Sharpening - How often?

[sambo.]

I just thought I'd ask how often the knives should be touched up to keep them at the top of their game.

regularly.

the easiest way to keep your knife sharp is, well, to keep it sharp.

if you let it get too dull between touch ups, then it requires a lot more effort and time to get back up to Ludicrous Sharp.

i tend to run edc over a strop, 30 swipes a side, pretty much every evening regardless if i've used the knife that day or not.

 

[Überich]

Interesting responses here.

I sharpen my knife when it isn't sharp enough for the tasks I have. Needlessly grinding away metal because of a habit or a ritual seems superfluous.

i guess i second this stance right here - i would never have a downright dull knife lying around though since you never know when you need it...

 

[HandofCod]

I use strops only with compound for extra abbrasiveness. I sharpen whenever I feel like the knife is no longer serving it's intended purpose.

Many of my knife's only purpose is to be screaming sharp though so that means it's strop time whenever they can't shave hair.