[kis2]

ive always been curious, maybe someone could help... how do you sharpen a serrated edge? the only tool at my disposal is one of those sharpeners you slide the blade through a "V" section.... if thats clear...

thanks for the help

[Coronach]

With that thing? You don't.

Others may have a better idea, but I can't think of any way to sharpen a serrated blade with one of those, unless I am misunderstanding what you have.

I use a Spyderco Sharpmaker for serrations.

Mike

[Valkman]

Sharpmaker is the way!

[ChristopherG]

What's the approved technique for using the sharpmaker on serrations? I have a zdp 189 Endura that's all serrated--my first blade with any serrations--and know I won't be able to keep it off the stones for long. :rolleyes:

So, how to do it?

[Valkman]

If I remember right you use the corner of the stones and draw the serrations across it so that it goes in and out, following the blade.

Now if you don't have the same blade angle as the Sharpmaker does then it won't work unless you re-profile the edge to 40 degrees.

[Mike Sastre]

Sharpmaker is the best thing to use for serrated blades!! Use only the corners of the white stones - the dark ones remove too much metal.

[coelacanth]

a few points re: serrated edges: 1) factory serrated edges are ground using a special profile grinder that none of us has access to as it is usually a proprietary design. 2) no aftermarket sharpener exists that duplicates that design unless you are able to purchase on from the manufacturer as in the case of the Spyderco Sharpmaker. 3) any sharpener that does not duplicate the shape of the original grinder will alter the profile of the serrations. Decide beforehand if you have the skill and the patience to sharpen each individual serration because it is fairly difficult and time consuming to do correctly. If returning the blade to the manufacturer for resharpening is not an option then be careful to select sharpeners that closely match the shape profile you are trying to maintain. I have had good luck with DMT diamond hones and the Spyderco products. It is a good idea to practice a bit before you start on your pride and joy. Better to butcher a cheap steak knife than to turn your favorite knife into a blunt instrument. Good luck.

[Coronach]

yeah, serrations are a serious PITA to sharpen. Because of this, I only have two serrated knives (Spyderco Rescue and a half-serrated AFCK).

Mike

PS BTW, I consider half-serrated to be a waste of time. JMO.

[chipp]

I use a metal sharpening rod. Any round sharpening rod will due. It doesn't last as long as the original edge but it gets unbelievably sharp very quickley. I have a spyderco harpy that I ended up using at work to cut everything wood, insulation board, whatever. One edge is beveled the other is flat. I run it like your trying to cut a thin sliver off the rod about 6 to eight times. then the opposit flat side, the oposite way. gently just to knock off the thin piece of metal that ends up on the edge. Let me tell you its sharp after that.


http://www.excaliburcutlery.com/spypolicecalypsoharpy.html

[Triphammer]

I've never owned a "name" knife w/ serations. The few serated blades I've owned were sharpened flat on the off side & then steeled to remove the burr.

[Onmilo]

I use a diamond stick.
It folds up when not in use and looks like a diamond dust impregnated ice pick when unfolded.
It is made by EZ-LAP Company out of Carson City Nevada.

Three or four passes on each side of the serration and they are as good as new.

[12GA00buck]

I use a triangle shaped stone, not perfect but keeps a decent edge.

[steeltiger]

you can get a gheap specialty triangle sharpener for a buck or two, should be able to aquire one at any lowes store they stay well stocked on various sharpeners.
also lansky makes a few brand specific sharpeners and most serrations are knockoffs of spyderco serrations, so a spyder specific rod should work OK.

[gpdawg]

i have sharpened serrated blades.i have a set of small round files.