- Joined
- Feb 26, 2012
- Messages
- 107
Hey guys, what would you recommend for sharpening large fixed blades (7 inches or larger) I have the lansky system but it doesn't have the reach to do big blades. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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Sharpening large knives.
- Thread starter thacheese16
- Start date
not2sharp
Platinum Member
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 20,470
Freehand or something you move against the blade. Meaning a belt sander or something that you move the blade against because those usually don't have a limit. Whereas something like the sharpmaker maxes out at a certain length you are able to do with normal strokes.
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
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- 1,223
I have sharpened machetes on my paper wheels to paper cutting sharp. 20 + inch blades. Took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Maybe not for everyone, but works great and fast for me. Would highly recommend them. You can get into a set with a buffer motor for less than $100.
Blessings,
Omar
Blessings,
Omar
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2012
- Messages
- 1,336
the only big blades i have are 24 inch and longer machetes that i use for clearing brush. i sharpen them with a flat file and a 'canoe' type stone. while it will not get anything near a mirror type finish it will get them plenty sharp for this sort of work. dont know if you would need a finer edge than this for your intended purpose, though.
takes a little practice because you hold the blade stationary and move the abrasive. use a progressively lighter touch with both the file and stone to refine the edge. sometimes i use the edge of the window on my work van to put the finishing touch on the edge but i find that to be 'gilding the lily'.
takes a little practice because you hold the blade stationary and move the abrasive. use a progressively lighter touch with both the file and stone to refine the edge. sometimes i use the edge of the window on my work van to put the finishing touch on the edge but i find that to be 'gilding the lily'.
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2009
- Messages
- 13,438
If you think you'd still benefit from a guided setup, a DMT Aligner clamp and a benchstone (8" or larger) would accommodate much larger blades. The clamp can be positioned rearward on the blade, nearer to or at the tang/ricasso, and the blade can be swept somewhat diagonally down and across the stone. This motion almost perfectly duplicates the same freehand technique, and is a great way to get the feel for it. For large blades, a DMT Duo-Sharp hone in C/F grit and 8"/10" length is extremely versatile and works fast.
DMT has at least a few videos on their site, demonstrating the use of the Aligner clamp with their bench hones. Blades up to the size of large kitchen/chef's knives can be sharpened easily with this combination.
David
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