Vintage Bulldog knife to carry

[Hawk1]

I bought a vintage bulldog knife from ebay that wasn't mint to carry. It was only slightly stained.
The strange thing to me is It was unbelievably dull and it's taking me forever to get it sharp enough to use.
I use a diamond pocket hone followed by an Arkansas fine stone. That's always worked for me.
These knives are beautiful and look well made but are they made to actually be used?

 

[Alberta Ed]

Start with a coarser hone, 220 grit or so to establish the edge angle you want.

 

[Hawk1]

Thanks Ed, I'll try that. I usually carry a CV Case and they are pretty easy to sharpen.
I'll try a courser stone.