Sharpening INFI?

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Willieboy

Joined
Jul 4, 2002
Messages
1,237
Hello. I'm posting this question here because it deals with INFI. I recently picked up a Scrap Yard SS4 in INFI. The edge was less than shaving sharp and it was supposed to be factory fresh. Anyway, I am having a heck of a time getting an edge on this knife and I'm not a novice at sharpening knives.

I have been using 400 grit sand paper followed by 600 grit on a leather pad. The best I'm able to get is a mediocre edge. Any suggestions other than keep at it?

Thanks,

Bill
 
You are going to get a lot of different answers on this, probably most or all will work.

What I do:

1. 220 grit until you get a burr, first one side, then the other.

2. Leather strop loaded with some green stuff from Lee Valley. Strop both sides. Anything other than the green stuff (rouge, etc.) should probably do about as good a job.

Done correctly, I guarantee the hairs will be jumping off your arm.

Good luck!
 
I do the same as On The Edge, but I go from 240, to 360 and progressively finer grits up to around 800. Then I strop with a strop loaded with Lee Valley green stuff. :thumbup:

Or I just use my Edge Pro, but it take a few minutes to set up. It's easier for me just to use wet-dry sandpaper, and it keeps my edges convex.

-Dan
 
I just finished up a game warden. I started with 325 grit sandpaper backed by leather, and went through 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit. Color the edge with a sharpie and strop until the marker is removed. Also check for burr formation. Don't go to the next grit until you have removed all of the scratches from the previous grit.

What defines a mediocre edge? I can see myself in the edge bevel on my GW, and it falls through free-hanging phone book pages. Remember to go at it with an edge trailing motion, otherwise the paper will bunch in front of the edge and dull it.
 
Since this is the only decent photo I've ever taken of an edge, here it is! :D

Stropped on 320 grit, 600 grit, 1500 grit sandpaper backed on a FIRM mousepad. Then leather with green compound and bare leather stropping.

It does take a bit of time, especially for larger blades, but the results are amazing.

cimg0014pm7.jpg
 
Due to the high wear resistance of INFI, it's more critical to maintain exactly the same angle against your sharpening media.

I tend to sharpen one side at a time, only changing over when I change grit....I also maintain contact with the media while working each side (makes is easier to keep the sharpening angle consistant.

Bear in mind that a hair-popping edge is not always the best for a given type of work. I like polished edges for chopping, (these will shave amazingly well) and a slightly toothy edge for slicing (these don't shave well, but will produce a "mediocre" result if you try.)

2 cents isn't worth much, but there's mine.
 
See the Sharpening section under "Infi" on the BCK home page unless you've already tried it. It works on my SS4. ss
 
Just to be clear......You stay on one side of the blade until you raise a burr. After your've raised a burr on both sides, you alternate sides as you progress through the varies grits of sandpaper. Correct?
 
Can't really add much to the already great advice given. Do use a sharpie to check the area you are removing metal from and to maintain the correct angle. With a little practice INFI can get stupid sharp!!!! So sharp that if you are stupid enough to look at it wrong it will have you going to the ER quick style :D
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm doing all the right thinhs except, maybe, I need to start with a grit more course than 400, at least the first time I sharpen this knife.
 
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