about 1 minute. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578787

i used to use a guided system like a lansky and when i learned how to sharpen on the wheels i gave it to my cousin and i'll never go back to a guided system ever again.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Really, there's no best way, just preferences. Mine is bench stones -- 99% of the time I use DMT diamond hones, ranging from extra coarse to extra fine (4 total). The other 1% is an ancient Black Arkansas bench hone that I use for finishing the edge on high carbon steel blades. An angle guide is useful for setting the edge angle or bevel.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

'Best way' depends entirely on your own skills and preferences. The most skilled sharpeners can put hair-popping edges on knives using almost anything that's available to them. In their own shop, where all of their tools are within easy reach, it'll be a matter of preference. Some prefer powered tools (wheels, belt grinders), some prefer bench stones. Most of my habits are built around using smaller hones that can be held freehand, so I've used appropriately sized diamond hones, blocks with sandpaper (which is surprisingly fast and effective, and as inexpensive and uncomplicated as can be), ceramic hones and strops. In the end, tight control of angle and pressure will produce the most consistent results, regardless of whichever tool is in your hands or on your bench.

Bottom line, pick a tool that seems to feel right to you, then stick with it until you know you've mastered it. That'll be 'Best Way #1'. Then try something new for your 'Best Way #2'. And so on...

There's no better 'best way' than practice (and practice, and practice).

 

[boarinator]

So far by what ive been reading im liking the sound of these paper wheels and yes I do have a bench grinder, were can I get a set of these paper wheels ?

 

[richard j]

you can order them through grizzly imports or pick them up at any woodcraft store. here is the link to the website where they have a list of stores that carry them http://www.sharpeningwheels.com/

 

[boarinator]

thanks

 

[Kentucky]

The fastest way ive tried is belts and hones..Since we make knives 2x72 Micron belts followed by a loaded leather grinder belt will do it in minutes..Paper rwheels will also do it as fast, maybe faster..I have both, I do like that slotted papaer wheel for stropping, probably better for knives than the leather belt..I do like the leather belt better for axes and other tools though....

 

[camoninja]

Which ever way you go practice of some cheap knives before you go to your nice ones.

 

[Kentucky]

yes, espically if you try paper wheels or belts..You can FUBAR a knife in no time..Use some old cheap kitchen knives for practice..

Which ever way you go practice of some cheap knives before you go to your nice ones.

 

[boarinator]

Do you think paper wheels can sharpen a convex edge ?

 

[richard j]

i use my slotted wheel to maintain both v and convex edges instead of a strop. the grit wheel will only form a v edge.

 

[Long.Rider]

A bit more than a Lansky or Gatco but I absolutely l've my Edge Pro The best by far bar none. You can save yourself a few hundred bucks by starting with one or you can do like I did spend 2 or 3 hundred dollars trying out all the rest. Than you will really appreciate how good the Edge Pro is. Baring that send it to Richard, he'll send your blade back so sharp the hair will just jump off your arm before you unsheathe the knife. Ask him he'll tell you the same thing and send you some wicked video too. One of these days I need to get my Outcast off to him.

 

[richard j]

i had a member stop down and he showed me his edge pro. check out what he said in this post about the ep compaerd to the wheels.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...e-is-important-to-you?p=10366850#post10366850

here are a few vids to check out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q_eMwRaHYg

http://knifetests.com/kII.html this one is kind of dark but i'm cutting free hanging newspaper with a knife i made.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=51941310 this vid should be to a knife i made. the member i made it for put the scales on but i sharpened it.