WorkSharp KO with the BGA sharpening recurves ?

[bmblades]

Ok, is it possible to sharpen a recurve knive on my wsko with the bga ? If yes... how ? I have a couple of small folding knives that have a medium recurve on them. I´m afraid to touch the belt as I do with a straight edge and I don't have any beaters to test on. Help

 

[cbwx34]

Ok, is it possible to sharpen a recurve knive on my wsko with the bga ? If yes... how ? I have a couple of small folding knives that have a medium recurve on them. I´m afraid to touch the belt as I do with a straight edge and I don't have any beaters to test on. Help

You want to lower the handle so that the belt can make contact inside the recurve. (How much depends on how deep the recurve). As you exit the recurve, raise the handle until it's in its normal position. It helps if you move the knife in both directions... out of and then back into the recurve.

My suggestion, since you don't have a test knife, (I would get one) would be to mark the recurve area with a Sharpie, use the finest belt you have, slow speed, and make a few passes noting where/how the Sharpie is removed. You can also practice with the belt off... just lower the handle, move the knife thru the recurve, and note how the belt contacts the edge. Don't use a lot of pressure, and you can feel the knife move into and out of the recurve... the lowering/lifting will occur almost naturally.

 

[bmblades]

But what if i use a stiffer belt such as the 120 ceramic that comes with the original kit? Isn't that going to damage the blade while i enter the recurve (in the heel portion) ? Or should i follow the shape? Enter straight, lower the handle as i enter the recurve, return to straight ? Am i right ?

 

[cbwx34]

But what if i use a stiffer belt such as the 120 ceramic that comes with the original kit? Isn't that going to damage the blade while i enter the recurve (in the heel portion) ? Or should i follow the shape? Enter straight, lower the handle as i enter the recurve, return to straight ? Am i right ?

Shouldn't.... I just tried it with a stiff belt and didn't see an issue. Light pressure (and good lighting) helps to see what's going on. If I start at the heel I start with the handle lower... otherwise the other side of the belt might contact the edge somewhere.

Personally, I wouldn't practice with a 120g belt. And I really suggest a practice knife... even a cheap one will let you get the technique down... although you may find its easier than it sounds.

Edit:. I should add, you don't have to drop the handle a lot ( again it's relative to the curve)... just enough so the belt can work through the curve.

 

[bmblades]

Hehe, I didn't said I will practice with such low grit.. but in the end I will need to use that because some of the blades I have need repair. I decided to get a cheap kershaw clash and practice on that. Doesn't have much of a recurve but will do. I'll follow your method and get back once I get results. Thanks