Tips for sharpening

[weo]

Again, not being argumentative, merely trying to clarify my statement so I don't come off as an idiot...(but it will probably take a lot more to accomplish this...)

Good reflexes are certainly a benefit however they won't help you in every situation.

I wasn't saying that quick reflexes (action without thought) was a good thing here.

A maker might say "I've sharpened 2,319 knives before making my sheaths and never had an incident". Ok, that is a good run. Even so, you still don't know what fate has in store for #2,320. So don't tempt it. Stacy may have had other reasons but I think it's just a safety precaution.

VERY good point. Thanks Marc.

 

[Richard338]

I don't make sheaths, but I sent a knife to Paul Long to have one made.
It not only wasn't sharp, but I hadn't put the final bevel on at all.
He wrote something to the effect that he would prefer it finished/sharpened so that he can do the fit properly to the final dimensions.

 

[Tyshoots]

I have a scar around my left middle finger and only one patent artery past my knuckle due to trying to catch a falling knife.

I still have a scar, and a junk missing on my left thumb from trying to catch a knife when I worked as a cook as a teenager. Knives are cheap compared to a trip to the ER.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Sharpening is the very last thing I do, even after my Logo.
Some try to give some special power to using conventional stones, If that works for you? By all means do that. By using my belt grinder, the stone moves instead of me!
Keep in mind, what matters is your end results!

What I do is use a slightly worn Ceramic X weight 120 grit belt at about 25% speed to work in the bevel. A pass or two and then a dip in the water bucket, Then to a 600 grit, then to a 30 Micron S/C 3M Belt Dip as needed..

I then move to the buffer with a Cotton/Sisal Wheel loaded with Green Chrome and polish the edge which also removes the Burr! I get excellent results! YMMV, Don't be afraid to try different belts, Stones etc and find what works best for you!
None of this is written in stone!, Pun intended!