Tricks to hold knife more consistently when sharpening free hand?

G

GarageBoy

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May 23, 2003
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I can't seem to consistently hold my knife at the same angle when flipping sides. Also, I can't seem to get the belly right (the angle is too steep when I lift to accommodate it.) Any tips?

I tried two hands on the knife, stone on a desk, but I'm doing better with one hand holding, one hand sharpening

Thanks!
 
sharpen with one hand holding, one hand sharpening.

:D

really, if you do better that way, then do it that way. I sharpen on a tabletop, on my lap, held in hand, moving the blade, moving the stone, etc etc. practice is what you need. I look at the scratches on the bevel to see where I am sharpening. It isn't always the same spot every time, so the edge convexes slightly, but I keep it within a few degrees and get a full length burr... eventually :).
 
Prop up the back of the stone for your desired angle and hold the knife so its edge is parallel with the floor. You won't have to change how you're holding the knife to sharpen the belly and the tip. After getting used to holding the edge parallel with the ground, your sharpening should become more consistant and take a little less time.

Idea flagrantly stolen from ksskss.
 
Maybe slow it down. Think about getting each and every stroke just right, don't worry how fast or slow its going. Get your movements down, speed will come after time. Also look often at your scratchs your making. They will tell you a lot. You will get the hang of it.

Its very rewarding to freehand a blade to tree topping. :D
 
I use one hand to hold the blade and rotate for curves, and the other hand to tilt the blade and push it across the stone.
 
hardheart said:
sharpen with one hand holding, one hand sharpening.

:D

really, if you do better that way, then do it that way. I sharpen on a tabletop, on my lap, held in hand, moving the blade, moving the stone, etc etc. practice is what you need. I look at the scratches on the bevel to see where I am sharpening. It isn't always the same spot every time, so the edge convexes slightly, but I keep it within a few degrees and get a full length burr... eventually :).
Click to expand...

Almost exactly how I do it, holding the stone is my most common way, moving the stone and blade at the same time seems to work best for me.

Its kind of a feel thing, you will eventually be able to feel the bevel on the stone when you are sharpening, but that will take some time.
 
Try doing it the way you are, stone in one hand and knife in the other, and stand in front of a mirror. That can help you get a better idea of the angle when the spine is away from you.

Practically speaking, a difference in angle from side to side, unless it's just gross, won't affect the performance of the blade. May not look as pretty, but you probably won't notice any difference in cutting. Also don't forget that the way the edge looks will depend on how well centered the edge is, and that can vary a lot depended on how it comes from the factory. If one side is ground "deeper" than the other the bevel will often be much narrower, making it look like the angles may not be the same.
 
Something I started to do with longer blades is sharpen towards me. That way I can see if the bevel is making good contact with the stone the whole time.

A bit slower, but you'll end up using less strokes if you do consistently hit the bevel.
 
I don't flip the knife. I switch hand .. so the other side is sharpened with my weaker hand. It's not exactly the same angle, but quite decent and I got it consistently meeting my need. Plus, it give my other hand some practice ;)
 
Tilting the stone does work pretty well so I suggest you try that first. Also, don't use too long a stroke. It's easier to maintain a consistent angle for say 2" of travel as opposed to 5". Yes it will take longer but with experience you will be able to gradually extend that distance.
 
knifenut1013 said:
Almost exactly how I do it, holding the stone is my most common way, moving the stone and blade at the same time seems to work best for me.

Its kind of a feel thing, you will eventually be able to feel the bevel on the stone when you are sharpening, but that will take some time.
Click to expand...

I don't move the stone, that's just my way. I do "feel" the bevel. There is also a certain sound the blade going across the stone makes when the angle is right. I also judge by that. That's just the way I FINALLY (after ~20 years :eek: yep) learned to sharpen a knife.

Matt
 
Just practice and focus. I still find my angles get sloppy once in a while, but if you can control the deviation, or at least constrain it, you may find yourself with a nice robust convex-like edge (they key is to get that zero edge before knocking down the shoulder(s)).
 
I have a 5" arkansas stone. I hold it with my left hand while I hold the knife in my right hand. I position the knife with the bevel flat on the stone and stroke away from me first. I do this a few times, and then I go towards me (knife still in my right hand) and do a few strokes on that side. I try to do a 1:1 ratio, but sometimes it's a bit faster to do a couple of strokes per side all at once.

I usually move the stone to the correct angle and I keep my right hand steady while sharpening. If it's a curvy blade, such as my emerson commander, I'll use my thinner stone and/or my diamond rod.
 
I don't worry anymore about trying to hold the exact same angle for every stroke. When the angle varies a bit it results in a convex edge.

Thanks to those in the forum who pointed this out. It makes sharpening a lot easier. :)
 
Get the largest stone you can afford, get it on a stand at the right height, make sure it won't move, and practice making smooth uniform strokes using two hands, one on the handle and one on the edge. With practice you will find the stroke that feels comfortable, and eventually you'll get the hang of it and you'll probably find it is not that hard to keep a steady enough angle.
 
I sharpen standing at my workbench which is about belt buckle high.
More of a rocking at the hips motion than moving your hands.
Your hands are the guide, just move the rest of your body...that'll allow you to be more consistent.

Oh yeah, and....
Practice, practice & practice some more :D
 
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