Thread: Sharpening
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Old 09-27-2011, 08:38 PM   #27
JLA
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Default Re: Sharpening

Quote:
Originally Posted by topper View Post
I use a tri-stone that was made back in the 1930's. It has three different grades of stones and does a fine job of sharpening. Some of the newer "made in china" blades are made of a hard stainless steel and it takes a bit of work to get a keen edge. I set the blade at about a 10* angle and draw slowly toward me and then flip over and push it away. Do this until the edge is getting very sharp and then finish on a very smooth arkansas stone and then strop with a leather belt. That should produce a very sharp edge.
This is exactly the way I do it, and is the way all the men in my family were taught.

My personal preference is a good whetstone with a course and fine side. draw the blade edge first across it at a 10 degree angle starting with the course side for a brand new blade or a damaged blade to establish the initial angle, then proceed to the fine side of the whet and refine the edge. Heres where my technique has sort of evolved from my dads and grandads, I incorporate a fine diamond steel next and draw the blade always edge first at your 10 degree angle to hone it, this is where I get the razor edge you can shave with. Once i have sucessfully shaved my arm testing the blade ill strop the edge on my grandads old leather razor hone which brings it to a scalpel edge. I dont dare try to shave with that one it will get under the skin very easily.

Also use a good honing oil. My grandad used 3in1 and passed that preference to my dad, I use SBGO.
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