[cycloneman]

All good advise.

But sitting on a forum is not hands on. I got fed up one day and went to a knife shop to have a professional show me how to do it. You will learn about different metals, angles, how to push the knife aganist the stone and when to apply pressure and when to change angle. I use a Norton stone and Leather strap at the end once you get that little curve on your blade. Like I said you need to have someone show you.

I also never use typ buck knives or the hunting type knife. I now have a collection of filet knives. Thin blades, soft metal makes sharpening easy.

Buck knives have alot of carbon in them and are especially hard. I find they dont hold an edge. Pain in the rear to sharpen.

Go get you a variety of Rapala filet knives at wally world for 10 to 20 bucks and be done with it. As far as skinning goes use a Wyoming knife. When it gets dull change the blade. Done.