The Definitive SAK Sharpening Thread

[Ptisuisse]

The back of a stoneware plate works wonders if you ever need to touch up a broken tip :
End result on third pic. This climber ended up in the hands of a very happy young boy.

[Kraken]

I use a Sharpmaker to touch up my blades that need it and will strop on the back of an old leather work belt afterwards to get them hair popping sharp. I usually just have to use the strop to get the edge back to where it was initially. I have a small Victorinox knife steel and a small sharpening stone in my tool kit for when I'm out in the field. For what it's worth, I have seen a few posts where someone had used high grit automotive sandpaper to strop with, but I've never tried it myself.

[Rapidray]

Stoneware...I need to remember that one. 

[Old man Chris]

Vics. are easy to sharpen and forgiving , many methods give good results . Do not let edges get too far gone . If you aren’t comfortable sharpening a prize , collectable SAK , buy a cheap plastic handled Vic. Paring knife , to be your practice dummy ! Get it sharp , dull it and repeat , till you become confidant .

I was lucky , as I learned on small flat stones , and went to systems , and more exotic stuff , mainly for the speed advantage . At the moment , my favourite method is a 12-14” strop loaded with DMT Diamond paste . Same set up I use for chisels and carving tools . Lots of practice , the black magic marker on the edge is usefull , as it shows you what you are actually hitting !

It’s not Rocket science , just a learnable skill , that improves with practice !

Best Regards,

Chris

[Old man Chris]

The back of a stoneware plate works wonders if you ever need to touch up a broken tip :
End result on third pic. This climber ended up in the hands of a very happy young boy.
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The ground edges , at the top of wound down car windows also works well !

Best Regards,

Chris