Sharpening poll.

[Steven Penner]

So am i the only Lansky in the crowd?

Keeps a consistent angle...my biggest obstacle

 

[Culpeper]

I get factory sharpened knives that can be sharper and strop them on a smooth paper wheel to finish the edge.

 

[PBJ]

All I have to sharpen with are hand-held diamond stones.

 

[samhain73]

Freehand all the way.:thumbup:

 

[Rotte]

Freehand + strop.

 

[wildmike]

freehand all the way.

 

[tim8557]

EdgePro Pro Model for me and their ceramic rod for quick touch ups

 

[BigE]

Freehand taught by my Grandfather nearly 34 years ago, never used guided in my whole life. Then I finish up by stropping.

 

[Dave28210]

Dude, a Harbor Freight 1'' X 30'' Belt Sander cost 45 bucks and works better than any expensive system in the market. Some "quality" gun you could get for that money...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2485

I have never used a belt sander before in this way....and not much in any way. How do you get consistent angles?? Or know the best angle to start with (guess it depends on the blade)

 

[tabeeb762]

I freehand all of my fixed blades but I do some folders on the sharpmaker.

Been lusting after one of these for a while
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Perform-Perform-CCS130BD2-Belt-and-Disc-Sander-462327.htm

 

[JTR357]

I sharpened freehand for over 25 years.Now I do 90% of my sharpening on the sharpmaker.The sharpmaker was the best $50 I ever spent.I'll still do touch ups freehand occasionally on a diamond rod or DMT stone.

...so I voted "Guided" for the sharpmaker.

 

[Grampa]

Free hand until about ten years ago, when I decided to try some of the guided systems. Then I discovered the belt grinders, which is really just a fast freehand, and now I'd never go back!

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I have never used a belt sander before in this way....and not much in any way. How do you get consistent angles?? Or know the best angle to start with (guess it depends on the blade)

That is not a problem with convex edges...

Please read this guide by Jerry Hosson:

http://knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/776367/

And this:

http://knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/777561/

 

[readyaimcut]

if you can't do it freehand, you don't deserve a sharp knife. So learn!

 

[hunter s thompson]

horace, send me your email address and I'll send you some links and information.

Richard I am really interested in the paper wheels. Would you mind sending me the same information if I pm'd you my email address?

 

[richard j]

pm sent hunter

 

[hunter s thompson]

Thank you richard

 

[richard j]

readyaimcut, for us older guys with arthritis and such who have problems with hand sharpening yet know how to hand sharpen, sometimes a belt sander, the wheels or other devices are the only way we can put an edge on a knife. when you're old and gray you'll understand

 

[Dave28210]

I can freehand....which was fine as a single guy. But now wife, kids, work, etc etc has left me with less time for hobbies. Just wondering the most efficient and time efficient ways. I can use a hand saw all day long, but I like electric saws and free time better.

 

[dtownknifekid]

As I said in the other theread, I prefer to sharpen on a sharpmaker followed up with stropping on a leather belt.