whetting/sharpening ignoramus

[Þórðr]

I'm waiting delivery of my first quality knive ever, a short black Ka-Bar combat knife (Ka-1258),
and I will also buy in the near future a Spyderco Sharpmaker.

A long time ago someone gave me this Dick Titan rod:
http://www.dick.de/en/315.php?warengruppe=326&sprache=EN&hauptgruppe=34
which i've used on some stainless steel kitchen knives once in a while, but i've never had
good results with it, probably because of my lack of knowledge in this matter.

If i use the Spyderco Sharpmaker on the Ka-Bar, will this Dick Titan rod be of any use ,
and if so, why/how should i use it?

Very willing to learn...

 

[Lurker]

Some people use a rod like that (usually called a steel) especially the polished ones or the polished surface of a combination rod. It can be used between sharpenings to keep the edge aligned. Sometimes an edge will roll over from contact with a hard surface and the steel can straighten it. The steel can also be used as a final honing after sharpening for a smoother finish. This all requires the ability to hold the correct angle, so it is not fool-proof

The steel can be used in conjunction with the Sharpmaker. But you can use only the Sharpmaker if you want. The Sharpmaker alone will let you maintain a very nice edge with no use of a steel. I have a sharpmaker and do not use a steel. I don't recommend you use the steel if it is fully grooved. If it is covered with grooves all around, it is really a sort of round file and not the best choice.

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

Yeah, a Sharpmaker and a steel are two different tools. A sharpening tool like the Sharpmaker, (or even a bench stone), is meant to actually remove material from a blade. Where as the steel is meant to re-align a slightly rolled edge. It really shouldn't remove any more than microscopic amounts of material. If it removes any at all.

dalee