Tip #7

[Kevin Wilkins]

When doing the final sharpening of a folding knife, wrap the handle including the area arond the pivot with masking tape. Leave only the blade exposed and if possible remove the thumbstud.

This will keep any stray pieces of grit from the belt grinder or benchstone out of the mechanism and pivot area as well as avoiding the dreaded Scratch from Nowhere. It also helps prevent having to take the damn knife apart again just when you think it's finished!!

 

[Daniel Koster]

Add to your tip:

Use 3M blue masking tape - available at Home Depot. It's "not-as-sticky" and easy to remove. Plus it won't gum up the blade/handle/etc.

Or use drafting tape.

 

[Nathan House]

Dan
I use the blue tape to tape the blade up while I am working the handle ETC.