tip sharpening problems with a Sharpmaker

[trout #2]

For some reason I've been having problems getting the tips of blades as sharp as the main blade body on my Sharpmaker. It's my Manix in particular that I'm having most of the problems with. Has anyone else ever experienced this and have any good technique corrections to try? thanks

 

[Lavan]

Don't use the corners on the tips. Use the flats and keep the blade ON the stone before lifting it. Also change direction and point the blade more ..down. You have to change the angle to follow the curve.

 

[basjoo]

I've also had some success when using the corners to start at the tip of the blade rather than the choil end. Lavan's suggestion, when sharpening the curved belly of the blade, to keep the radius of the curve perpendicular to the stone is also a good one.

 

[Jeff Clark]

You might try pinching the middle of the blade between your thumb and index finger and honing the last inch of blade on the flats. This lets you concentrate on just the tip region. It also improves your feel of what you are doing.