when to sharpen

K

Kellster

Joined
Sep 29, 1999
Messages
129
I tried the search function without results. I have a BM Pinnacle that is a month old, have used it a dozen times, for stuff I probably shouldn't, like opening mail, taped boxes, etc., any excuse to use it, and it's not shaving sharp like it was new. I'd like it to be that way all the time. Question, what's the best way to touch it up? Or should I wait until it needs a "good" sharpening. I was thinking about sending it to BM for a sharpening when it became intolerable. What do you guys think?
 
When did opening the mail become something you should be careful not to do with a knife?

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I don't want my children fed or clothed by the state, but I would prefer THAT to their being educated by the state.
 
By all means sharpen the Knife! Get yourself a good quality system or stone (I would recommend the Spyderco Sharpmaker) and touch up the edge when ever YOU think its getting a little dull. If you send your blade to BM every time you need to sharpen it, its going to be in the mail more than in your pocket! I found your comment about using your knife to cut tape and open mail interesting as well, these are the kinds of tasks you carry a knife for. Of course your blade in most cases is an applicable self-defense weapon but it will function everyday as a simple cutting tool, as such you will probably end up sharpening it every couple weeks under normal use. I've been known to sharpen a knife every couple days, or sharpen an sharp knife to change the edge a bit.
 
If you have a Sharpmaker, just hit your blade a few licks on the fine stones whenever it needs a little touching up.No need to wait for it to get awful, or to send it back to the factory.I like mine sharp all the time, too! If you don't have a Sharpmaker(#204),consider getting one if you love knives.I think they are available through BFC Store.It's a good investment.Ask the other members.Good luck!

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"To grow older is inevitable.To grow UP is optional."


 
Personally, I turn to the sharpening hones only after the edge cannot be brought back to an acceptable level by either stropping (leather, denim, cardboard, your choice) or a couple of strokes on a smooth steel. (I use the Razor Edge Steel.)

If neither of the above work adequately, I too would recommend the Spyderco system for a quick touch up of the blades.

Save yourself grief and maintain your blades while they are still sharp. Let them get really dull and you will only make a lot of extra work for yourself.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

 
Uncle Bill and Defender,

Regarding my not opening the mail comment: I carry my old Bucklite too and figured better to wear the blade on that with mundane tasks, but the Pinnacle is too irresistable to not use it, you know being new and all. Looks like my next purchases are a Sharpmaker and maybe an Axis lock....
 
Blues is right - Razor Edge Systems sharpening steel is great for maintaining an edge. And their book, "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening" is, in my opinion, a must have. I also like the Edge Tester - a consistent way to measure without risking the loss of body parts and/or hair.

One of RES kits is what started me down the path of learning how to truly and effectively sharpen a knife. I use a Sharpmaker most of the time, but without the skills I learned from RES products, I doubt I would have gotten proficient for long time.

Give them a look at http://www.razoredgesystems.com .

Ray

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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988

AKTI Member #A000831
 
I'm with Blues. A steel will greatly prolong your time between sharpenings, even with hard steels like ATS-34. A strop will bring the edge back also, if it's a polished edge you're going for. I'll definitely reach for the steel before sharpening, and if I want a polished edge I might reach for a strop.


When you start sharpening your Pinnacle, the first time you do so you'll want to thin the edge out considerably (at least, that's what I did), so it might take a while. AFter that, quick touchups become easier.

I described the process I used in http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000560.html

Joe
 
Brethren and cistern, stroppeth thou thy knife when convenient or when it groweth too dull to shave well, whichever comes first, for a dull knife cries out for honing, saith the Cougar. Stroppeth or steeleth thy knife betimes and ye will seldom have to do aught else to the edge, and ye will have the sharpest knife in town, not just once in a while when you've just finished sharpening it, but all the time, forever and ever, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be ...

-Cougar Allen :{)
 
And, you are correct sir! Cougar is right, I have noticed that stropping does keep the edge longer and have been doing that for awhile. But I never got close to sharp in the first place without Joe Talmage's advice, since then I've been a "grasshopper of sharp".
wink.gif

At least, thats what I aspire to,anyway.

[This message has been edited by Brian Lavin (edited 07 October 1999).]
 
You should learn to sharpen your own knife just incase you are out in the field or out and about and need to touch up your edge. You never know when you'll need these skills.I usualy carry a diamond rod to touch up my blade when it needs it.
 
I usually touch my edges up after hard use or frequent use. I use a Diamond stone(x-fine) or the fine stone on the 203 sharpmaker(need to get that 204)

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"The bible is no mere book, but a living power that conquers all that oppose it"
*Napoleon Bonaparte

Gal 6:7
 
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