Sharpening tools?

H

Helderberg

Joined
Dec 8, 2013
Messages
322
I would like to know what, of all the many types of devices from graduated stones to rods, etc, what the favorite sharpening tool would be here.
I have spotty success with using the stones as I do not have a consistent angle. I realize that stropping as the final step with compound is the best but what is a good way for someone like myself that wants to have a razor edge but has not the talent to get it?
Any help would be very appreciated. I would add that I have the Spyderco triangle rod system and a ceramic rod system with two levels of abrasion, and Smiths diamond bar and too many stones to count.
 
The talent will come from practice no matter what system you use.
I recommend taking a look at the Edge Pro. I found it a little tricky at first. But after going through my entire kitchen knife set, and a few cheaper folders, I started getting the hang of it. Now, All I want to do is sharpen everything with a mirror edge.
There are many systems, and the sharpmaker is a good one also, keep practicing on that and don't get rid of it. Even if you get a more elaborate system, they come in handy for quick touch ups, and not to mention. I have seen some nice edges on the Sharpmaker.
Take a look at some youtube vids. When I saw the Edge Pro at work, it just seemed to make sense and I think that helps.
Cheers
 
My single favorite piece of equipment is my strop but that's partly cause I use it the most (for nightly touch ups) and partly cause I made it myself out of stuff I found around the house and it works amazingly well.

My sharpening setup is: DMT Dia-sharp 6" coarse(325), fine(600) and extra fine(1200), a spydrco 8x2" ceramic fine(~2500) and I also have a sharpmaker with all sets of rods (and I use the extra fine rods as a bench stone when sharpening freehand).
 
Thank you. I appreciate your taking the time to reply. I will get on the i-net tonight and see what these look like.
 
Cereal_killer said:
My single favorite piece of equipment is my strop but that's partly cause I use it the most (for nightly touch ups) and partly cause I made it myself out of stuff I found around the house and it works amazingly well.

My sharpening setup is: DMT Dia-sharp 6" coarse(325), fine(600) and extra fine(1200), a spydrco 8x2" ceramic fine(~2500) and I also have a sharpmaker with all sets of rods (and I use the extra fine rods as a bench stone when sharpening freehand).
Click to expand...
Right with you on the strops.
Very relaxing to boot.
Cheers
 
I have the gatco system with guide rods and keep hair shaving blades on all my e.d.c. With very little effort. Check out YouTube you can view plenty of good vids
 
I am a crazy stropper. I use black and green compound to maintain and I use sandpaper on the strop to bring things from dull
 
okbohn said:
I am a crazy stropper. I use black and green compound to maintain and I use sandpaper on the strop to bring things from dull
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Green and white for me, also have another strop that's just bare leather for the final step (tho I keep it that way incase I want to make the jump to sub-micron Diamond spray).

I too find it very calming, doesn't take the attention to detail freehand sharpening does, you can touch up your knives while sitting on the couch watching tv once you've got the feel for it.
 
Would it be possible to show some of your strops? I have been using the back of a split leather nail pouch and red jewelers rouge.
I saw someone on you tube that used a section of a belt as a strop. Thanks again all.
 
All I use are a Sharpmaker and strops. The SM does heavier work and the strops maintain an edge, even after some use. I've gotten to prefer diamond sprays and balsa wood for my main strops and then finish on hard, uncoated leather for a final tune-up.

If you're going to use a guided system on your beveled edges, I'd pick one of the ones you have and stick with it. They may not all hold the rods at the same angles. If that's the case, when you switch systems you won't be hitting the bevel all the way to the edge... you'll be sharpening the shoulder of the bevel or creating a micro-bevel that you may not want.
 
Helderberg said:
Would it be possible to show some of your strops? I have been using the back of a split leather nail pouch and red jewelers rouge.
I saw someone on you tube that used a section of a belt as a strop. Thanks again all.
Click to expand...

2 glued together 5 gallon stir sticks and a very compressed leather stirrup strap:



 
I bought a DMT Aligner to help me reprofile knives and it works real well, probably the cheapest device that would do what I wanted to do. I made a strop attachment for it and that really helps take the edge one step farther.
 
Def. get a strop. Those quick "v" shapening toold with mostly damage your blade. But a diamond or a three stone kit.
 
I have become a very minimal stropper. I found the best way is to stop honing as soon as you are right there. Then a quick strop. I have checked my progress under 100x magnification and I can say I have good results for preventing a burr while still forming a fresh apex. It's mostly learning and less supplies. Yet I have also found the very best for these super steels would be Trend Diamond stones. I like them much better than DMT. I finish off with a hanging linen strop loaded with black compound I would usually use on my Kalamazoo leather belts.

For my edc knives I prefer a toothy edge (1000-1200 grit) with just enough stropping to refine the micro serrations. No mirror polish. This gives a very insanely sharp and aggressive edge. It will pop hairs, push cut anything and still have an awesome and scary bite.

The one thing most important to people learning is the sharpie trick and a loupe. It really helps to see what your actually doing.

Kevin
 
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