Sharpening Recurves

A.P.F.

A.P.F.

Joined
Mar 3, 2006
Messages
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I just figured I would consult with people more knowledgeable than myself.

What is the best sharpener / system to use for recursive blades? I am thinking the corners of a Sharpmaker perhaps, or possibly a Lansky. Any ideas are most welcome.
 
I don't own any recurve hunting/carry style knives but I do own a Shun Classic bird's beak parer and the only thing that will work effectively is my Sharpmaker.
 
I have sharpened a few recurves...
The last being a SG2 kershaw blur...
I used the corners on the sharpmaker rods... And also used the flats... But that takes a bit of hands on technique...
End result.. was a hair whittling sharp edge...
Actually one of my best sharpening experiences...
Good luck..
My vote it for a sharpmaker and a little practice... I was used to the recurve after about 2 short sessions... Just make sure you use a marker on the edge, so you can see what you are removing.. and not get misled..
Matt
 
My vote is for the Sharpmaker. I bought a Lansky, used it once or twice, then gave up and started sharpening freehand. The Lansky just isn't precise enough to get your bevels done consistently, and it'll scratch up your blade.
I still use the Sharpmaker, in a sense. You can buy replacement rods individually, so I just got a single rod of each grit. They're great for travel (and the only thing I use on recurves). If you want something to help keep angles a little more consistent then a complete Sharpmaker is probably a good idea.
 
If you have the lansky,DMT has a curved stone which fits their interchangeable stone holder with guide rod and according to them is compatible all knife clamp systems.

theconsumerlink.com/DIAMONDMACHININGTECHNOLOGY/detail/TCL+ASCG/119
theconsumerlink.com/DIAMONDMACHININGTECHNOLOGY/detail/TCL+AHF/119

I have been look at this for sometime now to upgrade my gatco .It should eliminate issue with keep the exact and precise angle required for recurved edges.
 
I use the Sharpmaker. Once you have a little practice with it, it will do a good job.
 
Find a surface that has approximately the same curve and put wet/dry crocus clothe on it.

Similarly, a simple wood dowel (I like 1.2 to 2.0 inch, since I have them) and attach crocus clothe.
 
I just got a sharpmaker, and it will put a Razor edge on a recurve. Just use the edge of the rods. I really like it.
 
orthogonal1 said:
Find a surface that has approximately the same curve and put wet/dry crocus clothe on it.

Similarly, a simple wood dowel (I like 1.2 to 2.0 inch, since I have them) and attach crocus clothe.
Click to expand...

Dang, I never thought of that! I use bench stones a lot, so that simple 'hands on' method appeals to me.

Thank you all for your input. It looks like the Sharpmaker has a lot of versatility and is definitely worth a shot. I will pick one up.

Thanks again! :thumbup:
 
I've been using the Sharpmaker for a long time now. And am pretty adept at it.
Like everyone above has stated, us the corners for sure.

I have a 1.5" dia. ceramic rod that works very well for me when free-handing it though.
I cut so much crap I shouldn't be with my ZT that I end up using it once or twice a week. ;)
Never takes more than 10-15 passes on both sides...a couple of minutes.

It takes a little practice to sharpen a recurve, but once you get the hang of it, it's just like sharpening anything else.

mike
 
I'm going to have to break down and buy a sharpmaker instead of another knife. They just sound too handy not to have.
 
i am about to buy my second. i keep one with me in my bag at work, but i really want another for home.
 
When you're ready to re-profile, raise a burr, and put a hair splitting edge on a recurve (or any other knife for that matter) in just a few minutes, try one of these. Richard j here sells them, you get a discount thru BF and mentioning his name, and they work great!
 
SPXTrader said:
When you're ready to re-profile, raise a burr, and put a hair splitting edge on a recurve (or any other knife for that matter) in just a few minutes, try one of these. Richard j here sells them, you get a discount thru BF and mentioning his name, and they work great!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, SPX! Richard PM'd me with the details and it looks like those wheels are perfect for the job. I'll definitely mention BF and Richard when I order. :thumbup:
 
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