Knife Sharpening?

[pendentive]

I use electric tools....but not what you're thinking.... I use a 1x42 belt sander. Works like a charm and got me started into making knives.


Re: test materials

Paper. Hold a piece of paper by the corner in one hand and cut it at a 45 degree angle with the knife in the other hand. If it "glances" and doesn't "catch", needs some sharpening on the stone. If it grabs and cuts, but actually "rips" more than it cuts....needs time on the strop. A well-sharpened, polished edge should slice right through it like this:

http://www.bladesign.com/blades/clever.wmv

As you can see, it doesn't matter how thick the edge is, as long as it's well-stropped.



If you're crazy (like me ) just pick up a large triangle shipping box and give it a whack....

http://www.bladesign.com/blades/kobra4.wmv



You can certainly get sharper edges, but I like mine to stay sharp, so I don't go too fine on the edge. Gotta keep some toughness...

Dan

 

[Flashpoint]

I use a Lansky sharpening system with super coarse to fine stones. I'm gonna get a extra fine soon. Never has any problems with it, but if I didn't have the C-clamp I don't know that I would like it so much. I sharpen at a 25 degree angle on my carry knives and as far as "wire edges" if I just lay the stone on the side of the blade with the roll over on the last stroke and just push it with little to no pressure added then it takes the "wire edge" off.

 

[heron]

how can you tell when your knife is really sharp??

I learned this way . . .

* First, do a visual inspection. Hold the blade in a strong light, such that the light should reflect off the blade's edge. If you see bright reflections anywhere, that means it needs a touch-up (or more).

* Run your finger across the blade (not along it) from the back to the edge. You should feel nothing scratchy at all. Best way to find wire edges, as the blade will feel smooth on one side and scratchy on the other.

* Draw the blade edge lightly across a fingernail with a tiny amount of side pressure. If it's dull, it will skid across the nail instead of biting in.

 

[Matt Dillon]

I like using cardboard wheels, bu I also use a 1x30" belt sander with a leather belt and green chromium oxide for stropping. I also have a Tormek Harbor freight knock off that does a pretty good job on chisels and such.