Tools for edging up a Becker or other knives.

B

BushOgre

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
747
With the thicker steel what do you guys and ladies use?

When I go out I carry a kobalt 4 in 1 file (axe and machete, even large bowie) and the little smith pocket sharpening tool. This takes care of any big jobs plus the the diamond rod is handy. At home I have a couple of Arkansas Whetstones.

As far as my technique I am probably a smidge above average. I guess.

Let me see those knife loving brains of yours.

Tips. Tricks. And should I adapt or experiment with different tools for thick Becker steel?
 
Wet/dry sandpaper for me - it's cheap, effective and easy. I can't believe it took me so many years to learn about this technique.

20110628_img_0253.jpg



---

Beckerhead #42
 
I use a dual grit folding diamond stone in the field and for most of my sharpening needs at home.
(Duafold or similar)
 
Wet/dry sandpaper, those nail file pads you can get at the beauty store, and a leather strop have pretty much changed the way I sharpen everything. Convex is definitely the easiest on upkeep I have found so far.
 
I have access to wet/dry sandpaper, anybody have a link to this technique? It's a new one by me.
 
I have access to wet/dry sandpaper, anybody have a link to this technique? It's a new one by me.
Click to expand...

place (or lightly spray-glue) the wet-dry, say 400-800 grit, depending, onto a slightly soft flat surface, such as:
mouse pad (not the pastic-topped kind)
craft foam
firm fatigue mat

Place the now-cushy sandpaper on a flat surface, like a workbench, kitchen table, desk, whatever.
Place the edge on the paper so it is roughly "flat" (the sharpened part of the edge) and press down lightly, just enough to get the cushion to barely conform to the edge. Drag the knife in the direction of the spine.
There ya go. it will hone your cutting edge and slowly re-profile from a V to a convex grind. With very fine grit or rubbing compound on a leather strop you will be SHOCKED at how sharp your knife can get.
 
Daizee is correct. There are lots of videos and tutorials out there, maybe look at Knives Ship Free. They have a good one, from that tutorial you can then go to You Tube and watch others do it.
Some folks use leather under the sandpaper.

DerekH has a good point about the finger nail file pads. For $160 , oops $1.60, you can buy two of those fine/med grit ones at Wally-World. They don't last forever, but for field sharpening they work very well. Just improvise a flat surface to work on, cooking pot, tree, your leg, however you can get it done without cutting yourself.
 
Last edited:
Sandpaper and a mousepad at home. Then when I'm out a DC4 or an Edge Craft diamond file...the one with the magnets, sorry I don't remember the exact number. The medium is 800 grit I think so it's perfect for the bush.

It's the edge craft 420. Pretty useful for a lot of things and packs light. I've also used it to flatten out the bottom of coffee mugs and reprofile machetes.
 
foxx said:
Daizee is correct. There are lots of videos and tutorials out there, maybe look at Knives Ship Free. They have a good one, from that tutorial you can then go to You Tube and watch others do it.
Some folks use leather under the sandpaper.

DerekH has a good point about the finger nail file pads. For $160 you can buy two of those fine/med grit ones at Wally-World. They don't last forever, but for field sharpening they work very well. Just improvise a flat surface to work on, cooking pot, tree, your leg, however you can get it done without cutting yourself.
Click to expand...

$1.60 not $160, right?
 
Yes, sorry $1.60.
They are cheap and disposable. You can take wet/dry sandpaper, but you'll still need a backing, and a flat surface. The nail file/pads already have a soft backing. Really they are too soft, for me, but just use very light pressure.
 
I have severalConvex edge knives & I agree that they are very easy to touch up & keep sharp. My BK9 is not a convex so I use the sharpmaker...might turn it to a convex a little later !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top