Work Sharp messing up my blades!

J

joepa150

Joined
Mar 15, 2010
Messages
350
I purchased the Work Sharp last week. I noticed that on some of my blades, usually the smaller blades and pocket knives, that I tend to put a recurve type shape into the blade. This happens close to the tang. When I sharpen my kitchen knives this doesn't happen.

Has anyone noticed this and know what I am doing wrong?

Also, the work sharp gets my blades sharp really quickly but I notice that it tends to leave a burr on the one side that is hard to remove. I try and strop it but it is quite difficult to remove.
Any suggestions on a good techinique to remove or to minimize the burr from forming?
 
The recurve near the tang is caused by not moving the blade quickly enough. If you linger too long, it will grind more metal away quickly. Try placing the blade in the guide, and then pull the trigger and start the blade moving. The burr is normal and should go away when you sharpen the other side. Also the 6000 grit belt will help polish and remove any minute burr left. It acts as a strop. Great little tool and will work good for you. Just need more practice. Get a bunch of old kitchen knives to practice on.

Blessings,

Omar
 
OHALLUM said:
The recurve near the tang is caused by not moving the blade quickly enough. If you linger too long, it will grind more metal away quickly. Try placing the blade in the guide, and then pull the trigger and start the blade moving. The burr is normal and should go away when you sharpen the other side. Also the 6000 grit belt will help polish and remove any minute burr left. It acts as a strop. Great little tool and will work good for you. Just need more practice. Get a bunch of old kitchen knives to practice on.

Blessings,

Omar
Click to expand...

With the 6000, I do about 7 fast strokes per side and still feel burr. Should I do more strokes or just do slower strokes?

I try to pull the blade through as quickly as possible without lingering but I guess I am still doing it too long. Also I try and do 7 strokes per side on the rough grit. Maybe I should back that down to 5.

As far as maintaining an edge, is it a good idea to just use the 6000 so I don't always wear too much metal always using the rough grit.
 
I don't count the strokes when I use mine. I just look and check the edge after each stroke for sharpness and uniformity of the bevel. It sounds like you are grinding too much with the coarser belts and getting too large of a burr. All you want is a fine burr along the full length of the blade. Just enough to see or feel with your finger tips. Once the burr is established, you have reached the apex of your blade, and further grinding on that side is no longer needed. Switch to the other side and lightly grind the burr away, and then go to your 6000 belt for polishing and finishing. The key is very light pressure and grinding only until your burr is formed. Not necessarily a certain number of passes per side.

Also, use the red belt for grinding your knives, as the green belt is too coarse and will remove too much metal too quick. I only use my green belts for sharpening garden tools like a shovel or hoe, etc.

Blessings,

Omar
 
OHALLUM said:
I don't count the strokes when I use mine. I just look and check the edge after each stroke for sharpness and uniformity of the bevel. It sounds like you are grinding too much with the coarser belts and getting too large of a burr. All you want is a fine burr along the full length of the blade. Just enough to see or feel with your finger tips. Once the burr is established, you have reached the apex of your blade, and further grinding on that side is no longer needed. Switch to the other side and lightly grind the burr away, and then go to your 6000 belt for polishing and finishing. The key is very light pressure and grinding only until your burr is formed. Not necessarily a certain number of passes per side.

Also, use the red belt for grinding your knives, as the green belt is too coarse and will remove too much metal too quick. I only use my green belts for sharpening garden tools like a shovel or hoe, etc.

Blessings,

Omar
Click to expand...

Thanks Omar. I will give that technique a shot and keep practicing.
 
Omar is indeed dead on with his advice, thanks for sharing great information on proper technique!

Joepa150, if you need any more assistance don't hesitate to contact us.
 
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