Sharpening question

[SilverAlert]

I'm a 'sharpen by hand only' guy, not really understanding tempering completely. Which is to say, i DO understand tempering, but not how/why true sharpening masters usually have a grinder in the process somewhere - i have found a local guru - without ruining the temper. I know the temper can be ruined.

It's just cringy AF when there's a guy with a grinder at the gun show hacking away at blades: full speed, negliguble oil/water (cooling, in my head).

With super steels now, i have to imagine that grinder comes in sooner.

Can somebody give me the two minute explanation?

 

[jjg6319]

Time is money.

 

[Ourorboros]

More customers = more money
As far as not slow enough/no cooling, they do after all sell this to people who can't sharpen and are impressed by sparks. I think pro sharpeners tend to use belts at slower speeds and with water.
Even if I had a pile of knives to sharpen, I wouldn't take it to some guy at a show.

 

[gamma_nyc]

Is this is a decent entry level power sharpener? It seems that it has some features that are recommended by those here:

Variable speed
Common belt size (1 x 30)
Easy to replace/change belts

$280.​

Belt Grinder, 30'' x 1'' Belt Sander Bench Grinder with Brushless Motor Large Table Polishing Sander Sharpener Multi Function Desktop Belt Machine w/Stepless Speed Regulator​

 

[donnord]

A Rikon 1 x 30 is less money has variable speed and in my opinion is more versatile.

 

[catspa]

I think pro sharpeners tend to use belts at slower speeds and with water.

Or not use belts.

I’ve had some luck slowing down belt sanders, but not the direct drive kind.

Parker

 

[David Mary]

Quick passes, slack belts, and low grits are all ways to mitigate heat buildup even without water cooled systems.

 

[SilverAlert]

More customers = more money
As far as not slow enough/no cooling, they do after all sell this to people who can't sharpen and are impressed by sparks. I think pro sharpeners tend to use belts at slower speeds and with water.
Even if I had a pile of knives to sharpen, I wouldn't take it to some guy at a show.

It was just an example...being hyper-vigilante about whateve super duper steel of the week they put on these things.. hard and $.

 

[luethge]

Unsolicited opinion : Slow and steady maintenance to keep a sharp knife sharp beats taking away valuable steel at high speed anytime.

 

[catspa]

I don’t disagree, but…

I used to sharpen at a popular fishing resort, and I frequently saw 20 or 30 fisherman walking up the dock towards me with a bucket of fish knives in each hand. I needed a way to put a rough sharp on them in a hurry - these guys leave the dock about 530am, and they want to cut fish.

Desperate times…

Parker

 

[ricklee4570]

I have a custom built 1x30 sharpener. It runs slow, around 800rpm. With care, there is no heat build up issues. A lot of Custom knife makers are using belts to sharpen knives. I am curious what equipment Spyderco and other big manufacturers are using? Im sure they are not sharpening by hand.

 

[Gottagofishn]

When I started sharpening I used belt grease. It's messy but allegedly does keep the belt cooler. Formax is the brand I use, cheap and lasts forever. I still use it on fine belts.

I also run a Rikon variable speed 1x30. I have two set up, one for grinding, one for stropping. Although the one in the Pic is pretty.

There is a very popular cutlery store in Columbus Ohio that sells some very upscale and mainstream knives. They offer sharpening as a service... the owner said, "Just something to put a working edge on a knife". The sparks were flying...
Most folks are either unaware or don't care.