Touching up blades

[Anthony]

I've never tried to sharpen a "nice" knife, I'm always afraid I'll @#$%^ it up for good.  I don't abuse my blades at all though, so it's been no problem.  Today I received that Soldier SAK I mentioned a while ago; awesome SAK...I didn't realize it was "beefier" than my Spartan (I assumed the blade and tools were the same)...It's in pristine condition..except for the main blade...the edge is a little nicked or rolled, but no gross damage.  It still cuts paper like a razor blade, but I hate having a damaged blade, even if it doesn't affect it's cutting ability.  I'm just looking to straighten out the rolls without dulling it...what should I use?  I thought of stropping it slightly on a leather belt, but I'd like some other suggestions before I do anything.

This can go for any of the smaller blades we carry on our SAKs or multis.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Using any sharpening stones will get rid of that small roll in no time.  Failing that, the diamond file on many Leathermans works wonderfully for reprofiling a blade in no time. 

It's a good skill to learn with SAKs and multis since multi blades are often used for "dirty" jobs and get screwed up, and SAKs tend to use a softer steel than many hardcore tactical ninja dispatching units.  Of course, you can sharpen a SAK on a piece of glass or a stone in the woods- good luck getting an edge on dendritic cobalt using a hunk of granite!

Def

[Anthony]

I have a sharpening stone, but I think it's too coarse for such a tiny touch up...I might use these small sanding sticks used for model building.  I used them on a (used) Gerber multi blade, and it sharpened right up, but it left the edge scratched.  I went from coarse grit all the way to the side that feels almost like felt, but the scratches didn't come out

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here is some info on how I look after my blades and tools-

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=35

There is also a link to a dog bone sharpener in Tim (Felinevet)'s shop which is what I use most for keeping edges in good condition.  I have a couple of them- a ceramic one and a diamond one and I think they are great.  They are cheap and they work.

Def

[hurricane bob]

Corrugated, Those like like the files my girlfriend uses on her nails
The bathroom looks like a well stocked drugstore.

[hawkchucker]

Corragated
Those will work, and if they have a padded backing you will get what is called a convex edge which is a rounded edge more than a flat hone. My advice is to just practice on a good set of stones. I love the DMT stones and they are a local product. Made here in Marlborough Ma. ( I plow thier plant) IF I go there this weekend I will see if I can find a proper stone for ya.

If ya need a knife to practice with. I also got a older pocket knife I can send ya. Just send me your addy and it is yours.
 

[Anthony]

Corragated
Those will work, and if they have a padded backing you will get what is called a convex edge which is a rounded edge more than a flat hone. My advice is to just practice on a good set of stones. I love the DMT stones and they are a local product. Made here in Marlborough Ma. ( I plow thier plant) IF I go there this weekend I will see if I can find a proper stone for ya.

If ya need a knife to practice with. I also got a older pocket knife I can send ya. Just send me your addy and it is yours.
 

Sounds awesome...no biggie if you can't get a stone, but if you do...I'll PM you my address..

thanks a lot

[Anthony]

Corrugated, Those like like the files my girlfriend uses on her nails
The bathroom looks like a well stocked drugstore.

The same company probably makes them, but mine have a manly eagle printed on one side and no Girly colors

I used the smooth side of one of those sticks on the blade and it took off the rolled edge, but if you look at it in just the right light, you can see a slight discrepency with the edge.  Slices through paper like it's not even there though(can probably slice anything easily), so I shoudlen't complaign.

[NutSAK]

If you're worried about scratching your blades and aren't a particularly experienced sharpener, I would highly recommend the Lansky sharpening system.

With the set angle of the stone on the Lansky, you can assure yourself that you're not only sharpening at the right angle, but also that you're not going to scratch your blades.  There are a number of stones to choose from, from very coarse to polished-edge fine.

[CQC-7]

Lansky sharpeners are great tools.  However, I really like the Smiths sharpening system.  Same principle as the lansky only it costs $12 at Wal-Mart or at least it did when I bought mine a few years ago.  Lansky is the Caddillac of sharpening equipment though.  I carry a smith stone in the field.  Then again, I have used just a sharpening stone for a long time and am famillar with its use enough that I dont scratch the blade.  A nice sandstone make a good sharpener but you must also use a strop.  The latest edition of Tactical Knives has an article about using various rocks for sharpening it was very interesting.

[Anthony]

Has anyone used one of these?

[Tom Munch]

Corrugated,

I have those with ceramic & with diamond rods.  I get a lot of use out of them.

Tom

[I'm Still Bison]

Corrugated, I use something very similar on my SAK blades,and it works a treat...and I use the Smith's  set-up too...especially on SWMBO's kitchen cutlery