sharpening convex edges

S

Seahawk

Joined
Oct 2, 1999
Messages
245
I was wondering if there is a way to sharpen a convex edge without using a belt grinder that is mentioned in the FAQ's. Thanks.
 
double post


[This message has been edited by Cougar Allen (edited 08 December 1999).]
 
The easy way is to pick up a rubber-backed sanding block at your local hardware store and use fine sandpaper with a stropping motion, bearing down hard to compress the rubber backing.

Sharpening a convex edge is *not* more difficult; just different. It's really easier; you could train a retarded monkey do it with a sanding block.

-Cougar Allen :{)
 
Or you could just use a Sharpmaker 204 and wobble a lot.

I know that sounds crazy, but . . . why not?
 
My grandpa used to put convex edges on his knives. I'm not sure what he used. What you can do is use a stone and just roll the blade to follow the convex edge. it takes a while, but it is pretty cool when it is done and cuts really well. I use a Lansky and change angles and then roll the blade on the coarse stones to smooth out the bevels and go from there. It isn't a true convex, but it works well. if you have a convex ground knife, just follow the curve when shaprening it. if you are making a knife convex, it will take longer. Good luck and I hope this helps.
 
It may be obvious, but I don't think Cougar meant to use regular wood finishing "sand paper". With a hard steel I would suggest Wet or Dry type silicon carbide coated paper.
 
Thanks for the replies. I figured that I shouldn't use wood sanding paper, but I was wondering if I should use the emery cloth metal sandpaper that I have or some other type. Also what grits work best for coarse, medium and fine work?
 
Frankly, convex edges piss me off so much that when they get real dull I chuck a disk sanding attachment in my electric drill and get down to the burr stage in just a couple minutes. I think that I've been using something in the 150-180 grit range for rough work.

Here's a link to someone who really takes their sand paper sharpening seriously:

http://www.shavings.net/SCARY.HTM#original
 
You can use regular wood sandpaper on most knives. It has the same abrasive that is used in most waterstones. SiC is better of course but it is much harder to get especially in the coarser grades. The best would be the Trizact grades from 3M.

-Cliff
 
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