I use diamond, ceramic, Japanese, and Arkansas stones. Different steels--especially high edge retention ones--are more difficult to sharpen, but all stones will work eventually. Different grinds also affect difficulty of sharpening. Generally, I use a 300-500 grit and a 1000 grit for most knives. Once the knife is sharp, just hone it with a steel honing rod (up to 1000 grit sharpened knives). For higher grit sharpened knives (>1000 grit) kitchen knives, I use ceramic honing rod. Do not sharpen the knife every time you use it, but honing it regularly is a good idea. I had a Barlow, Case, and Buck then. Bottom line, there is no perfect way or stone to use. Just do it, and you will get better. I love sharpening knives, but I am still learning a lot. I always like to hear from knife makers, as they bring different knowledge to the table that I do not have. Keep up the videos. I enjoy them.
I agree 100%, I don't know the grit I just learned what worked and love sharpening everyone's knife that'll let me. unreal how dull people will allow their knives to get and how happy they are when you hand them back a sharp knife makes their day. Thanks for the video.
Great video will on the insight of sharpening. There are so many variables when it comes to the edge. The one thing that most people actualy forget about is the grit of the sharpeng system used in comparrison to the knife and its intended use. Not every knife needs to be razor sharp. I had a friend who was obsessed with having all his knives razor sharp all the time. He got a mora the same time as me and proceeded to sharpen it upto about 4k grit. The following week we both went out camping and decided to do some bushcraft camp making. Mixture of carving, chopping and peeling etc. Within half an hour he was complaining that hus knife was dull and asked why mine was still going strong. Its because i just sharpend it to 600grit, then occasionally strop it as needed. There is such a thing as being too sharp. The only thing that needs to be razor sharp is a razor!
Love it...and the down home approach to make 'common' ...the 'sense' of sharpening....and yep 'band aids and whittlin' go hand in hand 😇 William...All the VERY BEST to you. Keep it up...
Solid points. Most of the beginners I teach are afraid of ruining the knife. Using cheap knives to get them over that is the best way I have found as well. Too many IMHO run through a bunch of grits thinking that is the "magic" that will give them a superior edge. Yet when challenged to test the sharpness between each grit they see that sometimes they have unintentionally dulled it. Sometimes less is more.
duxdawg agreed. I've had that experience with axes. I'd get a better edge with just a file on an axe and would end up dulling it when I tried to "clean" the bit with an Arkansas stone. Probably my technique, but less can be more if you need to use a tool and don't have the skill to get a razor every time.
Great video! have you seen the fällkniven D3 which only consists of the diamond part of the dc3 and it has tape on the backside so you can put it on eg. a sheat. pretty nice for field sharpening.
This is making my knife life a lot less complicated and confirming some of my choices to be OK. I have a couple of the EZ-LAP diamond rods that I bought many years ago (and a small EZ-LAP diamond "stone" of the same vintage) and have been wondering if they were appropriate sharpening tools or not. I also have a Vic Zermatt pouch with sharpening steel so it's good to know that it is useful. And, I have a ceramic rod (I think it's Lansky?) that belonged to my father, and which seems to do a very good job of touching up edges. I've shied away from using my diamond sharpeners because of the coarse edge they leave, but it sounds like that's OK. All good stuff to know!
I'm continuing to study and reflect on this. Just before a recent trip I bought an Opinel mini-steel. While on the trip I used my Case medium stockman for various cutting tasks including some whittling, cutting fruit, and even cutting a piece of pie! When I got home the knife needed a bit of touching up and just a few minutes with the steel brought the edge right back. (I took my Vic steel with me on the trip but didn't get a chance to use it.) I also bought an EZ-LAP 1200 grit diamond stone and used it to put a decent edge on a little Schrade (USA) mini stockman. That knife has been bugging me ever since I bought it, but it's finally getting into shape. Thanks for the help!
Now! i like your vids , in general speaking.But in this vid, i like specialy what you say about sharpeness and cutting capacity, in thifferent situasion an pruposes(paper, cutting, shawing, tomato cutting etc.):Every diferent situation need a diferent and acurate edge profile and cutting capacity. Gongrat and thanks for sharing this vid.
Given that you are using DMT sharpeners which use diamond abrasives, how long do you find the diamond sharpeners last before wearing out? Another popular knife sharpening system maker recommends water stones for knives and only to use diamond stones on ceramic knives. I've seen Murray Carter sharpen a knife with a patio stone and a piece of cardboard. So the materials really don't matter as, according to Murray, anything that will dull a knife can be used to sharpen it.
bwillan I agree with Murry Carter about almost anything will sharpen a knife...I think I said almost the same thing in the video. I have water stones but do not like them because I prefer a rough edge rather than a polished edge. All things wear out. natural stones loose their shape quickly if you do not maintain them and diamonds will wear out. I find if you use water with the diamond stones as recommended they will last a good while.
Well if that works for you then I say keep using them. The video was about what I use and as I said in the video find out what works for you sounds like you found what works for you.
trust me Will, nothing beats a good set of waterstones. unfortunately a good set costs about as much as a new truck! give me a good set of waterstones and a good strop and i'll give you a scapel! by the way, the other day I wasn't dumping on the firebox, I was putting the plugged up for a week dump on the es-bit. to me it's nothing more than over-priced fire starter plain and simple! there are easier, cheaper and less messy starters out there that will light from a ferro- rod or flint and steel, that's my test for starters. personally I like the firebox but the legs and pot stand arms seem a tad small to me but that's just me. personally give me the old tried and true that works and you know that works, give me canvas and wool, oilcloth and steel you can keep you sil-ny and Gore-Tex and don't even ask me about titanium I'm just a good ole hillbilly far from where I belong
keith moore I have a set of King water stones and strops with buffing compounds but a polished edge is just not for me. I keep going back to a rougher edge because it works better for me. Here is a video explaining that. th-cam.com/video/L_HPfbbxjiY/w-d-xo.html. I used the water stones when a customer orders a scandi polished blade just like Ray Mears, LOL but if you watch his sharpening video he still puts a rough micro edge on his knife with a ceramic rod or with a car window. Yep I like the old school items as well but every now and then a little modern has to be thrown in. Appreciate the view and comment.
I guess it what you taught with but for me I like the razor blade for a pocket knife and a rougher edge on my belt knives but as long as they when and how you need that's all that matters
No BS....... straight to the point, as always thanks William
I use diamond, ceramic, Japanese, and Arkansas stones. Different steels--especially high edge retention ones--are more difficult to sharpen, but all stones will work eventually. Different grinds also affect difficulty of sharpening. Generally, I use a 300-500 grit and a 1000 grit for most knives. Once the knife is sharp, just hone it with a steel honing rod (up to 1000 grit sharpened knives). For higher grit sharpened knives (>1000 grit) kitchen knives, I use ceramic honing rod. Do not sharpen the knife every time you use it, but honing it regularly is a good idea. I had a Barlow, Case, and Buck then. Bottom line, there is no perfect way or stone to use. Just do it, and you will get better. I love sharpening knives, but I am still learning a lot. I always like to hear from knife makers, as they bring different knowledge to the table that I do not have. Keep up the videos. I enjoy them.
I agree 100%, I don't know the grit I just learned what worked and love sharpening everyone's knife that'll let me. unreal how dull people will allow their knives to get and how happy they are when you hand them back a sharp knife makes their day. Thanks for the video.
You're very welcome, appreciate your view and support.
Great video will on the insight of sharpening. There are so many variables when it comes to the edge. The one thing that most people actualy forget about is the grit of the sharpeng system used in comparrison to the knife and its intended use. Not every knife needs to be razor sharp. I had a friend who was obsessed with having all his knives razor sharp all the time. He got a mora the same time as me and proceeded to sharpen it upto about 4k grit. The following week we both went out camping and decided to do some bushcraft camp making. Mixture of carving, chopping and peeling etc. Within half an hour he was complaining that hus knife was dull and asked why mine was still going strong. Its because i just sharpend it to 600grit, then occasionally strop it as needed. There is such a thing as being too sharp. The only thing that needs to be razor sharp is a razor!
Yep, talk about that in my "What is Sharp Video?
Thx William for the wise words. You explain it as well as I have ever seen!
Jerry Morris Thanks!
As usual, excellent analysis, simple and absolutely right.
Bruce Prosser Thanks!
Thank you for sharing all your tips in this video. It gives me a little more understanding how to sharpen a blade properly.
Cheers Uwe
Bandicut Atlatl You're very welcome.
good talk William... really clear and to the point. safe journeys
blackoracle69 Thanks Blackie!
Love it...and the down home approach to make 'common' ...the 'sense' of sharpening....and yep 'band aids and whittlin' go hand in hand 😇
William...All the VERY BEST to you. Keep it up...
Thanks, going to try to keep whittling.
Solid points. Most of the beginners I teach are afraid of ruining the knife. Using cheap knives to get them over that is the best way I have found as well. Too many IMHO run through a bunch of grits thinking that is the "magic" that will give them a superior edge. Yet when challenged to test the sharpness between each grit they see that sometimes they have unintentionally dulled it. Sometimes less is more.
+duxdawg Good points, appreciate your view and input.
duxdawg agreed. I've had that experience with axes. I'd get a better edge with just a file on an axe and would end up dulling it when I tried to "clean" the bit with an Arkansas stone. Probably my technique, but less can be more if you need to use a tool and don't have the skill to get a razor every time.
Enjoy someonewho teaches not to impress but so you learn. Thank you.
2bonosc Very welcome, appreciate the view and comment.
Great video
Great advice as always. It brought back memories of Dad showing me how to sharpen my first knife.
***** Yep good memories. Appreciate the view and comment.
Thanks for lessening sharpening stress/anxiety. A LOT of folks worry so much that they send it back to the company/ factory to be re-sharpened !
PREPFORIT We only fear what we don't know. Appreciate the view and comment.
A lot of great information in that video! Thanks William, Cheers, Marc
Scouting Free You're very welcome. Appreciate the view and comment.
Thanks for the tips. I use stone with ceramic rods. Some knives do better than others but some are better then others. Appreciate your tips
wildernesscamp 85 Appreciate the view and comment.
Thanks William I enjoy these videos I always seem to pickup something that helps me keep my knife in great shape.
Jason
Primal Outdoors Thank you Jason.
Very informative as usual William.
Bama Prepper Thanks!
Thanks so much for the helpful tip!
SouthPaw Bushcraft Very welcome.
Good advice William
Bradley Birmingham Thanks!
Great video! have you seen the fällkniven D3 which only consists of the diamond part of the dc3 and it has tape on the backside so you can put it on eg. a sheat. pretty nice for field sharpening.
Thanks, have not seen that one.
This is making my knife life a lot less complicated and confirming some of my choices to be OK. I have a couple of the EZ-LAP diamond rods that I bought many years ago (and a small EZ-LAP diamond "stone" of the same vintage) and have been wondering if they were appropriate sharpening tools or not. I also have a Vic Zermatt pouch with sharpening steel so it's good to know that it is useful. And, I have a ceramic rod (I think it's Lansky?) that belonged to my father, and which seems to do a very good job of touching up edges. I've shied away from using my diamond sharpeners because of the coarse edge they leave, but it sounds like that's OK. All good stuff to know!
Happy to have helped. Appreciate your view and support.
I'm continuing to study and reflect on this. Just before a recent trip I bought an Opinel mini-steel. While on the trip I used my Case medium stockman for various cutting tasks including some whittling, cutting fruit, and even cutting a piece of pie! When I got home the knife needed a bit of touching up and just a few minutes with the steel brought the edge right back. (I took my Vic steel with me on the trip but didn't get a chance to use it.)
I also bought an EZ-LAP 1200 grit diamond stone and used it to put a decent edge on a little Schrade (USA) mini stockman. That knife has been bugging me ever since I bought it, but it's finally getting into shape.
Thanks for the help!
Now! i like your vids , in general speaking.But in this vid, i like specialy what you say about sharpeness and cutting capacity, in thifferent situasion an pruposes(paper, cutting, shawing, tomato cutting etc.):Every diferent situation need a diferent and acurate edge profile and cutting capacity. Gongrat and thanks for sharing this vid.
zenaldiak Thank you!
Given that you are using DMT sharpeners which use diamond abrasives, how long do you find the diamond sharpeners last before wearing out? Another popular knife sharpening system maker recommends water stones for knives and only to use diamond stones on ceramic knives.
I've seen Murray Carter sharpen a knife with a patio stone and a piece of cardboard. So the materials really don't matter as, according to Murray, anything that will dull a knife can be used to sharpen it.
bwillan I agree with Murry Carter about almost anything will sharpen a knife...I think I said almost the same thing in the video. I have water stones but do not like them because I prefer a rough edge rather than a polished edge. All things wear out. natural stones loose their shape quickly if you do not maintain them and diamonds will wear out. I find if you use water with the diamond stones as recommended they will last a good while.
Well if that works for you then I say keep using them. The video was about what I use and as I said in the video find out what works for you sounds like you found what works for you.
DMT blue is 325 mesh and most diamond rods that I own are between 400-600 grit. For whatever it is worth.
Dwight Kalezra Appreciate the view and info.
trust me Will, nothing beats a good set of waterstones. unfortunately a good set costs about as much as a new truck! give me a good set of waterstones and a good strop and i'll give you a scapel! by the way, the other day I wasn't dumping on the firebox, I was putting the plugged up for a week dump on the es-bit. to me it's nothing more than over-priced fire starter plain and simple! there are easier, cheaper and less messy starters out there that will light from a ferro- rod or flint and steel, that's my test for starters. personally I like the firebox but the legs and pot stand arms seem a tad small to me but that's just me. personally give me the old tried and true that works and you know that works, give me canvas and wool, oilcloth and steel you can keep you sil-ny and Gore-Tex and don't even ask me about titanium I'm just a good ole hillbilly far from where I belong
keith moore I have a set of King water stones and strops with buffing compounds but a polished edge is just not for me. I keep going back to a rougher edge because it works better for me. Here is a video explaining that. th-cam.com/video/L_HPfbbxjiY/w-d-xo.html. I used the water stones when a customer orders a scandi polished blade just like Ray Mears, LOL but if you watch his sharpening video he still puts a rough micro edge on his knife with a ceramic rod or with a car window. Yep I like the old school items as well but every now and then a little modern has to be thrown in. Appreciate the view and comment.
I guess it what you taught with but for me I like the razor blade for a pocket knife and a rougher edge on my belt knives but as long as they when and how you need that's all that matters