Lets talk about knife sharpening

[Raul B]

Here are couple of mine that could use some love.. The one on top is a extreme ratio fulcrum 2 knife that I have had for over 6 years. I have abused this knife and it has performed solidly. Thr hardest part of this info is that the blade is 1/4" thick. In the past I have had to send it out to get professionally sharpened but prefer to do it in house now.

The second is my Jr's knife. It's sharp but nowhere near what it was when I first got it. I WA t to restore it back to its formal glory....

Thoughts?

-Raul

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

[ShawnR]

I'm curious to know what you find out. I have a couple blades I'd like to restore. Have you posted the question on any of the blade forums? I don't know any specific ones, but I have come across them in the past.

 

[Laughing Otter]

In the field I use a small keychain sharpener made by Handy Sharp, It works miracles, it'll put a razor edge on a butter knife with just a dozen or so strokes. It sharpens serrated blades as well. I bought it at a gun show. At home I use a nice whet stone set up. I've included one of about 100 videos on You Tube about the Handy Sharp. It has always worked excellent for me!!

 

[Steve]

I've had a Lanky System [LINK] since the '70s, or maybe early '80s. It's work fine for most blades. I have bought newer stones with the high tech materials to use on it, but overall, it has worked fine. I don't have many serrated blades, so I don't know how well it does them.

 

[MA_Trooper]

The lansky system is good. I have one at home. I also keep a smiths diamond stone in my bag for field sharpening.

 

[Laughing Otter]

The lansky system is good. I have one at home. I also keep a smiths diamond stone in my bag for field sharpening.

I agree the Smith's diamond stones are excellent, I have two as well.

 

[Tim]

Thanks all. This is a subject I've been wondering about for a while. Too many blunt knives in my collection!

 

[SLO Rob]

good posts, thanks guys. I have some laying around too.

 

[ShawnR]

The lansky system is good. I have one at home. I also keep a smiths diamond stone in my bag for field sharpening.

What do you keep in your bag? As in, is it coarse or fine when in the field. I don't know a lot about sharpening, so I haven't really bought anything for the field. I know my blades are 1095 so I guess I can use a smooth stone and some water. lol

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

Depends on the state of the blade. If it still has a good edge but needs sharpened I use a 4 1/2" long ceramic rod, If its got nicks in the blade or flat spots I break out a stone long enough to get the edge back. Personally all I usually carry when in the woods is my ceramic rod. @ShawnR next time we get together bring one of your knives and Ill bring a ceramic rod, see if we can get it sharp again.

 

[ShawnR]

Depends on the state of the blade. If it still has a good edge but needs sharpened I use a 4 1/2" long ceramic rod, If its got nicks in the blade or flat spots I break out a stone long enough to get the edge back. Personally all I usually carry when in the woods is my ceramic rod. @ShawnR next time we get together bring one of your knives and Ill bring a ceramic rod, see if we can get it sharp again.

I have a ceramic rod with a stone. Someone bought it for me a few years ago but I'm not sure if I'm using it right. I'll try to remember to bring it. I may be using it wrong.

 

[NorthStar96]

I use a DMT Diamond whetstone set for my Moras and my axe. they are relatively inexpensive but put an edge on your blades like nothing else....I use 6" for main sharpening then I use a 4"x1" in the field to freshen up an edge..no oil needed. Just water..
https://www.dmtsharp.com/

 

[Nomad]

x2 for Diamond whetstones
I have 180 grit to 1200 grit Diamond Wetstones they cut fast

 

[Wildland Outdoors]

might have to look into one of those diamond whetstones for reworking my edges.

 

[MA_Trooper]

What do you keep in your bag? As in, is it coarse or fine when in the field. I don't know a lot about sharpening, so I haven't really bought anything for the field. I know my blades are 1095 so I guess I can use a smooth stone and some water. lol

I keep this in my bag.
One side fine and one side coarse. No water or lube necessary on these things. Good for a quick sharpening but I only use it in the field when my blade gets unbearable. I usually do it the long way with my Lansky set up, or if its one of my family heirloom knives I use a stone and oil so Grandad doesn't role over in his grave ;)

 

[RiverCityDave]

Ive got waterstones for the really nice blades, (kitchen knives, chisels, plane blades) and I use a lansky as well for the field knives. Lately I've been struggling with technique on my truly sharp knives. I need to pick up a better rolling guide for the kitchen knives as I get a good edge on it, then I seem to dull it again with the finer stones.

Technique and flatness are everything with the truly sharp edges.

 

[MA_Trooper]

Technique is key. Patience is vital in knife sharpening. If you want a truly sharp and strong edge you have to take your time. The best stones and method are nothing with poor technique.