This is the video. I almost never comment on TH-cam but I have to express how great of a video this is. I've always had it on my "to-do" to learn how to properly sharpen knives. There have been quite a number of cool knives over the years I wanted to buy but couldn't justify the purchase because I knew once it got dull, I wouldn't get my money's worth as I couldn't resharpen it. I've tried a number of times to learn knife sharpening off the internet and always had trouble. I've bought angle guides, systems, and all sorts of crap since I was never able to get freehand sharpening to work for me, and none of them ever gave me good results. I got the itch again recently and decided "screw it" and purchased some stones and cheap knives to take another crack at it. While waiting for them in the mail I found this video, and finally, FINALLY someone explained it in a way that I knew what was going on! Countless of these videos talk about specific products and just go "this is how I do it, you'll get a feel for it" without explaining what to look for. I decided to try what you described on what I already had handy: a chipped and dull blade on a plier multi-tool and some crummy home-depot sandpaper adhered to scrap wood instead of a stone. Even with these exceedingly low quality "stones", for the first time ever I got a blade from being too worn to be useful to being able to cut hair/paper! Maybe it's silly to be excited about such a basic thing, and I still have a lot to learn, but I can't thank you enough for providing this content to those of us who were never taught in person. To anyone reading this thinking they can't sharpen a knife free-handed, if I can after as man failures as I have had, keep at it because you can too!
I love this comment! Pumps me up that you found the video so helpful. I struggled with sharpening for years... once you understand the basics of what is actually going on... boom it works! hahaha
I played almost 2 ares and learned to resharpen on my old Kizer VG10 and on little stone, and I haw no problem to sharpen lighter steal but exe. 940 whit V30 is much harder, and I must be light with hands. In 2 ares hear and there I can now resharp every thing.
WOW! Man you were absolutely right!! Unbelievable! I literally applied these techniques, went and grabbed old knives I had trouble with and got absolutely ecstatic when I felt the burr! Fixed them and ALL ARE SHAVING HAIR NOW! Thank you! Definitely the last knife sharpening video I will EVER have to watch.
Like so many others, I have watched countless videos on how to sharpen knives and this is the first one that has explained fully about burrs and what to do and why. Wish I had seen a video like this years ago.
Thank you for explaining in the way you did. There really is no other video i watched before this that brought me to a clear understanding. You can mimic the movements and grips that you watch someone do but it doesnt profit you unless you have the understanding of what exactly your trying to achieve and why. 10 out of 10 keep it up
I’ve been watching TH-cam videos for years. This is the first time I’ve ever commented to a TH-cam video. Dude, this was perfect. I have the same exact sharpening stone that you have. I have had it for about two years and could never get it right I watched your video and it’s the last time I have to watch a video on sharpening knives. Thank you so much.
This is excellent! I've been hand sharpening for a long time and I can get a knife sharp . . . but not REALLY, REALLY sharp! I agree that I have trouble getting a consistent burr along the whole blade! But I've always been shy about focusing on just a part of the blade! I'm going to try your suggestion . . . it makes total sense to me !! Thanks for sharing!
When i installed ceiling tiles we would sharpen our razor blades. The tiles had silica in them and would dull up a blade within a few tiles. I would sharpen those razors down to a nub before swapping blades. Managing that bur was the key. Another thing that i have picked uo recently is stropping. With a leather strop and polishing compound you can take that "sharp" edge and literaly polish and align the molecules of the edge. Great video Cliff! Keep your edges sharp!
Thank you so much - that burr tip is excellent as it kept me going until I felt it (took longer for different qualities of steel), whereas before i would have stopped too soon. I sharpened all of our kitchen knives AND have learnt a new skill today. Thank you!! 🙏
I was getting frustrated with sharpening my knife as I sat here listening to videos.. then this popped up. Instantly put a hair shaving edge on my knife by not counting strokes and actually paying attention to the burr. Great video, seriously. Thank you.
Thanks! This is the best and simplest way to understand what exactly sharpens a knife that I've ever seen. And I can testify that it works perfectly. Cheers!
Thank you for this video. I've watched a number of other videos and this one does indeed provide the missing pieces. I've been able to take a few kitchen knives that have given me trouble in the past and get them REALLY sharp on the first try. Wow, this explains why I couldn't get them sharp in the past. I really can't wait to utilize this new knowledge on my bushcraft and camping knives. Really looking forward to have all my knives sharp, not just the newer once that I can strop back to sharp.
@@CliffGray well, it's very rare to see the Creator comment on videos so old when a new viewer has left a comment. Much respect for that. Too many creators distance themselves from their viewers to the point of Oblivion and it really takes the personal touch out of subscribing to a channel. It's nice to see that not everybody's like that. Also, I understood the asymmetry of my sharpening but hadn't developed a successful cure for it yet and this video put the final pieces in place causing me to face palm and feel utterly ridiculous lol. So, I guess what I'm saying is thank you for making me feel utterly ridiculous lol. I will wear that shame with Honor
I have watched many videos on sharpening and have always been unable to actually shave any hair with the methods. Drove me nuts. I watched this, applied your advise and am finally getting a blade that will shave. Great explanation and simple technique!
Real good I did actually sharpen knives ' saws band saws circular saws for a living , I just want to say how impressed I am with this video and your technique
Finally, a thorough explanation of what's really happening and how actually sharpen your knife in most efficient way that will save as much metal as possible, instead of grinding away your blade, guessing when to stop and not getting to razor sharpness anyways. After watching this, I understand none of the guys in a dozen of previous videos I watched, know how to actually sharpen the knife. Thank you!
Tried sharpening applying the knowledge you gave, managing the burr, and already improved my sharpening, didn't managed to sharp the knife to shave hair, but it cuts thin paper like butter, whereas before, I could only make my knives to cut office paper.
@@CliffGray after some more practice, my knives can shave! I finish sharpening by stropping with green compound(Chrome oxide based), maybe I will get better in removing burr leftovers on the stone with time. It's such a nice feeling, to be able to make your knives that sharp. Thank you again!
I’m an old Lady and all the other “ beginner videos” had me more confused then when I started. Thank you Jesus for the way this guys brain works, I understand now!
Awesome video. Very helpful in actually understanding how to accomplish getting a sharp knife. My first time sharpening after this video is the sharpest I’ve gotten my knife yet. Thanks for all the detail.
Great video. It’s 100% all about raising a burr. I’ve watched some product videos where they pull out an S30V blade and start with 10 strokes on one side and move to the other. You know there is no way they are raising a burr in just 10 strokes unless it’s a super soft steel like a Swiss Army Knife. Well done!
Agreed - A guy really ought to learn with a bastard file and a $10 walmart knife. A matter of fact, I might do a video on that! Thanks for the comment and support!
@@CliffGray I'd watch that video. Damn.....then this wouldn't be the last sharpening video I watch.........well pretty sure we knew that wasn't gonna be the case.
I'm learning to sharpen on stones out of my love of knives, thanks for the advice. It makes great sense to take the bur off one side before starting the other. Also, it's my left.
Man everything seems so obvious after you explain it all. Thank you sir I'm about to spend the next 15 to 30 minutes applying this knowledge. I will update if I manage to completely sharpen the edge on this German knife. It'll be my 2nd attempt at sharpening a knife wish me luck 🙏
@@derdon2638 I did! I got stoned and forgot to update but this video was perfect to help me understand how sharpening works. After how much trouble it gave me, It was very satisfying to be able to feel how sharp I managed to get the belly and the tip. Now me and my family will have a sharp knife everytime we prep food 😁👌👍
You rock. Thank you so much for the in depth explanation. I thought it was me doing something wrong. Which it kinda is but now I understand what's happening with the bur switching sides along the blade. Very understandable and your an awesome teacher. Take care.
Thanks for making this video! I could get my knives sharp, but I wasn't able to get them razor sharp and had no clue why. After watching this video I took out my whetstone and created a nice burr on one side as you explained and then I switched sides and removed the burr. Damnnn....my knives are now as sharp as scalpels!! It really is all about the burr!! Thanks a million!
I sincerely doubt this will be the last knife sharpening video I ever watch. Been sharpening with stones and with systems for many years. Im even charging for my service now, and I'm still watching these videos.
Dude I’ve been sharpening my knives for a while and did ok I could clean deer and to chore’s with my knife. But after this lil video here. My knife shaves hair. Wow you sir are a natural teacher. That burr was what I was missing. Thank you sir great job.
Great video. As a professional sharpener I wanted to see if this really is the last video you need 😂 and pretty darn close. Just wanna mention something. That rod that he had is a honing rod and does not remove any steel from the edge. You want sharpen with it. What it's designed to do is realine the edge of a knife making is usable for longer before needing a sharpen. You can so exactly the same thing using the spine of another knife. Point being dont buy a honing steel thinking you can use it to Sharpen a dull knife. P.S. ceramic or diamond rods will remove steel tho but they are something different especially diamond rods which are designed to Sharpen rather than hone.
Pretty much what I've learned by trial and error. One thing thing that really helped me out was to pay attention when a guy with wicked sharp knives pulled out his stone and steel. I'm glad I was there and ready to receive the info. He was chasing that burr and adjusting constantly. Toward the end he felt for it with his lower lip. I just got a good diamond stone and was amazed how quickly I could form a new bevel on my dull kitchen knives. I quickly found that the hard Arkansas stone (dressed with the diamond stone) was useful for polishing before the steel to finish. One kitchen knife down, many more to go. Nice video. Makes a lot of sense.
“One of your balls hangs lower than the other!” Hahahahahah. That’s why I have had a difficult time getting a knife shape. I have to think of my balls while sharpening, then it will all fall in place. Lol
@@CliffGray Y'all made my day, with your analogy! Thanks for posting, as the average Joe doesn't understand what a burr is, and struggle along with a dull knife.
Definitely the best video guide to sharpening on TH-cam. I spent an hour yesterday sharpening a knife, having never done it before, I have seen several videos in the past about the subject and been told tips by people but never really understood the process, exactly the process you have described is the process I stumbled upon through trial and error, mostly error. The one 'tip' or thing I would add is I used my finger nail to feel the burr you can catch a really small burr with it to hone the edge. Anyway, thanks for the video, I wished I had watched it first and saved a lot of time!
Хорошее видео для новичков, спасибо. У меня нет проблем с заточкой. Свои ножи затачиваю на арканзасах, считаю их лучшими камнями как для мягких сталей, так и для твёрдых
Great video. I've only watched maybe 2 or three but, went my whole life thinking you had to sharpen the knife by going in only one direction at a time. When I saw you go out and back towards you on the same side I said, "this is the last video I ever need to watch!" My parents got me a whetstone as a kid. Next trip to Mom's I'm asking if it's still in the house! Thanks
I’ve watched a bunch of sharpening videos, but never felt like trying to do it myself until now. What a great explanation of the intention that drives the actions and decisions. Thank you. Also, I’m still laughing about one ball hanging lower.
The burr on opposite sides of the knife is an eye opener for me. Never thought about it. Some beaver trappers touch up their knife on the beaver tail as they skin. Handy if you clean skin. Thanks for the video.
That’s a interesting concept with the beaver tail. I’m sure that works. You know it’s interested because I feel like sharpening is really close to avoidable if a guy watching what he cuts into - hair, bone, etc… and is constantly honing (or light sharpening). I’m sure guys that are using the beaver tail are pretty constant about it, every time they take a rest. I also will touch my knife with the back of another knife - but it only works well for the duration if I do it lightly every chance I get.
@@CliffGray Clean skinners want a knife that is razor sharp. My trapping partner is a clean skinner and you hear the knife as he skins. Almost scary. Guys that use fleshing beams for beaver don't need to touch up the knife nearly as much. Partner uses a belt sander for his beaver knife.
A strop is leather that is great for holding jeweler’s rouge. Bad strop or contaminated leather can ruined the edge you just worked so hard to sharpen. A good clean leather and fresh strop rouge is magical. It is something learned to know if the strop is bad(contaminated) thanks for sharing.
Great video. I've watched so many sharpening videos over the years and yours definitely breaks it down the best. I started off with a high carbon blade and could never get it razor sharp. You explaining the development of a bur instead of counting strokes is huge. Thanks for all the great content.
Seen it handed to a many of chaps and you be like be careful that's a sharp blade sooner or later you will hear someoke cut themself, and you be like I told you.
Ok, you're the first person I've seen on YT blade sharpening vids to have or use a steel. I was beginning to think I was doing it wrong. I've been using a couple of grades of oil stone and a steel to finish for years. It works ok.
I was a bit confused for a while, but then he mentioned how one testicle hangs lower than the other, and it all clicked together in my mind. :) And thinking of the apex as a line formed by a double derivative function of the sharpening angles was insightful and means you are a complete dork. :D :D
I enjoy the depth you go into on topics, it’s a little “Steven Rinellaish”. That kind of detail only comes through repetition, I respect your experience! I spent a decade guiding fly fisherman from a drift boat, just got out of it, I appreciate your drive brother.
Unreal. Very well explained. It all just clicked. Apparently, I was taught incorrectly at a young age and always wondered why no matter how hard I tried, my knife was only kinda sharp... Sharp enough for most needs, but not as good as it could be. After watching this, I did all three blades on a very worn old camillus stockman and each one is now shaving sharp. I thank you!
Great explanation. I like it when principles are explained instead of step-by-step tutorials wich you have to follow to the point, or otherwise you’re doomed ;-)
Great comment! This is what I was going for, so really appreciate it. I feel like knowing the “why” makes folks much more flexible in getting things done. 👍
I found that going by the burr rather than counting strokes it is so much better. A small handheld microscope to inspect the burr (and eventually the edge) is also very useful in getting an edge silly sharp. Ten strokes each side method means you spend almost as much as time flipping it round than you do sharpening it because I put my knife in a vice and by flipping it round the pressure on the knife is more consistent on both sides of the edge.
Ohhh myyy goodddnesss!!! I get it…. After all these years It’s like an epiphany poof 💨 The fact you kept the camera where it’s at and just started sharpening and purposefully not discussing the angle you use…. Genius!!!!
Thanks Cliff. I learned something. I am reviewing knives and do like the Wusthof chef and paring. Not sure what edge to get since the chef could be used for melons and various meats. The paring could be used for trimming oranges, and apples, and maybe cutting and trimming meat as well. Should I just go with the European edges?
I've been a butcher for more years than I care to say, I was taught pretty much exactly this method by a very old butcher who worked part time and l quickly got good at sharpening, I even earned extra money Sharpening other people's knives and cleavers.
Great video. Exactly what I told my son when he wanted to learn to sharpen. I said start with a low quality blade. I’ve moved up in the world though, I’m using whet stones. When I was a kid we would use sandstone that we found. 😂
do you have another video i could watch to see when to hone the knife vs sharpening it? from my understanding honing just brings the bur to the midline so should i hone my knife before each heavy use?
This is the video.
I almost never comment on TH-cam but I have to express how great of a video this is.
I've always had it on my "to-do" to learn how to properly sharpen knives. There have been quite a number of cool knives over the years I wanted to buy but couldn't justify the purchase because I knew once it got dull, I wouldn't get my money's worth as I couldn't resharpen it. I've tried a number of times to learn knife sharpening off the internet and always had trouble. I've bought angle guides, systems, and all sorts of crap since I was never able to get freehand sharpening to work for me, and none of them ever gave me good results. I got the itch again recently and decided "screw it" and purchased some stones and cheap knives to take another crack at it.
While waiting for them in the mail I found this video, and finally, FINALLY someone explained it in a way that I knew what was going on! Countless of these videos talk about specific products and just go "this is how I do it, you'll get a feel for it" without explaining what to look for. I decided to try what you described on what I already had handy: a chipped and dull blade on a plier multi-tool and some crummy home-depot sandpaper adhered to scrap wood instead of a stone. Even with these exceedingly low quality "stones", for the first time ever I got a blade from being too worn to be useful to being able to cut hair/paper! Maybe it's silly to be excited about such a basic thing, and I still have a lot to learn, but I can't thank you enough for providing this content to those of us who were never taught in person. To anyone reading this thinking they can't sharpen a knife free-handed, if I can after as man failures as I have had, keep at it because you can too!
I love this comment! Pumps me up that you found the video so helpful. I struggled with sharpening for years... once you understand the basics of what is actually going on... boom it works! hahaha
How can you fail with angled knife sharpeners?
I played almost 2 ares and learned to resharpen on my old Kizer VG10 and on little stone, and I haw no problem to sharpen lighter steal but exe. 940 whit V30 is much harder, and I must be light with hands. In 2 ares hear and there I can now resharp every thing.
What if you don't know about burr
@@ikapatino3214
WOW! Man you were absolutely right!! Unbelievable! I literally applied these techniques, went and grabbed old knives I had trouble with and got absolutely ecstatic when I felt the burr! Fixed them and ALL ARE SHAVING HAIR NOW! Thank you! Definitely the last knife sharpening video I will EVER have to watch.
Good deal man! Love it
Like so many others, I have watched countless videos on how to sharpen knives and this is the first one that has explained fully about burrs and what to do and why. Wish I had seen a video like this years ago.
Glad it was helpful Eric!
Thank you for explaining in the way you did. There really is no other video i watched before this that brought me to a clear understanding. You can mimic the movements and grips that you watch someone do but it doesnt profit you unless you have the understanding of what exactly your trying to achieve and why. 10 out of 10 keep it up
I’ve been watching TH-cam videos for years. This is the first time I’ve ever commented to a TH-cam video. Dude, this was perfect. I have the same exact sharpening stone that you have. I have had it for about two years and could never get it right I watched your video and it’s the last time I have to watch a video on sharpening knives. Thank you so much.
Hey Scott! excited to hear the video was useful. good deal
This is excellent! I've been hand sharpening for a long time and I can get a knife sharp . . . but not REALLY, REALLY sharp! I agree that I have trouble getting a consistent burr along the whole blade! But I've always been shy about focusing on just a part of the blade! I'm going to try your suggestion . . . it makes total sense to me !! Thanks for sharing!
Probably the best knife sharpening tutorial I ever watched !
Very easy instructions and very well explained 👍
Thanks 🙏
appreciate the video. This is the first time I understood why the pros recommend grits of various sizes.
When i installed ceiling tiles we would sharpen our razor blades. The tiles had silica in them and would dull up a blade within a few tiles. I would sharpen those razors down to a nub before swapping blades. Managing that bur was the key.
Another thing that i have picked uo recently is stropping. With a leather strop and polishing compound you can take that "sharp" edge and literaly polish and align the molecules of the edge.
Great video Cliff! Keep your edges sharp!
Thank you so much - that burr tip is excellent as it kept me going until I felt it (took longer for different qualities of steel), whereas before i would have stopped too soon. I sharpened all of our kitchen knives AND have learnt a new skill today. Thank you!! 🙏
I am so appreciative that this was one of the first videos I watched, and I’m not even a guy with balls! Thanks for the great lesson.
I was getting frustrated with sharpening my knife as I sat here listening to videos.. then this popped up. Instantly put a hair shaving edge on my knife by not counting strokes and actually paying attention to the burr.
Great video, seriously. Thank you.
Thanks! This is the best and simplest way to understand what exactly sharpens a knife that I've ever seen. And I can testify that it works perfectly. Cheers!
Thanks! Really appreciate the positive feedback👍
Solid video. People are weird about sharpening. I like the simplicity of this video.
Thank you for this video. I've watched a number of other videos and this one does indeed provide the missing pieces. I've been able to take a few kitchen knives that have given me trouble in the past and get them REALLY sharp on the first try. Wow, this explains why I couldn't get them sharp in the past. I really can't wait to utilize this new knowledge on my bushcraft and camping knives. Really looking forward to have all my knives sharp, not just the newer once that I can strop back to sharp.
Really glad to hear it was helpful Robert! Thanks for watching 👍
@@CliffGray well, it's very rare to see the Creator comment on videos so old when a new viewer has left a comment. Much respect for that. Too many creators distance themselves from their viewers to the point of Oblivion and it really takes the personal touch out of subscribing to a channel. It's nice to see that not everybody's like that. Also, I understood the asymmetry of my sharpening but hadn't developed a successful cure for it yet and this video put the final pieces in place causing me to face palm and feel utterly ridiculous lol. So, I guess what I'm saying is thank you for making me feel utterly ridiculous lol. I will wear that shame with Honor
@@nicktease0687 thanks for the comment Nick 👍👊 and really glad the video was helpful to you. Thanks for the support for the channel and videos.
I have watched many videos on sharpening and have always been unable to actually shave any hair with the methods. Drove me nuts. I watched this, applied your advise and am finally getting a blade that will shave. Great explanation and simple technique!
Awesome to hear Chase! 👍
Real good I did actually sharpen knives ' saws band saws circular saws for a living , I just want to say how impressed I am with this video and your technique
Finally, a thorough explanation of what's really happening and how actually sharpen your knife in most efficient way that will save as much metal as possible, instead of grinding away your blade, guessing when to stop and not getting to razor sharpness anyways. After watching this, I understand none of the guys in a dozen of previous videos I watched, know how to actually sharpen the knife. Thank you!
Tried sharpening applying the knowledge you gave, managing the burr, and already improved my sharpening, didn't managed to sharp the knife to shave hair, but it cuts thin paper like butter, whereas before, I could only make my knives to cut office paper.
👍really glad to hear the video was useful. Appreciate the support
@@CliffGray after some more practice, my knives can shave! I finish sharpening by stropping with green compound(Chrome oxide based), maybe I will get better in removing burr leftovers on the stone with time. It's such a nice feeling, to be able to make your knives that sharp. Thank you again!
I’m an old Lady and all the other “ beginner videos” had me more confused then when I started. Thank you Jesus for the way this guys brain works, I understand now!
Awesome! Glad it was helpful
100% the last video I needed sharpest I’ve had a blade in a long time! Thanks man!
Thanks Ray! 👍👊
Nice work. In a world of tacticool, you bring a nice taste of American frontiersman; its refreshing. Thank you.
Thanks!
Awesome video. Very helpful in actually understanding how to accomplish getting a sharp knife. My first time sharpening after this video is the sharpest I’ve gotten my knife yet. Thanks for all the detail.
Awesome Matt! So glad to hear it was useful! 👍👊
Great video. It’s 100% all about raising a burr. I’ve watched some product videos where they pull out an S30V blade and start with 10 strokes on one side and move to the other. You know there is no way they are raising a burr in just 10 strokes unless it’s a super soft steel like a Swiss Army Knife. Well done!
Agreed - A guy really ought to learn with a bastard file and a $10 walmart knife. A matter of fact, I might do a video on that!
Thanks for the comment and support!
@@CliffGray I'd watch that video.
Damn.....then this wouldn't be the last sharpening video I watch.........well pretty sure we knew that wasn't gonna be the case.
@@doneichholz7339 bwhahaha!
Absolutely correct! Even Buck's 420hc may bee tricky to form a burr with 10 stockes only, let alone the most abrasive resistant stuff! 👍👏
I have a $6.00 wal Mart knife I found and an old file.edge rolls 440 .
I'm learning to sharpen on stones out of my love of knives, thanks for the advice. It makes great sense to take the bur off one side before starting the other. Also, it's my left.
Man everything seems so obvious after you explain it all. Thank you sir I'm about to spend the next 15 to 30 minutes applying this knowledge. I will update if I manage to completely sharpen the edge on this German knife. It'll be my 2nd attempt at sharpening a knife wish me luck 🙏
did you manage to sharpen it properly?
@@derdon2638 I did! I got stoned and forgot to update but this video was perfect to help me understand how sharpening works. After how much trouble it gave me, It was very satisfying to be able to feel how sharp I managed to get the belly and the tip. Now me and my family will have a sharp knife everytime we prep food 😁👌👍
You rock. Thank you so much for the in depth explanation. I thought it was me doing something wrong. Which it kinda is but now I understand what's happening with the bur switching sides along the blade. Very understandable and your an awesome teacher. Take care.
Great to hear 👍 thanks
Very thorough and comprehensive intro - now I get a much better idea of what I'm doing wrong.
thank you from starting from the beginning and explaining with visuals.
Thanks for making this video! I could get my knives sharp, but I wasn't able to get them razor sharp and had no clue why.
After watching this video I took out my whetstone and created a nice burr on one side as you explained and then I switched sides and removed the burr. Damnnn....my knives are now as sharp as scalpels!! It really is all about the burr!! Thanks a million!
I love comments like this! super pumped this helped you out!
I sincerely doubt this will be the last knife sharpening video I ever watch. Been sharpening with stones and with systems for many years. Im even charging for my service now, and I'm still watching these videos.
Dude I’ve been sharpening my knives for a while and did ok I could clean deer and to chore’s with my knife. But after this lil video here. My knife shaves hair. Wow you sir are a natural teacher. That burr was what I was missing. Thank you sir great job.
that is great to hear... pumped the video was useful for you.
What a great set of practical direction. I tested and I was getting burr on both sides about halfway down the blade. Fixed my problem! Thanks!
awesome to hear Mark! thanks for the comment
This is how I like to learn everything! If you d not understand how and why you haven’t actually learned just memorized. Thanks
I agree!
couldn't agree with the positive comments more - highly instructive - great tip to start with softer steel
👍👍👍
Great video. As a professional sharpener I wanted to see if this really is the last video you need 😂 and pretty darn close. Just wanna mention something. That rod that he had is a honing rod and does not remove any steel from the edge. You want sharpen with it. What it's designed to do is realine the edge of a knife making is usable for longer before needing a sharpen. You can so exactly the same thing using the spine of another knife. Point being dont buy a honing steel thinking you can use it to Sharpen a dull knife. P.S. ceramic or diamond rods will remove steel tho but they are something different especially diamond rods which are designed to Sharpen rather than hone.
thanks man! great additional tips too
Best knife sharpening video I’ve seen.
huge compliment! thank you
Good job Clayvin! That was actually pretty good.
Wow this is so simple thank U for explaining the process. You’re so right about not watching a oher videos. Got it. Stay Sharp my friend.
It's night now, but I'm excited to now be able to go and sharpen my knives come morning.
Thank you...
Thank you for the detailed video about the burr. It will hopefully help me learn to use a whetstone. Thanks again.
Pretty much what I've learned by trial and error. One thing thing that really helped me out was to pay attention when a guy with wicked sharp knives pulled out his stone and steel. I'm glad I was there and ready to receive the info. He was chasing that burr and adjusting constantly. Toward the end he felt for it with his lower lip. I just got a good diamond stone and was amazed how quickly I could form a new bevel on my dull kitchen knives. I quickly found that the hard Arkansas stone (dressed with the diamond stone) was useful for polishing before the steel to finish. One kitchen knife down, many more to go. Nice video. Makes a lot of sense.
Bro. Why did you have to bring my asymmetrical balls into this 😂
HA!
Nicely done Cliff! Appreciate your knowledge and your ability to share your ideas!
Thanks Daniel!
Awesome video. I am confident I can sharpen my knife properly now. Thank You.
Good deal! glad it was helpful
“One of your balls hangs lower than the other!” Hahahahahah. That’s why I have had a difficult time getting a knife shape. I have to think of my balls while sharpening, then it will all fall in place. Lol
Ha! That’s why it took me so long to figure it out.
@@CliffGray Y'all made my day, with your analogy! Thanks for posting, as the average Joe doesn't understand what a burr is, and struggle along with a dull knife.
One hangs lower than the other for a reason, so we can walk in comfort.
@@KinKnives urologist told me there is a physiological reason why the left testicle hangs lower but didn't tell me what it is. That sounds plausible.
13:42 “…just working the tip.”
That made complete sense to me, thank you.
Definitely the best video guide to sharpening on TH-cam.
I spent an hour yesterday sharpening a knife, having never done it before, I have seen several videos in the past about the subject and been told tips by people but never really understood the process, exactly the process you have described is the process I stumbled upon through trial and error, mostly error. The one 'tip' or thing I would add is I used my finger nail to feel the burr you can catch a really small burr with it to hone the edge.
Anyway, thanks for the video, I wished I had watched it first and saved a lot of time!
Thanks Stephen! Great additional tip 👍
Yes sir , this is a big help . Makes a lot more sense now . Thx
Хорошее видео для новичков, спасибо. У меня нет проблем с заточкой. Свои ножи затачиваю на арканзасах, считаю их лучшими камнями как для мягких сталей, так и для твёрдых
Great video. I've only watched maybe 2 or three but, went my whole life thinking you had to sharpen the knife by going in only one direction at a time. When I saw you go out and back towards you on the same side I said, "this is the last video I ever need to watch!" My parents got me a whetstone as a kid. Next trip to Mom's I'm asking if it's still in the house! Thanks
Glad it was helpful Robert! thanks for watching
Thank you never sharpened a knife before and this told me everything in an easy to follow guide. Much appreciated 🙂
glad it was helpful. thanks for watching
those feathers in the back left look awesome.
I was 45 seconds in, and the semantics he used had me. You had me at physics. Props.
Thank you for explaining what really happens when you try to sharpen a knife.
One word: AWESOME. Thank you for this.
thanks Andy!
I’ve watched a bunch of sharpening videos, but never felt like trying to do it myself until now. What a great explanation of the intention that drives the actions and decisions. Thank you. Also, I’m still laughing about one ball hanging lower.
I was kinna half ass watchin and when you said flip the bur I was like rut ro! Great video
Haha! Thanks Robby
Right on Cliff!! Great easy to follow and understand.
Glad it was helpful! thanks
The burr on opposite sides of the knife is an eye opener for me. Never thought about it. Some beaver trappers touch up their knife on the beaver tail as they skin. Handy if you clean skin. Thanks for the video.
That’s a interesting concept with the beaver tail. I’m sure that works. You know it’s interested because I feel like sharpening is really close to avoidable if a guy watching what he cuts into - hair, bone, etc… and is constantly honing (or light sharpening). I’m sure guys that are using the beaver tail are pretty constant about it, every time they take a rest. I also will touch my knife with the back of another knife - but it only works well for the duration if I do it lightly every chance I get.
@@CliffGray Clean skinners want a knife that is razor sharp. My trapping partner is a clean skinner and you hear the knife as he skins. Almost scary. Guys that use fleshing beams for beaver don't need to touch up the knife nearly as much. Partner uses a belt sander for his beaver knife.
This is precisely the video that I was looking for thanks!
glad it was helpful!
I like how you can actually hear the burr on the stone when you're working the blade back and forth
A strop is leather that is great for holding jeweler’s rouge. Bad strop or contaminated leather can ruined the edge you just worked so hard to sharpen. A good clean leather and fresh strop rouge is magical. It is something learned to know if the strop is bad(contaminated) thanks for sharing.
Excellent video sir. And probably the last I’ll watch 😁. Much appreciated.
Good explanation of the process. Thank you.
Great video. I've watched so many sharpening videos over the years and yours definitely breaks it down the best. I started off with a high carbon blade and could never get it razor sharp. You explaining the development of a bur instead of counting strokes is huge. Thanks for all the great content.
For sure. Glad it was helpful
Grandaddy uses two stones, course and less course the leather and adds oil
The blade after it is done. You cannot touch it or you will get cut and bleed
Seen it handed to a many of chaps and you be like be careful that's a sharp blade sooner or later you will hear someoke cut themself, and you be like I told you.
Been trying to sharpen knifes for 40 years. Tried this. Shavin baby!
Awesome!!!!
Ok, you're the first person I've seen on YT blade sharpening vids to have or use a steel. I was beginning to think I was doing it wrong. I've been using a couple of grades of oil stone and a steel to finish for years. It works ok.
Understanding the process is a powerful tool. Thanks
👍
great explanation! thanks, this helps SO MUCH!!!!
glad it was helpful!
Will test your Method. I have Always Struggled sharpening knives.
I was a bit confused for a while, but then he mentioned how one testicle hangs lower than the other, and it all clicked together in my mind. :) And thinking of the apex as a line formed by a double derivative function of the sharpening angles was insightful and means you are a complete dork. :D :D
bwhahahahaha, yes and yes
I enjoy the depth you go into on topics, it’s a little “Steven Rinellaish”. That kind of detail only comes through repetition, I respect your experience! I spent a decade guiding fly fisherman from a drift boat, just got out of it, I appreciate your drive brother.
Thanks man!
best video on sharpening ive seen and ive seen alot xD Thanks!
It may not be the Last one I watch... but it's definitely one of the better ones out there!! 🙌
Baller video! I understand it much better!
How do you determine correct angle between the knife and stone, and how do you maintain it consistently while sharpening?
Great class,,,simple to the point , ,no pun intended
I find running the edge down some wood as a final step helps remove a stubborn burr
This was so fantastic. Thank you for describing how the burr and the other elements function! :D
Dang bruh, uniform burr... it makes so much sense! I love this video 😊
That thumbnail is the largest smile I’ve ever seen on an edge
Unreal. Very well explained. It all just clicked. Apparently, I was taught incorrectly at a young age and always wondered why no matter how hard I tried, my knife was only kinda sharp... Sharp enough for most needs, but not as good as it could be.
After watching this, I did all three blades on a very worn old camillus stockman and each one is now shaving sharp.
I thank you!
great to hear Rick! glad it was helpful
Excellent! Thanks for sharing...
Great explanation. I like it when principles are explained instead of step-by-step tutorials wich you have to follow to the point, or otherwise you’re doomed ;-)
Great comment! This is what I was going for, so really appreciate it. I feel like knowing the “why” makes folks much more flexible in getting things done. 👍
Great instructions brother
Great way to a visual
explanation
I found that going by the burr rather than counting strokes it is so much better. A small handheld microscope to inspect the burr (and eventually the edge) is also very useful in getting an edge silly sharp. Ten strokes each side method means you spend almost as much as time flipping it round than you do sharpening it because I put my knife in a vice and by flipping it round the pressure on the knife is more consistent on both sides of the edge.
agreed! like the microscope idea
I loved that ball hanging analogy hehe he, great video greetings from Mexico
Ha! Greetings!
¡Feliz Navidad!
Ohhh myyy goodddnesss!!!
I get it….
After all these years
It’s like an epiphany poof 💨
The fact you kept the camera where it’s at and just started sharpening and purposefully not discussing the angle you use….
Genius!!!!
Thanks Cliff. I learned something. I am reviewing knives and do like the Wusthof chef and paring. Not sure what edge to get since the chef could be used for melons and various meats.
The paring could be used for trimming oranges, and apples, and maybe cutting and trimming meat as well.
Should I just go with the European edges?
I've been a butcher for more years than I care to say, I was taught pretty much exactly this method by a very old butcher who worked part time and l quickly got good at sharpening, I even earned extra money Sharpening other people's knives and cleavers.
Great video. Exactly what I told my son when he wanted to learn to sharpen. I said start with a low quality blade. I’ve moved up in the world though, I’m using whet stones. When I was a kid we would use sandstone that we found. 😂
👍
This wasn't the last sharpening video for me. It was a good one though. Thanks.
Haha! Well, I’ll take it man. Glad it was helpful
Great instructions! Thanks
Thanks Brian👍
do you have another video i could watch to see when to hone the knife vs sharpening it? from my understanding honing just brings the bur to the midline so should i hone my knife before each heavy use?
Thank you!
I remember dad hated stainless steel in the 60s saying it's hard to sharpen easy to dull.
Perfect thank you.
Great video - thank you!
This video took my sharpening to the next level. Proof on my hairless arm.
hahaha! awesome!