I just got a new pocket knife and I've never sharpened anything in my life. Can anyone recommend something that works well and would be a good introduction to knife sharpening? Seems like a handy skill to have.
Ben
Ben
I agree with using a good stone to sharpen a knife....slight learning curve.I've used the Spyderco, the Lansky and now just use a set of Norton waterstones, same ones everyone uses to hone straight razors. Yes, there's some skill involved, and there is a learning curve, but nothing else will give the superior results of freehand sharpening on a stone.
While I have been using a combination of flat stones my entire life there is a learning curve that can frustrate many. Good to learn but there are other ways. I will vouch for the Spyderco Sharpmaker also. It's a simple, effective system that yields great results. Comes with medium and fine stones plus an instructional DVD. You can add on diamond and ultra fine stones as well. I also sharpen all the kitchen knives, tools, fish hooks and scissors with it.
I've always heard rounding the edge mess. Samauri swords have a rounded edge and are some of the sharpest items in the world.
The point of keeping the angle is to help with the sharpness and how long it stays. Too much of an angle and it can dull faster, not enough and it won't seem as sharp. On some harder metals you can increase the angle and it will help it cut better. Softer metals you can decrease the angle a bit to help it stay sharper longer.
Btw on my skinning knife I round the edge on purpose. The only cut animal flesh, helps roll the meat out of the way. On wood working tools I keep a straight angle and it helps the wood to roll and chip off. I have never used an angle gauge on anything my whole life. The knife in my pocket regularly strips cables at work and even not sharpened in 2 weeks its rounded edge still shaves my arm hair.
DISCLAIMERN for some the angle gauge might be a good idea to keep from ruining a high dollar knife.