Sharpening - Recommendation.

MDQBox · Dec 5, 2012

Okay, first off I really suck at sharpening knives. More often than not, I end up making the edge more dull than it was before I started. I've watched several sharpening videos and tutorials on sharpening, but I'm just not getting it done right. Right now I have the Smith's DFPK Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit as well as fine oil & water stones. I also have a good strop which works well when I am able to put an initially good edge on the knife (very rare).

I should mention that the knives I sharpen are all medium to large tactical folders.

QUESTION: Can anyone recommend a "good" electric sharpener? Something around or under $150?

What I currently have:

trapper78 · Dec 5, 2012

You could get a paper wheel. I think I got my wheels for around 50$ and the grinder from harbor freight for around $50 also(i actually think they are a little cheaper). then just use an old knife to practice on for a little bit to get the hang of it, and you will be set. It takes no time to get a very good edge.

grizzled gizzard · Dec 5, 2012

1x30" belt sanders are very versatile. You can use a coarse belt to quickly repair even major damage.

Then you can go the opposite direction, with either very fine belts, or leather or linen belts, loaded with your favorite compound.

1x30 sanders are as inexpensive as 40-$50, and belts are pretty cheap too.

MDQBox · Dec 5, 2012

grizzled gizzard said:
1x30" belt sanders are very versatile. You can use a coarse belt to quickly repair even major damage.

Then you can go the opposite direction, with either very fine belts, or leather or linen belts, loaded with your favorite compound.

1x30 sanders are as inexpensive as 40-$50, and belts are pretty cheap too.

I have a belt sander, but never considered using it to sharpen my knife. I didn't even know they had leather and linen belts.

Quick question, when using the belt sander I assume I hold the blade going "with" the direction the belt is traveling and not "against" it - cutting into the belt?

MDQBox · Dec 5, 2012

trapper78 said:
You could get a paper wheel. I think I got my wheels for around 50$ and the grinder from harbor freight for around $50 also(i actually think they are a little cheaper). then just use an old knife to practice on for a little bit to get the hang of it, and you will be set. It takes no time to get a very good edge.

I'll give the paper wheel a try as well. Thanks.

OHALLUM · Dec 5, 2012

MDQBox said:
I'll give the paper wheel a try as well. Thanks.

Check out this thread for all you ever wanted to know about the paper wheels, but were afraid to ask. Save the link as you will want to check it out often.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...me-is-important-to-you?highlight=paper+wheels

MDQBox · Dec 5, 2012

OHALLUM said:
Check out this thread for all you ever wanted to know about the paper wheels, but were afraid to ask. Save the link as you will want to check it out often.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...me-is-important-to-you?highlight=paper+wheels

Wow, thank you so much for the information. I'm going to go out and buy a set of paper wheels tomorrow and give thema try. Thank you again.

OHALLUM · Dec 5, 2012

Grizzly tools has the best price I could find when I bought mine. Had them in about 3 days. I bought my buffer at the local Harbor Freight for about $30 on sale. (they seem to always be on sale)

Omar