Sharpening Tips for Combat/Utility Knives

[monk3yfist]

Very new to the forums but I've been reading page after page about different sharpening methodologies. Just wondering if anyone has any advice on sharpening blades for combat and/or general utility use, or any books they would recommend? I currently own a sharpmaker and a set of diamond stones that I use for my EDC folders. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jason B.]

Are you looking for a portable sharpener?

 

[richard j]

if you are looking for a sharpening system for home use check out this thread http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578787
here is a video of a knife i made that was sharpened using this system http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=51941310

 

[Dog of War]

... any advice on sharpening blades for combat and/or general utility use ... I currently own a sharpmaker and a set of diamond stones that I use for my EDC folders.

Sounds like you've been doing some sharpening already. IMO the best thing you can do is continue to practice sharpening freehand -- the skill and understanding developed that way is invaluable, and after that you can wisely decide on any additional sharpening tools, devices and gadgets that might be useful to you.

Stay sharp!

 

[monk3yfist]

Thanks. I've been working on my skills free hand. I've been using a sharpmaker for close to ten years but really want to get good doing it "old school."
I'm planning on buying a Busse knife soon and just want to make sure I can maintain a good edge without anything fancy. Still trying to understand maintaing the convex edge...

 

[Dog of War]

There's a lot to be said for "old school" ... after all, if it weren't good, it wouldn't have been around so long, right?

Shouldn't have any problem maintaining your Busse when you get it, and I'm sure the guys on the Busse forum will have plenty of good advice for maintaining the "zero grind" edge that comes from the factory. Personally, I feel the Busse edge geometry needs some thinning down (unless you're into chopping cinder blocks and cutting through vehicle body panels) and it's no sin to give a Busse a more conventional "V" or symmetrical convex edge.

And BTW, welcome to Blade Forums, monk3yfist!

 

[sodak]

I agree with DOW. If you have been practicing (and are pretty good) with benchstones, you should be good to go. INFI sharpens up easily and nicely, so I wouldn't worry about that. Ceramic sticks work great on INFI for me, so your sharpmaker will come in handy. I also convert the Busses to a shallower v grind then the factory one.