Sharpening question

Joined
Jan 10, 2001
Messages
71
Just got two knives. One an INFI steel, the other a VG-10. I am a novice to the expertise needed to sharpen either of these.
Question is what sharpener can I use to sharpen both, and still take it backpacking with me. Obviously weight is a concern, but I still want to treat my blades right.
What is the best technique? I heard you should hold the knife edge up and pull the sharpener across the blade.
Sorry if this is a FAQ. If so please direct me accordingly.
thanks
Bill
 
I think the first thing you should do is click the tutorials link at the top of the page and read Joe T's sharpening advice. It should answer most of your sharpening questions for now.

I am confused as to whether you want a sharpener for home or one you can take out to the bush with you. As far as one for the outdoors, I thind a DMT double sided diafold would prove to be the best bet. They are light, have 2 grits and require no oil. And the diamonds can easily handle any steel!!

As far as a home sharpener, the Sharpmaker 204 is probably dollar for dollar your best bet. A more expensive option would be to go with an Edge Pro sharpener- by all reports is puts on a great edge and there is only a small learning curve to master.

I think that the best sharpener is a belt sander and a buffer, but that definitely isn't for everyone!!


Good Luck on your search.

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"Come What May..."
 
Counsel:

I'm not sure!!! I've been wondering that myself. I think that for most trips to the boonies a fine/extra fien would be better as you would be touching up the edge instead of real sharpening. Having said that, I'd hate to roll an edge after some chopping only to have a fine diamond hone to fix it!!

Coarse/fine would probably then be just fine, putting those lovely working edges on knives. I hope to get one of those diafolds myself too.

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"Come What May..."
 
get the fine/extra fine - the coarse is way too damn rough for anything i would need to sharpen, barring an ax lol
 
Is a "course" too rough on a blade that has been used pretty hard and is dull (no chips or anything just dull dull)?

Any difference between EZ Lap and DMT?
Thanks
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Is a "course" too rough on a blade that has been used pretty hard and is dull (no chips or anything just dull dull)?</font>

Not so.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Any difference between EZ Lap and DMT?</font>

Yes, first is the way they use diamond. EZ Lap uses polycrystalline while DMT uses monocrystalline. In theory at least, polycrystalline is more prone to fracture, thus is less expensive. The second difference lies in the way they bond the diamond. DMT uses perforated plate to speed up sharpening, EZ Lap on a real flat surface.

I don't really find the perforated plate on a DMT stone make a big difference in sharpening speed, but I do find DMT stones last longer than EZ Lap's.

[This message has been edited by Frantium (edited 03-23-2001).]
 
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