Sharpening curve (learning)

[dcpopo]

Hi all,

I use a sharpmaker to keep most of my smaller knives sharp. I also own a lansky and dmt diamond stone (corse grit). I really need to learn to free hand due to the drawer full of dull knives. :grumpy:

I would like to use the dmt over having to purchase a new set up. I've been reading for a while and practicing here and there. I would like to know what is the learning curve for free handing. What would you say are the hours required to be able to sharpen a knife. I'm not expecting the hair popping ability, but rather a consistent improvement.

For example, could I learn to get a decent edge if I spent the entire day (8 hours) practicing? I ask because I'll try it for 30 minutes here and there and it doesn't seem like I'm getting anywhere.

Best,

-Coop

 

[Mephtyrm]

The way I learned sharpening is by setting a quick bevel by those carbide sharpeners, sure they aren't good for a user edge but boy do they grind faster than any stone.
How I learned is to cement the hand position into my head and secure it there.
How I sharpen right now is using the Lansky to set up 17 degrees per side and using a Smith's carbide sharpener for a micro bevel.
Keep your angle consistent and go back and forth until there is a burr, then do the other side, then do single strokes on both sides a couples times to remove that burr.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

My Lansky kit was the thing that kicked my learning curve into high gear. Using the angle guide allowed me to focus on using pressure correctly, and watching for burr formation. Both of those factors would be much harder to grasp, if also dealing with a constantly varying angle, which would negate any positive use of the other two factors. In spite of the guide, I still was able to develop much of the feel for finding flush contact with the bevel, and also for feeling when the apex of the edge was reached (there's a change in feel, when the apex suddenly 'bites' into the hone). I went through every knife I could get my hands on, once I was able to produce a sharp edge with the Lansky. I have a LOT of knives, so I'm still at it, and still learning.

A drawer full of dull knives is exactly what a full 'learning curve' needs. It's all about doing it over and over, and over again, to train the hands for it.

Edit:
On the subject of repetition and persistence, I heard something recently that I felt to be very wise. Wish I could take credit for the thought. Don't quite remember the exact quote, or to whom the credit for it belongs. But it was something like:

"It does no good to practice, and then stop when you finally get it right. You have to keep practicing until it's impossible to get it wrong."

I like that.

 

[eccvets]

with the proper equiptment and know how, you can learn in about 5-10 mins. even faster if there is someone there giving you tips. i suggest some kinda motorized system.

seriously, why spend hours trying to get results which you can get which would take you fractions of the time?

Hi all,

I use a sharpmaker to keep most of my smaller knives sharp. I also own a lansky and dmt diamond stone (corse grit). I really need to learn to free hand due to the drawer full of dull knives. :grumpy:

I would like to use the dmt over having to purchase a new set up. I've been reading for a while and practicing here and there. I would like to know what is the learning curve for free handing. What would you say are the hours required to be able to sharpen a knife. I'm not expecting the hair popping ability, but rather a consistent improvement.

For example, could I learn to get a decent edge if I spent the entire day (8 hours) practicing? I ask because I'll try it for 30 minutes here and there and it doesn't seem like I'm getting anywhere.

Best,

-Coop

 

[richard j]

with the proper equiptment and know how, you can learn in about 5-10 mins. even faster if there is someone there giving you tips. i suggest some kinda motorized system.

seriously, why spend hours trying to get results which you can get which would take you fractions of the time?

+1 on a motorized system. i use the paper wheels and i have taught guys that stop by how to use them in no time. i can go from butter knife dull to shaving sharp in minutes.