Whats the best was for a novice to sharpen a blade.

Pa_Slasher

Pa_Slasher

Joined
Jan 10, 2012
Messages
259
Ok so I am new to the whole blade buying thing. I have owned a few Case blades in the past for hunting purposes, but what is a good way to sharpen customs or others? Anything that would be user friendly and easy to learn?? Where to get them would help too. Thanks
 
It just depends on the type of edge of a given knife. Convex edges are often sharpened with sandpaper ontop of a mouse pad, then stropped. Other "V" grind knives are sharpened on stones of various grit. Other guys have belt sanders, with changable belt grits. Some just use ceramic sharpening systems.
You'll find much variation in the tools and techniques to sharpen a knife. My philosophy is to hone a knife as needed, using compounds on a leather strop, so I rarely have to get out the sandpaper or stones.

Knives Ship Free has some video tutorials on their website. Lots of good, and not so good, info on You Tube, you'll have to judge which guys know what they are talking about.
Jerry Fisk, Ethan Becker, and averageIowaguy have some videos from their gatherings where Jerry sharpens some knives. He has some very valuable insight.
Here's a start..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzBSjQFWyhM&feature=related
 
I have only recently learned to sharpen knife and axe to shaving sharp.
I started sharpening with sand-paper and strop with compound, which is a somehow forgiving method and you don't have to worry about burs etc.
However, while progressing with one method you magically become better in all other methods.
It all comes to understand what the edge needs every time you sharpen it.
Start with one method, whichever suits you the best, study its theory (youtube, bladeforum), practice it and just have patience with it. Your results will become better and better every time you try.
 
+1 for the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker. It's easy, gets your blades very sharp, and doesn't scratch up your blade. I recommend the optional ultra-fine stones, but the the optional diamond rods are absolutely necessary. The (( not a paid Bladeforums Dealer )) is your best bet for prices.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Another +1 for the Sharpmaker. Its the only way I sharpen my knives. Super easy and does a GREAT job.

I'd advise getting the base set, see if it works for you, and then decide if you need the diamond rods. I have them, but have only used them once. I myself think I could live without them.

I don't have the extra fine rods. Don't think I'd need them.

Most of my most commonly used knives are Ritters with 15 degree grind, so I use the 15 degree rod angle, even thought the instructions say to use the 20 degree angle. Its kind of nice it has both.

I've read some say the S30V blades are tough to sharpen, but the Sharpmaker does great with them (without using the diamond rods).
 
Sharpmaker is great IF your knife has a nice bevel to start with. I have had quite a few knives with very obtuse bevels that the sharpmaker won't touch without reprofiling.
 
I've reprofiled many a knife with the Sharpmaker and their diamond rods--in fact, damn few knives come new that don't need reprofiling. It does take patience, but I think any reprofiling or sharpening does. If I have a lot of material to remove, I'll use a file first.
 
Last edited:
Pa_Slasher said:
Ok so I am new to the whole blade buying thing. I have owned a few Case blades in the past for hunting purposes, but what is a good way to sharpen customs or others? Anything that would be user friendly and easy to learn?? Where to get them would help too. Thanks
Click to expand...

My advice would be to paruse the Maintenance, Tinkering, and Embellishment forums here. That is the place to go for all kinds of useful sharpening information.
 
There are many ways to sharpen, and many of them are great. Frequently, the best answer is unique to the person's preferences...and if you are like me, your preferences will change over time.

Spend some time reading on this (and other forums, if you like) and study up. Try what seems interesting and practice.

You need not spend a lot of money...as you read, you will learn that various everyday items (like the bottom of a coffee cup) can effectively sharpen a knife.

There is no shame in hiring the services of professional sharpeners either.
 
For a novice, I'd say the Lansky or Gatco. Those are much quicker than the Sharpmaker. The paper wheels (Razor Sharp Edgemaking System) that Richard likes work well, too. I have the Sharpmaker with all optional stones and it moves closer and closer to the waste basket; It's soooo slow and never matches anything I'm trying to sharpen.

Good sharpening,
Dave
 
the paper wheels will sharpen anything out there and after some practice on some cheap blades you will be sharpening anything with an edge including scissors. for around $100. you can get set up with them. here is a link to the website where you can find a dealer close to you. http://www.sharpeningwheels.com/ here is a thread i started on them.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578787

you can also pick them up at any woodcraft store or order them through grizzly imports.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top