knife sharpening

[Howard]

Ok. I did it again. Too hot to actually do anything so I went to Woodcraft. Spent a $100 this time on some japanese sharpening stones. 800, 1200, 4000 & 8000. Got a demonstration from a guy who works there, who also is named Howard , his nickname is Mr. Wizard if that tells you anything. Anywho, he was very instructive on how to use the different grit stones, how to work up a slurry on them, look at the changes in the color of the metal, etc. so I got home and pulled out my old Stanley chisels and proceeded to put an edge on each of them. They haven't ever been this sharp. It's pretty amazing what a sharp tool can do. After sharpening my chisels and planes, it occured to me that I could sharpen our kitchen knifes but I didn't buy any kind of holder for them. What's the best way to put an edge on kitchen knives, pocket knives, etc. using this system? Or is it just best to draw the knives across the stones while trying to hold an low angle?

[cabinetman]

Howard

Because his name was Howard, it's gotta be a sign. For sharpening any tool, he probably demonstrated that you have to have a smooth chip and nick free leading edge. Once that is done, to proceed to the bevel.

One major difference between chisels, irons and kitchen knives is that kitchen knives and pocket knives get a bevel on both sides, wheras, most all chisels, and plane irons get a single bevel. For kitchen and pocket knives, it's a matter of just developing a feel for the draw angle. It's counting the licks on each edge so it comes out even. On pocket knives with good steel, draw the blade into the stone instead of dragging it. That's the way I've always done it. I get edges so they will dry shave my arm without pulling.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Tom Slick]

you want about a 20* angle on a kitchen knife. it is not difficult to freehand there is some great info on the internet about sharpening knives.

[Chris_B]

One trick is to use the plastic slide binding from a cheap report cover to hold the angle.



This was one of many tips I picked-up The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee (of Lee Valley tools). Several people here recommended this book, and it is very helpful.

Chris