Sharpening Elmax Steel

[Mossyhorn]

I have a different method for sharpening and I thought I'd share it. I sharpened Elmax in the photos, but it can be used on any steel. I use a Pyrex glass cutting board that I bought for using sheets of sandpaper for sharpening. It has a nice rolled edge that has a medium texture to it. In the photos I set it up on a portable bench and used a angle gauge to set it up for 25 degree sharpening. I used the same downward motion that is used with crock sticks. The results are pretty amazing. It didn't leave much of a burr, but I stropped in on a piece of leather cord stretched tight. I think you get more contact using the round cord instead of a flat leather strop. It was not treated with any compound. I think the edge of the Pyrex is just right for sharpening. Try it if you're curious.

 

[JayGoliath]

[video=youtube;Lm53mCOQTR8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm53mCOQTR8[/video]
Watch the end of it.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Hadn't heard of a 'Pyrex cutting board'. Seems counter-intuitive as a cutting surface, which I'm sure would dull a knife edge in a heartbeat. Might explain why I'm not seeing these as 'available' in many stores' online listings anymore.

As a honing tool, on the other hand, should be :thumbup: . Especially for use with sandpaper; seems perfect.


David

 

[Mossyhorn]

I bought it at Weiss supermarket. It was on clearance sale for $10.00. It will work great with sandpaper because the rubber feet at the corners should keep it from slipping. An old knife maker from North Carolina told me about using the edge of a windshield as a sharpener for his forged Damascus years ago. I actually bought 2 of them because I was so impressed with the performance.

 

[Mossyhorn]

Jay, that's not the same 560 that I had listed to trade. I have 2 of them. The one I'm keeping didn't come with an edge that I'm satisfied with, so I used the Pyrex. It will cut heat sensitive roll paper with ease.