I suck at Knife Sharpening - Videos, classes, suggestions?

[270quest]

I will swallow my pride and admit I suck at sharpening knives - I have two high quality fixed blade knives (Cabelas/buck elk hunter, and a Benchmade Hunter) I have the worksharp mini belt sharpener and no matter how I follow the instructions - my knives never get that really good edge on it. I usually have to take them to a buddy's dad who uses an old table top lansky and he can get them shaving sharp.

Any good suggestions, videos, or even knife sharpening classes? I have to get to the point where I can sharpen my own knives and not rely on someone else.

 

[Joseph2186]

Whats the angle your using for the edge? It took me awhile to figure it out on my 2x72 you have to watch for the bur to develop on the edge the whole way down. You will also be able to feel it then you work you way up in grits I stop at 1000. You do this careful to not snap the burr off. Then slowly strop it back and forth keeping the same angle. It takes a while start with a junk knife you dont care about. Also dont overheat the edge itll take out the hardness. Good luck

 

[feanor]

I prefer something that holds the blade and allows you to use a stone on a fixed angle. This will also teach you how the burr forms and make you a better sharpener. If you work your way through grit progressions, you can have shaving sharp blades.

 

[Billogna]

Google any of the Murray Carter sharpening videos.

 

[MoeFaux]

I don't love that belt sharpener from Work Sharp. Others can use it with good results, but I found it difficult to use. My personal advice would be to get rid of it and grab their Precision Adjust system instead. I've found it to be a fantastic balance between price and performance. Get the Elite (or the Pro if you're feeling real spendy).

Once you've got a system like that to maintain the consistency of your sharpening angle, you have to learn which knives like which angles - which is easy enough to do with a sharpie and a bit of trial and error - and how long to work each grit before moving on. Even while you're learning those intricacies, though, you'll have blades that are plenty sharp enough to satisfy your average joe.

I can get to barely shaving sharp on that system, but haven't figured out "hair-popping" sharp yet.

 

[Joseph2186]

I have this sharpener and its fantastic a little pricey but should last a very long time and does everything from a pocket knife to a chef knife.
https://tsprof.us/products/new-tspr...=Performance_Max_Feeds&utm_term=&utm_content={ad_id}&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnKi8BhB0EiwA58DA4Sd3ga48I89KjsOhxTL-QzPIZJuaIoyVAsjv6QPACjsCaQUWIud9fRoCoj8QAvD_BwE

 

[MoeFaux]

I have this sharpener and its fantastic a little pricey but should last a very long time and does everything from a pocket knife to a chef knife.
https://tsprof.us/products/new-tspr...=Performance_Max_Feeds&utm_term=&utm_content={ad_id}&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAnKi8BhB0EiwA58DA4Sd3ga48I89KjsOhxTL-QzPIZJuaIoyVAsjv6QPACjsCaQUWIud9fRoCoj8QAvD_BwE

If I were willing to spend that much, I'd get a Wicked Edge system. They're well known and trusted among knife nerds and professionals. I've used their flagship system and I'd have a hard time believing that there's anything better on the market.

 

[WyoHuntr]

Find a system that helps you hold an angle. Like a stone system with a blade clamp and guide rods attached to stone holders. A cheap DMT set, a Hapstone system (with digital level to verify angles), a cheap Amazon knockoff of an expensive system, etc. If you suck at holding an angle on a stone, then get something that sets and holds your angle.... *and write down how you did it for repeatability*! Buy cheap gas station knives and practice hogging down edges. A lot of factory knives don't have consistent edge angles, so learn to set your own. Dont get caught up in too high of grits. Breaking down animals with a microhoned edge doesn't work very well in my experience. I stick 1000 grit, or below depending on the knife. Sorry, I don't have specific YouTubers.

 

[BRTreedogs]

https://www.lansky.com/deluxe-5-stone-system.html

 

[Fireflyfishing]

Whet stones are the way to go if you really want to sharpen knives. I have a couple hones I use to keep mine sharp in between the whetstone.