Tips on sharpening Pesh Kabz?

[Wirebender]

For my work knives, I'm using RazorEdge hones and some homemade angle clamps. I've never dealt with a complex (for me) edge like this. What do I need besides a little skill? How sharp does a knife like this "need" to be?

 

[Rick]

Bud recommends using a fine grit belt suspended between two pieces of wood that hold it slack. The obverse secondary bevel is somewhat convex, so a slack belt will maintain the proper profile. Strop, rather than sharpen, the reverse side, like you would a chisel grind.

EDIT: Oops! The above pertains to a Y2K, not a Pesh Kabz. My mistake.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 03-12-2001).]

 

[rdangerer]

You can resharpen the convex part by using a strop on a forgiving piece of backing.

One approach:

Take a piece of quality, straight, flat 2x4. Cut down to say 18" in length. Find an old computer mouse pad with a rubbery backing. Cut to shape of 2x4 and glue down.

Now find some 240 and 400 grit sandpaper (play with different grits). Cut sandpaper strips so they fit on strop, leave them long, just put one end under the board, loop over and across top of board.

The soft backing will conform to convex edge if you do it right. Push edge down into soft backing, goal is to obviously maintain the convexivity on existing edge, and pull the knife towards you (don't push the sharp edge into sandpaper, pull towards you).

Hope that helps. Takes a little practice, not much, this coming from a guy who can't use flat stones but likes the jig and V-crock sharpeners.

(thanks to Cliff Stamp for genesis of this idea).

[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 03-12-2001).]

 

[Wirebender]

Thank you, this brain would never have thought of that. I can get all those materials at work. I know I could just have called Bud Nealy, but I figured he was busy making knives. I'm even going to try to grind an old blade to a convex edge to practice on.