Sharpening suggestions for a complete rookie.

[Benner]

I have decided that instead of just buying more multitools and knives when the blades go blunt, that I would give sharpening them a go instead. 

Anyone have any suggestions?  Bear in mind that I am a complete novice when it comes to sharpening so nothing over-the-top fancy or expensive is needed (I also can't afford such things  ).  Also, I am looking to learn and improve on a skill, so I am not really looking for anything along the lines of the Sharpmaker.

Cheers guys. 

Benner

[GMArthur]

I would recommend a Lansky or similar type of sharpening system along with a couple of nice Benchstones. I use the Lansky to set a specific angle on my blades depending on what their uses are. Once you have the angle you want then it is easier to be consistent on the benchstones for keeping the blade sharp rather than trying to re-bevel by eye on just the stones.

Couple of tips when you get to the stones.
1- Go slow
2- Don't use too much pressure, let the stones do the work
3- Use the sharpie marker on the edge trick to keep angles correct

 Sharpening using stones is quite fun and I find it relaxing. When I'm in a hurry though it is much easier to swipe a few times on the sharpmaker.

[Grant Lamontagne]

You should know by now that all answers can be found on SOSAKOnline! :p

Proper SAK Husbandry

Seriously, a Sharpmaker or Lansky type device makes things easier for a starter, but they are just ways of making a plain old stone easier for you.  Some folks will say that the Sharpmaker will sharpen stuff that can't be sharpened any other way or whatever, but it's all just bs.  All those gizmos do is hold a stone at a different angle, or hold the knife at the same angle while the stone moves over it.  Get a small dog bone sharpener to keep an edge in good shape, and get a good benchstone for doing any serious blade work. 

Def

[Benner]

The Lansky systems and the Sharpmaker are a little out of my price range ATM.

Any suggestions on a good (and cheap)  benchstone?

[WhichDawg]

I agree with what's been said so far. I have a sharpmaker (it even comes with a DVD to teach you)
and it works good, but lately I've been just using the rods it comes with and doing it by hand (faster and
more satisfaction).

If you have really dull knives (how dare you!) you will need a more aggressive rod, like a diamond rod (not cheap)
but the lansky or sharpmaker are good, simple sharpeners.

and if your really counting your coin, just get a decent stone and practice. their are many good sites online
(like SOSAK) that will give you many tips and suggestions (like learning to keep the same angle).
good luck mate

[Grant Lamontagne]

Check at Hennie's or any local hardware type stores for a Norton India stone.  It should run about $40, and be double sided- go for the biggest one you can find, as if you get a smaller one you'll wish you had the bigger one should you ever try sharpening any larger blades.

http://www.nortonstones.com/

Don't skimp and get a cheap stone as you'll end up with gravel all over your floor.  Many of the cheaper stones from days gone by will be carved up by modern steels.

Def

[jzmtl]

http://www.knifeart.com/sharfaqbyjoe.html

Just follow the instructions and a regular bench stone (I used a cheap $15 one from local hardware) and some 1500 grit sandpaper will give nice results.

The key is to get the angle right, get a protractor and practice to hold the knife at the exact angle while moving about the stone surface. As for what angle to use, my rule of thumb is any steel lower than 154cm/vg10/s30v should use 40° (20 per side) while the aforementioned and higher use 30°.

[Mike]

On the recommendations on some other forums I bought the book "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening" by John Juranitch. Some folks agree with it, some don't, but it does have some good basic information on sharpening things that need to be .... well .....sharpened. Although it is kind of a pitch for his products, it still has IMHO good information. Maybe your local library has it or can get it.

Then I got an EdgePro, used it for a long time, still do for my wifes kitchen knives when I feel like dragging it out and setting it up. But then I got into freehand, this set me free. Now I have a variety of DMT Diasharp diamond stones, couple of Spyderco ceramic benchstones, Norton Tri-hone setup, some small stones for my pocket for simple touchups. Free hand is where it's at man. I even sharpened (touched up) a kids SAK on the bottom of a coffee mug, him and his friends jaws dropped. I was king of the monkeys for at least a minute! LOL!

Also, you are going to start hearing lots about angles. Don't get obsessed about what many folks call "proper" sharpening angles, it will drive you nuts. I used to, but not too much anymore since I freehand everything now I just try to stay consistent.


Good luck,
Mike

[Benner]

Thanks for the tips guys. 

Check at Hennie's or any local hardware type stores for a Norton India stone.  It should run about $40, and be double sided- go for the biggest one you can find, as if you get a smaller one you'll wish you had the bigger one should you ever try sharpening any larger blades.

http://www.nortonstones.com/

Don't skimp and get a cheap stone as you'll end up with gravel all over your floor.  Many of the cheaper stones from days gone by will be carved up by modern steels.

Def

Def, looked into these and they are quite expensive over here. 

[WhichDawg]

I even sharpened (touched up) a kids SAK on the bottom of a coffee mug, him and his friends jaws dropped. I was king of the monkeys for at least a minute! LOL!

that's funny Mike  and good stuff

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It's a really tricky thing to get into, there are so many opinions and options out there, and it does get more than a little comfusing

When I started out sharpening knives, there were no lanskys or sharpmakers, just the humble whetstone , and I still feel there the best way to learn the art of sharpening, the only trouble is as Def has already pointed out, there being made obsolete by the increasing use of sophisticated steels , although Saks and Multi's for the most part are still stone friendly, the charge is not.

So I'd be inclined to go down either the ceramic route, or a very fine diamond stone (make a mistake or use an incorrect technique with a coarse Diamond stone, and you will lose a lot of metal putting it right!) that way you'll be able to sharpen anything, not just sensible workaday steels

[Grant Lamontagne]

The easiest thing for you to do then might be to look into a dog bone type sharpener and keep your edges in good shape as much as possible, then cajole one of the other UK members to give your blades a serious once over every year at the meetup!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

The easiest thing for you to do then might be to look into a dog bone type sharpener and keep your edges in good shape as much as possible, then cajole one of the other UK members to give your blades a serious once over every year at the meetup!

Def

Don't put bloody ideas in his head

[Grant Lamontagne]

Be nice to the poor guy- by the time summer rolls around his kids will number into the double digits!   

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Be nice to the poor guy- by the time summer rolls around his kids will number into the double digits!   

Def

They already are