Topic: So what's the best method and equipment for sharpening a knife

[lastcavalier]

Wow. Thanks, balddragn.  I know nothing of sharpening knives, and here I was thinking you went the other way (would've been left to right in the first three pictures there). 

Now when I finally do get around to starting to sharpen my pocket knife I won't look like a dummy and mess up my knife.  So again, thank you. 

[NineseveN]

Outstanding balddragn! Thanks so much for the pics and explanations.

[mitchshrader]

it's both faster and usually easier to sharpen 'edge in' (heel to point, away to near) .. rather than trailing edge..

but for very thin blades sharpening trailing edge may work better, and for fine burr removal it may.. it's an option at some points, and some folks sharpen trailing edge full time. suspect it works best on convex edges and followed by stropping.. not my style but i've sure seen results..

do what works. there's not *a* best way.. or *a* best tool.. just ways and tools that are more commonly used EASILY..

i've never found anyone with a skill who didn't think their skill justified imitation.

sometimes they're right.

[mtbkski]

Ahhh, another old thread that needs revived.

I have been using a Lansky Knife Sharpening Kit for around 30 years. I really like it. The clamp grabs the knife and then the stones ride thru holes so you keep the same angle with zero effort on your part. It is a no brainer and has worked well for me for a long time.

I have also started using a Eze Lap Diamond Stick for times that I need a quick edge on my knife and don't want to break out the Lansky. A couple swipes usually brings my knife back to fine edge. But it is a temporary edge compared to the edge that my Lansky puts on.

Also, don't be afraid to call the knife company of the knife you own and ask them what angle to use. I know that when I called Cold Steel they didn't even blink and told me which angle they recommended that I use on the Lansky to get the best edge on my knives.

[NineseveN]

I like my Spyderco Sharpmaker, it's a breeze to use and I can almost do it in my sleep.

[mtbkski]

After almost 30 years of use (and that is not an exaggeration). My Lansky finally broke on me. Instead of replacing the piece that broke, (well, I may replace it. It has been good to me) I am considering trying the Spyderco Version that Nineseven mentioned.

[Balddragn]

I'm repeating myself but I learned at the feet of a master, my Great Grandpa. He was a barber and a butcher, blades were almost sacred to him.

Great Grandma's least favorite thing was when GGP would use the bottom of her best china plates to put a quick edge on a knife.

At other times he would pick up a flat smooth rock and finish up an edge with it. I still carry a small stone with me that works like a charm at giving a quick touch up to a blade.

I do like the consistency of a Lanski, you can rough it in on a low angle and from then on us a higher angle to do the fine work, it sure saves a lot of time that way. I've never seen a Spyderco, I'll have to take look at that.

But as long as I have a good selection of rocks around I know I'll always be able to find a way to put an edge on my steel.