what do you mean file your knife

[Jason B.]

I am new to this fourm but not new to sharpening. I have seen in a few posts talk about filing a knife to sharpen it, do you really mean using a steel file from your toolbox to put a edge on your knife or am i missing something.

 

[psycho78]

Exactly what that means. I only use a file to rebevel and sharpen axes, hatchets, large knives and machetes etc. Files cut fast and remove alot of material on edges that are just way too blunt and uneven. Theyre easier to control and are more forgiving than things like bench grinders which can ruin your work in a hurry.

Of course I work with various stones to finish things up, but theres nothing wrong with using a file to sharpen.

 

[Jason B.]

ok, got a little woried this was where people were stoping, leaving a ruff edge. I still think i will stick to my belt sander and diamond stones to rebevel

 

[Dr. Mudd]

Actually, stopping with just a file on axes, hatchets, and machetes is what I've always done. Works for me.

 

[Jason B.]

Actually, stopping with just a file on axes, hatchets, and machetes is what I've always done. Works for me.

thats fine for those items but on a good knife i would never