ZT0200st Sharpening Advice

[minimalist]

I just got my DMT coarse/extra fine stones and a spyderco UF benchstone. I was actually able to put a real good edge on a Kuhn kitchen knife. After I was happy with the edge I got on that I decided to whip out the ZT0200. This time, not so easy. I definitely did more harm than good. Even scratched it up a bit. I don't know if the problem is that I'm not holding a consistent angle or the steel is just harder to work with.

I'd say I spent around an hour on this knife. 1/2 the time on the coarse stone. I just couldn't get a sharp edge on the course stone. I moved on just to see how much sharper I could get it.

Anyone have any advice?

Here is the edge right now. Anyway to touch the scratches up?

 

[hank_rearden]

you're right-handed, like me, and you have a problem when sharpening the right side (with the edge coming towards you) just like me. that's because it's harder to see angle consistency when doing the right side, and tipping the handle up to make the stone follow the curve of the edge going to the tip.

my advice is keep practicing so your angle stays consistent, especially when having the edge towards you. all my knives have a shallower sharpening bevel on the right side. you can let the tip of your guide finger drag along the stone to keep the angle constant. sorry, not much i can suggest with a scratched coating.

 

[fervens]

It's hard to tell with digital pictures, but it looks like you are using a lower angle than you should be. There's a hint of a microbevel you aren't touchings. I usually do one of two things.

1. Increase angle and just sharpen the microbevel. I feel this defeats the purpose of that knife's steel though.
2. (Warning: you may want to wait for more opinions) I would draw the edge across the side of the spyderco ceramic as if cutting into the stone. This will dull your edge to the point where, while looking at the edge, you will see a consistent line of reflected light all along it. This will give you a good benchmark to start off from while you continue to sharpen at your normal angle. This helps me better judge my progress when doing heavy repairs and removes nicks and roles quicker while not forcing me to grind heavily in those areas.

Otherwise, don't be afraid to spend the time on the coarse stone as you have been. Just remember to constantly check the edge for that reflected light and eventually that all important burr formation. Hope this helps!

ps: Try to keep the time spent on each side of the edge the same so you don't force the apex off center.