ultimate hunting knife

[tradja]

to the one poster i probably definitely need more work on my sharpening skills. i can get most any blade pretty sharp but the round blades that have that big curve i just can't get it there. i have a older colt with the same curved blade and i can't get it sharp either. i also don't stropp just cause i have never really learned how to do it and i suppose that would probably help alot. i mean i get it to where it cuts good but definitely won't shave so it doesn't run through the game like i want it to. lol anyone around indianapolis indiana who wants to give me some classes let me know.

If the edge won't shave yet, then a strop will not help it at that point. A strop is great for refining an edge that is already pretty sharp.

You have some fine knives already (KOA combo). You are on the right track with seeking to strengthen your sharpening skills. IMHO, sharpening is more about technique and theory than gadgets or gear. The Murray Carter videos suggested earlier are great (I went backpacking with Murray once where he got a dull knife shaving sharp using a fire pit rock and a log smeared with ash). There are lots of great videos on YouTube too. Meeting up with an Indianapolis forum member for a sharpening session is a great idea.

IME, if a knife won't shave, it's seldom because of the steel isn't good enough.

That being said, buying new knives is FUN. All the suggestions here are great. I love Bark River knives but be aware that they require a different sharpening technique altogether because of the unique convex edge geometry. Not hard, just different.