sharpening

Joined
Mar 3, 2003
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726
I don't have any fancy sharpening systems, only a little round white ceramic sharpener stick (i think thats what it is)
a sharpening steel that came with a block set of kitchen knives (wusthof- trident) and a standard reddish sharpening stone. Is there anyway I can get my knives hair shaving and push cutting sharp? Thanks to anyone for help.
 
With practice, or, in my case, desparation, you can make a blade shaving sharp with that equipment. With your standard stone, scrub the edge of the blade against the stone until the slightest lip of metal is formed on the opposite side of the edge. Turn the blade over and scrub the other side of the edge against the stone until the tiniest lip forms there. Turn the blade over one more time and lightly push the edge of the blade across the stone at a slightly higher angle than you used to create that lip along the edge.

If you can find some way to lay the ceramic rod flat and keep it from moving, the next step would be to run the edge of the blade very lightly over the ceramic rod at an angle slightly higher than the one you used to scrub the lip into the edge with alternating strokes.

With practice, that will get you a shaving sharp edge. I used what I just told you to put a shaving sharp edge on my Schrade Sharpfinger a few nights ago when I could't figure out some exotic sharpening technique.

Also: If you're holding the stone in your hand, make sure that no part of your fingers is flush or higher than the top of the stone or you'll destroy the edge of your knife with the bones of your fingers. And it might hurt, too.

edited to say:

Welcome to the Forum, James!
 
Welcome, James.

You should check out the Sharpening FAQ--lots of good info in there.

Also, depending on how dull your knives are and how coarse/fine the stick is, it may take a while to get your knives sharp.
 
Inexpensive and convient sharpner -- Sandpaper

Can get any grit you want for a couple $'s at your local wally world/ discount parts house. Put it on a hard backing or counter top and strop your blade on it - meaning pull the blade backwards towards you. Several threads have been going around later about this and can be found via search.

hope this helps

dave
 
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