What is the best way to sharpenen?

S

scottyxxx

Joined
Jul 31, 2000
Messages
6
Looking for the best sharpener to use at home. Something under $60 and is easy to use.
Please Help!!!!
 
The Spyderco Sharpmaker is excellent for most knives, comes with a video that shows you how to sharpen just about anything (with an edge-haven't tried to sharpen a pencil with it), and goes for about $50.
I also bought a Lansky deluxe kit with extra-coarse, coarse, medium, fine, extra-fine hones for about $40 recently.
All that said, I still prefer to sharpen freehand. Just like having everything imaginable to play with. Got some DMT diamond stones, too, but haven't tried any of their kits.
 
I use a set of paper wheels on a dual shaft electric motor. The first wheel uses a diamond compound to get the rough edge and the second uses normal white compound to polish and refine it. The set(wheels and compounds) costs about $25. It takes me about three minutes to get a hair popping edge

Jake

[This message has been edited by Jake Evans (edited 10-04-2000).]
 
Use the search engine; the button is near the 'post reply' button. There is a wealth of information on the different types and techniques of sharpeners. Also check the FAQ's in the beginning of Blade Forums.com; a lot of good information there as well.

I use Arkansas stones, diamond dust impregnated rods, and diamond dust impregnated stones as well as a steel. It depends on where I am, and how fine an edge I want to put on the knife blade.

Walt
 
Jake, what kind of motor? What speed?
Do you have a guide of any type to control the angle, or do you do it by hand?
Sounds like something I would like to try. The kits are practical, but I don't get any fun out of using them-yes, I think sharpening knives is fun.
Any details would be appreciated.
 
Get a cheap 1x30 belt sander and a 120 grit belt and a 600 grit belt. Great edges and quick. Just dont let the heat build up and be careful cuz that 120 grit takes off a lot of metal. The quickest way to sharpen a blade. I can do a 8" chef knife from dull to razor in about 3 minutes.
 
Owen, I use an old double shaft washing machine motor that produces, I think, 1750 rpm. I use the longer work arbors so I can comfortably work on both sides of the knife. and I mounted the motor on a 6x6 oak block so I have plenty of height.I used a protractor and bent a piece of flat stock to 22 degrees on one end and 90 on the other, drilled two holes in the 90 degree end and bolted it to the bench with the 22 degree end parallel to the wheel.(one one each wheel)for a guide When I sharpen, I do so towards the edge, not away from it and use normal procedure for a wire edge on the diamond compound wheel then finish on the white compound wheel. I'd play with some old kitchen knives and get used to using this before you try on a good knife, and NEVER face the edge into the wheel.

Jake
 
What did you mean by NEVER face the edge into the wheel? I understood that you do have the rotation of the wheel going into the blade, not away from it as in stropping.
 
I think the best way to sharpen a knife, is by hand. But I'm one to talk, I'll be dammed if I can do it well. I think the best, and easiest way to sharpen a knife is with a V type sharpener. There was a really good article in the latest Blade magazine. The name a bunch of different makes. I personally have a A.G. Russell one, the big one and the field one. They both work great! I definitely recommend!

THANKS!!!

-NAFO-

------------------

-War alone keys up all human energies to their maximum tension and sets the seal of nobility on those people who have the courage to face it -Benito Mussolini-
 
Three tips for the belt sander use:

1. You can get micron grit belt sander
paper for polishing the edge.

2. Or, as I like to do, keep one single grit on there and load it up with jewler's rouge. With that setup, I can reprofile a
blade and get some polishing at the same
time. This give the blade a "toothy" hair
popping edge that is really great for
general use.

3. I found a low priced guide that clamps
onto my Delta 1x30 belt sander. This guide
is adjustable from about 10 to 45 degrees
and is great for knives (and chisels). I
think I got it at Woodworker's Wherehouse.

Originally posted by Taz:
Get a cheap 1x30 belt sander ..snip
Click to expand...



[This message has been edited by gearfreak (edited 11-10-2000).]
 
gearfreak, Jantz Supply carries paper wheels, they are listed as knife sharpening wheels, they also carry the needed compounds.

Nimrod, I think you're misunderstanding... towards the edge is as in stropping.

Jake
 
For people like me that can make an edge dull by just looking at it.The Spyderco Sharpmaker 204 is a real lifesaver.I was amazed that I was finally able to sharpen my own knives.Ralph
 
I won't say that it's the best since I really haven't tried all the rest, but I will say that I get admirable results with my Gatco Edgemate system.



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
Thanks for all the great sharpening tips, But I think I should stick to manual not machine. I want to stay basic and don't have alot of room. How do you like the Spyder 204???
Thanks Guys


 
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