Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Got a free United fixed blade from a buddy today.Single edge 9" made of UC460 stainless.Anyone know anything about this steel? I've never heard of it, but seems like a decent knife to be from Taiwan.Problem is it's DULL! All my stones are too small to make a full pass on this monster and I really wanna see if i can get a good edge on it, so I can hunt elephants with it. Have I mentioned it's big?:D How do U guys sharpen the big 'uns? Thanks, Matt:confused:

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Take it to the gun show and pay the $3.00 or a local knife sharpener. I have a couple of big stones that I use.
Ron

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Very carefully.

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Very Carefully is good , However with the current stainless steel content I would recomend . A diamond stone a nickel steel imbedded with diamond ,thats about the only way to sharpen those . Were that knife mine I would have it professionally sharpened to define the edge . Then follow up with the Diamond stone Finally a soft hard arkansaw to finish the edge . Do know how to use a Steel? As thats the best way to preserve an edge (small diamond ones are available ) From an old chef

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

I have a smooth grinding wheel on my bench grinder that works great. Stainless is hard & you'll wear stones down before you make progress with a large stainless blade. I keep water handy & use very light pressure & go slow.

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

With a big knife sharpening doohickey.

(couldn't help it, it's 0435 hrs.)

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

i use my wart hog i have not had any trouble sharping the largest bowie that i own

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Here's what Don is talking about... Wart Hog



Crpdeth

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

The UC460 is a United Cutlery code for the item number. It's not a type of steel. Your knife is probably 420 stainless.
Considering that it has a max hardness of about 50 RC, I'd recommend a sharpening angle of 25 or more degrees; anything finer and you run the risk of folding over the edge.
Use a file and finish with your choice of stones.

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Welcome to the forums, Skipper... Good to have ya.


Crpdeth

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Thanks!

.........................still holding down the fort behind the lines out here in Commieville.:D

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

being a meat cutter for 25yrs , I would suggest buying a "Norton" multi stone . be careful to just use mineral oil in the bath. it will have 3 stones ...coarse, medium and fine . I sharpen all my knives with one . cost will be about 150.00 . or you could also go to your local meat shop and probably borrow thiers. scott

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

good information I can use. Got a bigger gerber that needs some work done.

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

I wonder what our ancestors used? I know that times have changed, and that are some really good products out there today, but I guess I'm old fashioned. If it worked well for grandpa, it's good enough for me! Soft Arkansas Whetstone, 8"X2"X1/2". http://www.hand-tools.com/product-de...odnum=BRK-AC10

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

The only way I know is us a big stone (bench stone) an for finishing a large crock stick with a handle..........Redworm...............

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

If it's a really big knife....
Just stab it down in a rock...
whoever pulls it out will have a
good sharp edge to use.
[like Excalibur]:rolleyes:

Re: Ok fellas, how do I sharpen a BIG knife?
 

Get yourself some very fine sandpaper - I use 400 grain graphite paper to sharpen my knives. My knives can slice a hair from my arm.