sharpening tips

[J.Vervoorst]

Hi,
again, I need some advice.
When sharpening my knives on a mousepad with sandpaper, I can't get the tips to be real pointy. Seems like there's always a little more material taking off the very tip so that the edge, when looking from the side, instead of continuing in one line will "bend" up towards the tip. What can be done to prevent this? Anybody get the idea (since my explanation kinda sucked)?
Thanks,
Jan

 

[Strabs]

I cheat by feathering back the tip area so it's a little shallower grind than the rest of the blade.

 

[idahoskunk]

Originally posted by Strabs
I cheat by feathering back the tip area so it's a little shallower grind than the rest of the blade.

most of mine come that way from the plant.

 

[Andrew Lynch]

As you come to the tip, don't apply as much pressure. This will keep the rounding effect from occuring. You might even want to do the tips seperately.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

You need to rotate the blade as you draw towards the tip so the tip is perpendicular to the hone, and take care not to draw the tip down across the hone in line with the grip as this with blunt it very quickly.

-Cliff

 

[SALTY]

I generally agree with the above but keep in mind that a constand held angle will result in a different angle being apllied to the tip based upon the changing shape of the blade, exaggerated as you approach the tip. Good advice about less pressure near the tip. This is a common issue with all types of stropping action sharpening techniques.

Above all, don't oversharpen and keep the edge keen. A light dressing frequently I have found to be preferred to a serious metal removing session after ignoring things for some time.

In other words, as in so many other pursuits, stay on top of things and easy on the pressure near the tip.