Sharpening my bushcrafter

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SilentJohn

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Feb 11, 2008
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I recently bought a bhk bushcrafter what grit sandpaper should I used to touch up the convex edge


Thanks :thumbup:
 
It depends on condition of the edge. Try 1000 first, if it is already fairly sharp and has no visible damage. Go for higher grit and/or leather strop to polish the edge. Go for lower grit, if blade is dull.

Just experiment with it and you will understand what should you use.
 
effer said:
It depends on condition of the edge. Try 1000 first, if it is already fairly sharp and has no visible damage. Go for higher grit and/or leather strop to polish the edge. Go for lower grit, if blade is dull.

Just experiment with it and you will understand what should you use.
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If you use a loaded stop with some compound, you will very rarely have to use sandpaper at all. I keep all my carving knives razor sharp for months using nothing more than a loaded strop.
 
SilentJohn said:
Problem is I don't have a strop anything else I can use
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There are many things you can make that will work great. I would bet you have a leather belt you don't really care for? Cut about a 8" piece for at home and a 4" piece for in your ruck sack when out and glue them to a scrap piece of wood. Load it up with some compound from any hardware store and you're set.

Also, you can glue a mouse pad to a spare piece of wood, cut some slits on each end of the wood block to stuff the sandpaper in, and throw in some toothpicks so the sandpaper won't slip out. Waaaalaaaa.....

Some great vids, instructions to look over for ya.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/pages/Sharpening-Videos

http://www.barkriverknives.com/convex.htm
 
I used a leather belt before I got a higher grit hone. I probably should still strop anyway.
 
SilentJohn said:
I recently bought a bhk bushcrafter what grit sandpaper should I used to touch up the convex edge


Thanks :thumbup:
Click to expand...

As others have recommended, a strop is always a good place to start. Better yet, 2 strops, one with compound and one bare. If your edge isn't very dull yet, start there. Stropping is the best way to develop the proper technique for edge-trailing sharpening anyway, such as is generally done with convex edges. If your technique is a bit off (inconsistent angle or pressure too heavy), a strop will only SLIGHTLY punish you for it (edge rounding).

If the edge isn't quite responding to a strop, try some 1000/2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a soft(ish) backing, like leather or mouse pad. Same motion as for stropping (edge-trailing).

And obviously, if the 1000/2000 grit isn't quite enough, this would indicate some need for lower (coarser) grit.

The basic idea is, if you're not sure where to start (what grit), start at the finest and work back down to coarser grits, in 'baby steps', so you won't remove any more steel than is absolutely necessary. It won't take long at all to develop a feel for what grit you need, based on how your edge looks.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
The basic idea is, if you're not sure where to start (what grit), start at the finest and work back down to coarser grits, in 'baby steps', so you won't remove any more steel than is absolutely necessary. It won't take long at all to develop a feel for what grit you need, based on how your edge looks.
Click to expand...

O.w.E speaks the truth.:thumbup: Well put, and explained better than I did/could have. :o
 
Then that's what I'll do but I do want a strop eventually I would have bought one with my knife but I was already over budget with the custom red spacers ballistol and fire steel
 
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