Knife sharpening

[haymons22]

I wasn't sure where to put this but if it's in the wrong area maybe it will get moved. Anyway...
I have figured out that I'm terrible at sharpening knives so I thought I would see if anyone could offer up some tips on the correct way to do it. I think my biggest issue is keeping the correct angle.

I want to be able to sharpen my knives using stones rather than one of those quick sharpener deals. Thanks in advance for any help.

Rob

 

[bearpugh]

lansky

 

[timbgtm]

Most manufactures recommend 45 degree angle but I go a little less.good piece of ceramic rod will finish off once you get close to being sharp.Make sure to get a good stone or yo can buy one of the newer honing kits.Also take a look at you-tube for help.

 

[Creeper]

I don't use a stone anymore. Depending on the knife I'll use sand paper, going from 500 up to 2000 grit then stropping it on leather for a convex edge. I went to Dick's and bought this pocket Smith's diamond sharpener with a course and fine side, it works well IF you strop your blade afterwards. I can get a knife shaving sharp with only the Smith's and a leather belt.

The Lansky system is quick and will get a proffessional edge, easy for a beginner to get your knife razor sharp.

 

[haymons22]

Thanks for the info. I've seen others on other forums mention the lansky so I may check into it. I also have one of the smiths diamond stones but like I said for whatever reason I can't keep a consistent angle so the only thing I've really done is dulled the knife I've been practicing on a lot more than it already was.
What type of sandpaper? Also for the diamond stone or the sandpaper do you use water or anything?

 

[Creeper]

What type of knife is it ?

 

[Hayata]

Man, I feel ya...but I never got the hang of it. Finally dropped the jack for a Chef's Choice 130.

Razor sharp every time. Shave the hairs off your arm...and you can "Steel" your blades on your kitchen knives for carving meat, etc.

Yeah, I cheated. But every knife in my house is razor sharp...

 

[olchevy]

I just put a mirror polish edge on my carry knives today and now am sharpening my old hatchet

I just use a stone and then once I get it just right I wrap a piece of 1000 grit sandpaper around it and keep it under constant flowing water as I finish polish it.

It took me about 3 knives ruined before I got the free hand sharpening down. But that was over 16 years ago. I got it pretty down pat now, my friends give me their knives to sharpen.

My cousin owns Razor edge so you can say we come from a family a people that can sharpen knives...lol

 

[haymons22]

The knife I've been trying to sharpen is a shrade gut hook. I've had absolutely no luck with it

 

[Creeper]

The knife I've been trying to sharpen is a shrade gut hook. I've had absolutely no luck with it

You may just need to file a proper edge on it first and go from there. I've had to do it in the past and it did the job. I think sand paper may be your best bet.