I have used this system for a couple yrs now. Its one of the best systems I have ever used. A few things that helped me out. I turned the grinder base around so it ran away from me so i could work off the top of the wheel. I could control the knife and the angle better. I used a block of wood and course sandpaper to true up the finishing wheel as it was alittle off. Over all a wicked sharpening system. Takes a little practice but its worth it.
I've been using this method for many years. I use a variable speed grinder. That way I can slow the speed down if I need to put a edge on first without heating up the edge. I also use cloth buff wheels. My father was a metal polisher for 42 years and used industrial grinders (lathe) to sharpen knives. I have about 40 different wheels for polishing/grinding. Great video.
Thank you Sir...I don't have a lot of time to sharpen my knives, chisels, and irons. You have shown me a system that I must get now...Thanks again and keep up the excellent inspiration.
I have not found a faster or better sharpening system than this one. TIP: Turn your bench grinder around so its spinning away from you and work on top of the wheels. Much better control...
Ya beat me to it. A similar video where the guy made his own wheels from plywood and laminated leather went so far as to reverse the base on his grinder rather than work on the back side. You probably can't do that with every grinder.
@@jeffreydeutsch7336 yes sir I agree. I saw that video also and did the same to my grinder. Reversing the grinder was really straight forward and easy. I also made an mdf wheel and wrapped it in leather. I can get really great results with it.
Made my own wheel from MDF took me about 10 minutes, had some polishing compound and tried it, works like a charm! Made my knife razor sharp in minutes!
Simple Little Life I might have to swing by for a quick visit at some point! I used to plow snow at the Walmart & police station in Strathmore, and occasionally still fly RC planes at the club near there. :)
Thank you very much. I am just starting knife making and this method of sharpening knives by far looks the easiest and fastest way to get it done. Thank you in advance for all the time and frustration you have saved me.
Not sure you'll see this on an old video, is there any issues with humidity effecting the paper wheels? my shop tends to get quite humid in the summer months here in MB.
I have see a demo just like I have seen here. Same result. Amazing !!! The Demonstrator liked to operate off the top of the wheel so he turned the grinder around. He said it made it easier to set the grind angles. I know this could set a trap in a multi operator workshop but you have to reach over the machine to turn it on.
It’s really easy to have the switch on the other side. Take off the bottom plate to access the two screws/bolts holding the base to the motor then just turn the base around and reattach screws…that easy. Takes about five minutes.
Excellent video. But two questions please. Are these knives in effect hollow ground? Do they remain sharp as long as knives sharpened on a whetstone? Thanks.
My observation is that knife sharpening by hand is like a martial art. I got sucked into this channel because I decided to learn how to sharpen knives using the traditional Japanese water-stone method as a hobby. After spending a few hours a day over a few months, Im still at best, average. I started to appreciate why Japanse sushi chefs are held in such high esteem! Edge sharpening is still essentially "material removal" but on a much finer level. Working up through the grits is incredibly important. I only got my first blade hair-popping sharp when i got a 6000 grit stone. Stropping helps too. Im guessing here, but Ill say that the reason you work up the grits is to save time. It would take an eternity to strop a blunt knife until its sharp.. removing a few metal atoms at a time. This machine basically lets you strop like the bionic man.
I agree. It's an art to sharpen knives that way and I wish so bad I could do it. But I can't so I have to keep snooping around for other ways and this works well.
Well that machine looks awesome and Im jealous. Not to mention that in the field, nobody in their right mind is going to be carrying japanese water stones lol.
Did a little research on that sharpener. If its the same wheels they sell on Amazon in the uk, they are compressed leather. So my joke turned out to be literally true: its basically a bionic stropping device. Having just sharpened 8 kitchen knives for a neighbor.. im seriously considering investing in one.
TheWtfnonamez haha, that's funny. I've heard of the leather ones and I think they'd probably be better than these. The ones I have are actually compressed paper. Lot's of people make their own with MDF plywood.
I saw your video on the sharpening system build, and was blown away by the level of professionalism and attention to detail ! You mentioned you don't do or have drawings. Surprising, as this level of execution requires extensive experience AND planning ! WELL DONE sir ! I do such drawings for a living, or did before I became semi-retired. I now help individual inventors with drawings and 3D CAD models for their new idea, as a way to keep my design skills sharp. If you'd like, we could discuss some drawings at no charge, that would meet the need, and would be professional and shop ready, if you think this would be a benefit to what YOU are trying to accomplish. Again, BEAUTIFUL work sir, and best to you ! -C.
Maybe that's a bit late. But you forgot to mention the crucial aspect about rolling directions of the wheel and direction which should knife been set. Thanks. I'm very happy that I found your channel!
The website and Amazon links aren't working, is there a new link? Awesome videos my 12 year old son and I are just getting into making knives and your videos have been a great deal of help..
Glad I came across this video before dropping money on the Spyderco Sharpmaker! I have the Lansky Deluxe system but also just can't get it right. Cheers from Calgary!
Great video, I have the same problems with putting an first edge on a new knife and I hate the Lansky set, it's so slow. With this system I think life is a lot nicer to me, thanks for sharing.
Nice. I generally use diamond stones and a strop. However about 15 years ago I bought the Burke Sharpening system. Very similar 3 wheels-two use sandpaper and one uses a leather strop that you put your cutting/polishing compound. Also has 2 cotton wheels one firm and one soft. I use the Burke when I'm having difficulty with the stones. Certain steels/blades sharpen better on the Burke while some sharpen up on the diamond stones.
How did you determine the angle to hold the blade at? Is there a way to hold the blade parallel the base and then position it traveling across the wheels at a certain degree of the wheel? Have you done axes or mower blades? Thanks
Good video nice knives you made there have you ever considered having the wheels spin away from you and using the top of the wheel so if the knife ever got caught or dug into the wheel it will go away from you instead of towards you? Tom R
Can i sharpen an axe or machete with this? Large surface like machete is really annoying to sharpen, so something like this would absolutely be helpful.
I watched another channel that the knife got final process of leather stropping for removing the burrs (also, using bench grinder). Could you comment on this practice, is it necessary for the stropping?
I use a Wicked Edge for sharpening very dull blades or reprofiling the edge on screwed-up ones, and a Spyderco Sharpmaker (modified by epoxying DMT diamond stones to cheap knockoff Sharpmaker rods, with varying thickness shims to make the angles shallower for different steels and for making 3 or more angle edges) for maintaining edges on knives I've previously sharpened on the Wicked Edge. The Sharpmaker is just easier and quicker to set up and use if a great deal of material doesn't need to be removed. I finish with KnivesPlus strop blocks, one rubbed thoroughly with a 'medium' (white) strop compound stick, one left the way KnivesPlus sends it (impregnated with a very fine green rouge). Every blade I sharpen is screaming, hair-splitting, touch-it-and-you're-cut sharp and comes out EXACTLY the same way every time, and will hold an edge for a shockingly long time. For axes, machetes, and such, I use a small belt grinder, eyeballing my angles, going up to 600 grit.
I have the work sharp belt grinder and in order to really get the best performance out of the extra fine 6000 grit polishing belts, i apply a small amount of camellia oil onto the belt. It really helps let loose the metal particles so they don’t get caked onto the surface and thus help speed up the final sharpening. ALSO, please sharpen the edge going away from the belt direction on the 6000. You cannot get a proper point to the edge unless you trail away while grinding only. You will round out the apex going the other direction and you will more likely cut the belt before you get it razor sharp.
Hello Guys, could I ask you what type of blades you are using? I mean, what goes on the grinder? I baught a bench grinder off Harbor Freight but it has different blades.
Do you think it would be possible to hook up a VFD to the grinder and use the 1000 grit CBN wheel along with a slotted paper wheel on the other end, possibly adding a foot control as well? Or is it better just to go out and buy a new low speed grinder?
Thanks mate, just the video I needed. I do have a question though. I have a couple of knives made in Excalibur Stainless Steel, being so hard its hard to put an edge back on them. Do you reckon this will do the trick?
Here is an easy way to make a visual aid for the sharpening angle. Take a flat piece of copy paper and think of it as a circle of 360°. Fold it once lengthwise. Now you have 180°. Fold sideways to make a 90°. Then fold twice from the 90° and you will have 22-1/2°.
I know this a couple years old, but I appreciate your comments about hand sharpening. I'm a little convinced it is a talent you're born with, not an acquired skill. I love my wheels!
+ Simple Little Life .....great setup, wow. I bought a Wicked Edge Propack II and love it, but it takes me WAY longer to get the kind of edge you just did in a minute or two......if I go through all the grits I have ( all the diamond stones, all the ceramics, then all the strops ) it gets hair popping edges, but takes a long time.
I've never heard of that system before but it does look quite impressive. Lots of ways to do it and as long as your knife gets really sharp, it's all good. Cheers!
yeah, it's a really nice system, albeit very expensive. The main selling point for it is the vise setup you mount the knife in. It locks up solidly, gripped at the spine, and you set your angles using the LH & RH arms the abrasive paddles slide onto. There is no need to " hand or manually " try to keep the same bevel angle....it does that for you. ( check it out here: www.wickededgeusa.com )
Darrell Allen I'm actually going to check them out. What you described sounds too interesting not to a least have a look at. Thanks for sharing the info. Cheers!
Is it a rule if thumb to Always True up a wheel even when it comes from Norton or an MDF wheel? Like the way you present and explain your videos Thanks for the help, gary
Nice simple setup! Would be awesome to make up a simple jig to hold the knife to the wheel on a consistent bevel. A MDF wheel will do a the same at polishing the micro bevel for any home gamers.
I don't give out the templates for my blades simply because I think it's important to have the knife come from the maker as much as possible. Even if you laid tracing paper over a picture of a knife you want to make, you'll find you are more connected with the blade because it's shape was drawn from your fingers. I find it's an easier/more connected process when I draw a knife myself. And, when you're all done, you can say you made the knife from drawing to completion. Trust me, you'll have more satisfaction at the end. Does that make sense? Cheers!
I use a edge pro apex 4 great system just takes a long time to reprofile . I am not the best at guessing the correct angle so is this worth the investment I do not own a bench grinder so will need on of them as well
Yeah, there are a million different ways, and some people do a great job with one while others can't make that one work for them. Kind of a personal thing too I think. For me, it seems like I was made to sharpen knives this way. That's how easy it is. I'm sure the next guy will try it and it won't work for him.....Cheers!
By going from coarse grit to polishing without cleaning the blade in between you end up with a good possibility of contaminating your polishing wheel. It's a great system but don't contaminate your wheel by not cleaning in between.
Been using this since 1985. Never put a blade on a stone again. You can polish bolsters and back springs with it as well. Make an old pocket knife look brand new.
Carl Lovestrom I work as a welder for 45 years years and I know quite a bit about metal and let me tell you that the minute you sharpen a knife on a speeding wheel, you have altered the hardening of the cutting edge quality. Yes your knifes will be very sharp but, they will loose their cutting edge very fast. Best method is water stone, no heat whatsoever. Don’t forget that the cutting edge is very thin and heats up quickly and, to create a spark like you see in this video, you need heat!
@@charger440 Considering that 99.555% of knives that anyone will ever have began their life being sharpened on a belt grinder, I dont think your argument holds water. Yes, heat can damage a blade. But just about every knife made is initially sharpened on a belt grinder. You can absolutely sharpen with speed and not damage the knife.
The key is very light pressure, fast strokes and keep a finger as close to the knife edge as possible. You will burn your finger before you hurt the temper. Once again very light pressure
@@charger440 Heat from welding is quite different than that from grinding an edge or grinding with an angle grinder in general. As long as it doesn't show any discoloration ( anything beyond straw which is anything blueish and beyond which you don't want if you don't want to lose the tempering ) the structure will stay the same. As someone who had an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker i have been grinding and welding things for years and i know you have to apply a lot of pressure and heat to actually cause any metal / steel to discolor. I am working as a CNC machinist for 20 years with calcium silicate ( stuff similar to what'S in dry walls but harder and tougher ). We can't cool the cutting bits because that would ruin the material and we don't get any discoloration unless we run to high RPM and to much feed.
Yes, heat from a dishwasher doesn't change knife steel much. Thats mostly a hoax (still dishwashers and knives are a no go due to chemicals AND heat, but thats another reason) What everyone here tends to forget is the following: No one is saying the heat changes the metal of the whole blade. Actually only less than the first millimeter is what maters for sharpness. The heat from a grinding wheel doesn't change the metal of the full knive. However: Just like it heats those sparks, it also heats that VERY VERY small area that is the edge of the knife. It won't damage the knife as a whole and could easily be resharpened in a proper way, but an edge from a fast grinder is not as hard as the rest of your knive and thus doesn't hold its edge for as long as a slow sharpening methode. Moving faster does limit the of heat transfer. But at 3000+rpm with these wheel sizes, you need to move so fast it's undoable. when using half speed (about 1500rpm) wheels, it is possible if kept within a few seconds per pass (see Knifegrinders research on it). Less pressure decreases the friction, which indeed does lower the heat. But the edge is so microscopicly thin, that most of the friction is not caused by excess pressure but by putting it against a extremely fast moving and extremely coarse grinder (
Thank you very much! That's actually the reason I got into knife making in the first place. I love knives, have a bunch of them, but once you have several $200+ fixed blades, it's hard to justify buying more. Once you have X number of great blades, it's certainly not something that you "need" more of. So, I started making them. (to be honest though, it really hasn't helped my desire to buy more knives though). The curse of a collector:) Cheers!
stand the other side of the grinder and use the top of the wheel...you get so much more control. Also...an MDF wheel works really well and costs peanuts.
I just ordered two sets one for home and the other for my sharpening business. You should get sponsored by this company. Big Mex wishes you luck and success with your efforts.
I got the same issue ... Couldn't find a sharpener I loved ... I have tried this one and yes it works but it doesn't hold an edge ... Ended with the worksharp because the edge is not crazy sharp but holds a working edge longer ... And I use my blades all the time
haha, that's funny! I've never seen his channel before but just subscribed. Thanks for the tip. Yeah, MDF wheels would work just as well too I'm sure. I just found it easier to buy this than make them. Lazy..... Cheers!
rmojo23, Do you put the 180 powder in the MDF wheel? And use the 2 types of wheels? Can you explain me? I just can´t buy this "Razor Sharp Edge Making System" from Brazil. Thanks!
I just use green compound on one and white on the other wheel. Yes I use two disks I cut out of MDF and mounted them the bench grinder and trued them up with a chisel. I then run them and add the compound. Happy sharpening!
The green compound, is the course one right? With this compound you can sharpen the knife from the very first time? Or the first time you use a stone, or something like that? Thank man!
You just a thin layer of wood glue and then sprinkle the abrasive on top of that. I’ve done it once and it’s quite easy. I should have filmed it so I would have a video on that. Next time 👍
You already have a couple nice 2x72 belt sanders. You should try some leather 2x72 belts and stropping compound. I use a 1x30 belt sander and various belts from 1800grit-5000grit and I also use leather 1x30 belts and stropping compounds to sharpen all my knives.
Thanks for all the great videos. Are you still using this system or have you moved on to something different? Ive just finished my first knife and struggle putting a nice edge on it. Thanks for your help
I received two hand made knives that are incomplete and I am unsure how to complete both of them both of these knives have incomplete edges or half edges with a few rough spots looking for ways to complete these blades. Both had a lot of surface rust.
Ok I'm new to this but aren't you supposed to sharpen with the blade pointing towards up with the wheel coming down? I'm probably wrong that's why I'm asking. Love your channel, please keep it up!
hey that's a great question man. With wheels that are stone, yes, you would want to sharpen with the blade pointing up. Having said that, it works just as well the other way. But with these paper wheels, always point the blade down. Same thing with buffing wheels and stuff. Reason being is that they are softer than a stone wheel and can very easily grab the blade, possibly sending it flying somewhere that you don't want it flying to:) Hope that helps. You know, my dad always said the only dumb question is the one you never asked. Good on you for going out and getting the info you want. Glad you enjoy the channel, and thanks for the compliment. Cheers!
I use a diamond stone to sharpen the knife and MDF with some nerv-dull I got at Canadian tire to polish the edge like you it takes time but I can shave with it after and like you I have no hair left on my arms to shave off so I use my beard (dry shaving sucks)
Newbie question here: What is wrong with using the stone wheel that came with the bench grinder to sharpen the knife? I ask this because where I live it is hard to get your paper wheel , only stone wheels for me. I really don't want to change the wheel. Thanks in advance.
I use just stones, usually (japanese grades) from #1000 to all way way into #10000 or #120000. All it really needs is to keep the angle constant. It can take a few tries to learn though. I think learning to use stones took something like 6 months of learning initially. After stones I strop with a paddle strop. Initially or partially dulled edge gets up to 1um or 0.5um. After stones all it takes is a bit of 0.25um. Under microscope you can see the edge polish. For shaving a lot of stropping on pure leather after that. If you stop at #3000 you get 90% of the sharpness though. After a good initial sharpening, all it takes is stropping every now and then when you use the knife. With razors I've found they go up to a year if you strop them enough with good technique. My criteria for a shark knife is that it cuts through paper with its own weight. With razors a hair should split when dropped on the blade. Those mdf wheels are a fast substitute for manual stropping. I use sometimes felt wheels but I seem to get better results manually. Probably because I've done that a lot more then with the wheels.
Great video, I have this system on one of my grinders. I have a suggestion, you should turn the grinder around so the wheels turn away from you because it will keep you from catching the edge of the knife on the wheel, I know you don't have this problem but a novice will believe me. Another thing the polishing wheel is not round this is easy to corrected with coarse sandpaper attached to a flat board and touching it to the wheel while it is turning, it will be smoother when it is turned up, and you can do this to the grinding wheel also and put another coat of grinding powder on it when you get it round. Not being critical just trying to help.
Excellent video! What kind of steel is in those knives you sharpened? Curious to know, seems like the S30V or S35VN is much easier to sharpen than a basic stainless steel like 440 or something softer.
I have used this system for a couple yrs now. Its one of the best systems I have ever used. A few things that helped me out. I turned the grinder base around so it ran away from me so i could work off the top of the wheel. I could control the knife and the angle better. I used a block of wood and course sandpaper to true up the finishing wheel as it was alittle off. Over all a wicked sharpening system. Takes a little practice but its worth it.
turning it around was my first thought
YES, I prefer the top of the wheel going away from me. I just feel it gives me better control.
Just my preference, others may have different ideas.
Great vid! No bla bla, just business! Very rare these days. Thank you!
I've been using this method for many years. I use a variable speed grinder. That way I can slow the speed down if I need to put a edge on first without heating up the edge. I also use cloth buff wheels. My father was a metal polisher for 42 years and used industrial grinders (lathe) to sharpen knives. I have about 40 different wheels for polishing/grinding. Great video.
Thanks!
I want to sharpen cleaver knifes , what type of stone can I put on the grinder. Thanks
Great video! Our in-house sharpening guy uses these and they work really well. Keepin' it simple.
sweet. good to know. Thanks!
If you spin that grinder round 180 degrees it will be running away from you. Would make life easier I recon.
Simple Little Life
Thank you Sir...I don't have a lot of time to sharpen my knives, chisels, and irons. You have shown me a system that I must get now...Thanks again and keep up the excellent inspiration.
I have not found a faster or better sharpening system than this one. TIP: Turn your bench grinder around so its spinning away from you and work on top of the wheels. Much better control...
Ya beat me to it. A similar video where the guy made his own wheels from plywood and laminated leather went so far as to reverse the base on his grinder rather than work on the back side. You probably can't do that with every grinder.
And safety
@@jeffreydeutsch7336 yes sir I agree. I saw that video also and did the same to my grinder. Reversing the grinder was really straight forward and easy. I also made an mdf wheel and wrapped it in leather. I can get really great results with it.
Instablaster.
Agreed! I literally took a butter knife to that and within 6 passes, it sliced through paper like a scalpel.
Excellent demonstration. Will be setting one up soon. Thank You Sir
Do you have any tips on re-applying grit to the coarse wheel once it has worn off completely?
Have you tried MDF ( Medium density fiber board) wheels with honing buffing compounds. Planing to make and try one.
Made my own wheel from MDF took me about 10 minutes, had some polishing compound and tried it, works like a charm! Made my knife razor sharp in minutes!
Joe Tabulka hey hey, nice to hear. Which grid do you use on yor wheel?
What’s MDF. Thanks
@@davidruiz5383 medium density fibreboard
I’ve heard of people making their own mdf wheels. How do you put the grit and n the wheel?
@@davidruiz5383
MDF = compressed, bonded, wood fiber.
From Canada i love this channel can’t mess with Canadians the Canucks
GO Canucks, DUMP Trudeau !
Cheers from Calgary! Grew up in southern Alberta and miss the farm life for sure. Thanks for the great video!
Right on! I was born and raised in YYC and now we’re only 20 minutes out. I like that city 👍
Simple Little Life I might have to swing by for a quick visit at some point! I used to plow snow at the Walmart & police station in Strathmore, and occasionally still fly RC planes at the club near there. :)
Thank you very much. I am just starting knife making and this method of sharpening knives by far looks the easiest and fastest way to get it done. Thank you in advance for all the time and frustration you have saved me.
Not sure you'll see this on an old video, is there any issues with humidity effecting the paper wheels? my shop tends to get quite humid in the summer months here in MB.
I haven’t found that issue at all. I actually used these same wheels this past week and they’re still performing great.
Try storing your wheels in zip lock bags when not in use !
Maybe add one or two of the silica gel moisture absorbent packs.
I have see a demo just like I have seen here. Same result. Amazing !!! The Demonstrator liked to operate off the top of the wheel so he turned the grinder around. He said it made it easier to set the grind angles. I know this could set a trap in a multi operator workshop but you have to reach over the machine to turn it on.
I keep the grinder switch on and turn the machine on and off at the wall. Reaching over is really a no-no.
It’s really easy to have the switch on the other side. Take off the bottom plate to access the two screws/bolts holding the base to the motor then just turn the base around and reattach screws…that easy. Takes about five minutes.
Excellent video. But two questions please. Are these knives in effect hollow ground? Do they remain sharp as long as knives sharpened on a whetstone? Thanks.
My observation is that knife sharpening by hand is like a martial art. I got sucked into this channel because I decided to learn how to sharpen knives using the traditional Japanese water-stone method as a hobby. After spending a few hours a day over a few months, Im still at best, average. I started to appreciate why Japanse sushi chefs are held in such high esteem!
Edge sharpening is still essentially "material removal" but on a much finer level.
Working up through the grits is incredibly important.
I only got my first blade hair-popping sharp when i got a 6000 grit stone.
Stropping helps too.
Im guessing here, but Ill say that the reason you work up the grits is to save time. It would take an eternity to strop a blunt knife until its sharp.. removing a few metal atoms at a time. This machine basically lets you strop like the bionic man.
I agree. It's an art to sharpen knives that way and I wish so bad I could do it. But I can't so I have to keep snooping around for other ways and this works well.
Well that machine looks awesome and Im jealous. Not to mention that in the field, nobody in their right mind is going to be carrying japanese water stones lol.
TheWtfnonamez haha, that's true.
Did a little research on that sharpener. If its the same wheels they sell on Amazon in the uk, they are compressed leather. So my joke turned out to be literally true: its basically a bionic stropping device. Having just sharpened 8 kitchen knives for a neighbor.. im seriously considering investing in one.
TheWtfnonamez haha, that's funny. I've heard of the leather ones and I think they'd probably be better than these. The ones I have are actually compressed paper. Lot's of people make their own with MDF plywood.
I saw your video on the sharpening system build, and was blown away by the level of professionalism and attention to detail ! You mentioned you don't do or have drawings. Surprising, as this level of execution requires extensive experience AND planning ! WELL DONE sir ! I do such drawings for a living, or did before I became semi-retired. I now help individual inventors with drawings and 3D CAD models for their new idea, as a way to keep my design skills sharp. If you'd like, we could discuss some drawings at no charge, that would meet the need, and would be professional and shop ready, if you think this would be a benefit to what YOU are trying to accomplish. Again, BEAUTIFUL work sir, and best to you ! -C.
Maybe that's a bit late. But you forgot to mention the crucial aspect about rolling directions of the wheel and direction which should knife been set.
Thanks. I'm very happy that I found your channel!
@Glock D because with a regular grinding wheel you do point the blade into the direction of rotation.
term of the day....LUBRICITY. love it!
The website and Amazon links aren't working, is there a new link? Awesome videos my 12 year old son and I are just getting into making knives and your videos have been a great deal of help..
Glad I came across this video before dropping money on the Spyderco Sharpmaker! I have the Lansky Deluxe system but also just can't get it right. Cheers from Calgary!
Hey awesome! These are pretty sweet. Thanks for the comment from my hometown! Always nice to see! Cheers!
Great video, I have the same problems with putting an first edge on a new knife and I hate the Lansky set, it's so slow. With this system I think life is a lot nicer to me, thanks for sharing.
Nice. I generally use diamond stones and a strop. However about 15 years ago I bought the Burke Sharpening system. Very similar 3 wheels-two use sandpaper and one uses a leather strop that you put your cutting/polishing compound. Also has 2 cotton wheels one firm and one soft. I use the Burke when I'm having difficulty with the stones. Certain steels/blades sharpen better on the Burke while some sharpen up on the diamond stones.
Great video. Will this work on lawnmower blades?
How did you determine the angle to hold the blade at? Is there a way to hold the blade parallel the base and then position it traveling across the wheels at a certain degree of the wheel? Have you done axes or mower blades? Thanks
I just got this in the mail today from Amazon. I can’t wait to try it out!
Thanks for the great video. Are your wheels 8" or 10" ?
Good video nice knives you made there have you ever considered having the wheels spin away from you and using the top of the wheel so if the knife ever got caught or dug into the wheel it will go away from you instead of towards you? Tom R
Great high quality video! Thanks
Very nice work
Thank you! Cheers!👍
Can i sharpen an axe or machete with this? Large surface like machete is really annoying to sharpen, so something like this would absolutely be helpful.
About to attempt my first sharpen on my marine raider Bowie by Ontario. 16 inches from tip to end of handle.
Does grinder sharpen razor blades, electric shaver blades like Andis T line, lawn mower blades, axes, machetes, etc.. ?
Your comments on the issues you’ve had sharpening are very familiar. Thanks for the insight. Awesome video. Will subscribe
I watched another channel that the knife got final process of leather stropping for removing the burrs (also, using bench grinder). Could you comment on this practice, is it necessary for the stropping?
I use a Wicked Edge for sharpening very dull blades or reprofiling the edge on screwed-up ones, and a Spyderco Sharpmaker (modified by epoxying DMT diamond stones to cheap knockoff Sharpmaker rods, with varying thickness shims to make the angles shallower for different steels and for making 3 or more angle edges) for maintaining edges on knives I've previously sharpened on the Wicked Edge. The Sharpmaker is just easier and quicker to set up and use if a great deal of material doesn't need to be removed. I finish with KnivesPlus strop blocks, one rubbed thoroughly with a 'medium' (white) strop compound stick, one left the way KnivesPlus sends it (impregnated with a very fine green rouge). Every blade I sharpen is screaming, hair-splitting, touch-it-and-you're-cut sharp and comes out EXACTLY the same way every time, and will hold an edge for a shockingly long time.
For axes, machetes, and such, I use a small belt grinder, eyeballing my angles, going up to 600 grit.
I have the work sharp belt grinder and in order to really get the best performance out of the extra fine 6000 grit polishing belts, i apply a small amount of camellia oil onto the belt. It really helps let loose the metal particles so they don’t get caked onto the surface and thus help speed up the final sharpening. ALSO, please sharpen the edge going away from the belt direction on the 6000. You cannot get a proper point to the edge unless you trail away while grinding only. You will round out the apex going the other direction and you will more likely cut the belt before you get it razor sharp.
What angle did you put on the knife?
Hello Guys, could I ask you what type of blades you are using? I mean, what goes on the grinder? I baught a bench grinder off Harbor Freight but it has different blades.
Do you think it would be possible to hook up a VFD to the grinder and use the 1000 grit CBN wheel along with a slotted paper wheel on the other end, possibly adding a foot control as well? Or is it better just to go out and buy a new low speed grinder?
Thanks mate, just the video I needed. I do have a question though. I have a couple of knives made in Excalibur Stainless Steel, being so hard its hard to put an edge back on them. Do you reckon this will do the trick?
Can we use standard stone come with bench grinder?
Hello, great video. How does this sharpening system work on Hamon lines? Does it polish them out?
your links are not working for me, is it still available?
Here is an easy way to make a visual aid for the sharpening angle. Take a flat piece of copy paper and think of it as a circle of 360°. Fold it once lengthwise. Now you have 180°. Fold sideways to make a 90°. Then fold twice from the 90° and you will have 22-1/2°.
I know this a couple years old, but I appreciate your comments about hand sharpening. I'm a little convinced it is a talent you're born with, not an acquired skill. I love my wheels!
Is that better than the TSPROF K03?
that skinning knife is badass where can I get one
The second knife you sharpened where did you get it???
I made it. 👍
+ Simple Little Life .....great setup, wow. I bought a Wicked Edge Propack II and love it, but it takes me WAY longer to get the kind of edge you just did in a minute or two......if I go through all the grits I have ( all the diamond stones, all the ceramics, then all the strops ) it gets hair popping edges, but takes a long time.
I've never heard of that system before but it does look quite impressive. Lots of ways to do it and as long as your knife gets really sharp, it's all good. Cheers!
yeah, it's a really nice system, albeit very expensive. The main selling point for it is the vise setup you mount the knife in. It locks up solidly, gripped at the spine, and you set your angles using the LH & RH arms the abrasive paddles slide onto. There is no need to " hand or manually " try to keep the same bevel angle....it does that for you. ( check it out here: www.wickededgeusa.com )
Darrell Allen I'm actually going to check them out. What you described sounds too interesting not to a least have a look at. Thanks for sharing the info. Cheers!
Is it a rule if thumb to Always True up a wheel even when it comes from Norton or an MDF wheel? Like the way you present and explain your videos Thanks for the help, gary
Well I guess I know what is next on my list! Can't wait to try it out
oh yea man. These are insane! I absolutely love mine and wish I'd bought one years ago.
Nice simple setup! Would be awesome to make up a simple jig to hold the knife to the wheel on a consistent bevel. A MDF wheel will do a the same at polishing the micro bevel for any home gamers.
Did you make a jig?
@@jeffstoney6055 I’ve made a solid rest that can change angle. No clamps just have to hold it in position and move across the dressing wheel.
02:51 I do the same with my Smits Belt knife sharpener. I 'modified' it very similar to your Work Sharp. I have WS belts on my Smith's now.
Would you happen to have a template for your boat knife? it seems very simple to make, especially for a beginner knife maker such as myself, thanks!
I don't give out the templates for my blades simply because I think it's important to have the knife come from the maker as much as possible. Even if you laid tracing paper over a picture of a knife you want to make, you'll find you are more connected with the blade because it's shape was drawn from your fingers. I find it's an easier/more connected process when I draw a knife myself. And, when you're all done, you can say you made the knife from drawing to completion. Trust me, you'll have more satisfaction at the end. Does that make sense? Cheers!
I use a edge pro apex 4 great system just takes a long time to reprofile . I am not the best at guessing the correct angle so is this worth the investment I do not own a bench grinder so will need on of them as well
Yeah, there are a million different ways, and some people do a great job with one while others can't make that one work for them. Kind of a personal thing too I think. For me, it seems like I was made to sharpen knives this way. That's how easy it is. I'm sure the next guy will try it and it won't work for him.....Cheers!
Ever tried turning around the grinder?
Yeah I tried it like that for about a month and really didn’t like it as much.
By going from coarse grit to polishing without cleaning the blade in between you end up with a good possibility of contaminating your polishing wheel. It's a great system but don't contaminate your wheel by not cleaning in between.
Been using this since 1985. Never put a blade on a stone again. You can polish bolsters and back springs with it as well. Make an old pocket knife look brand new.
Hello, I'm from Costa Rica and I'd love to know where can I get that kind of products here.
Hey, great video! Question though... does the heat from this method ruin the heat treatment of the metal on the edge?
Carl Lovestrom I work as a welder for 45 years years and I know quite a bit about metal and let me tell you that the minute you sharpen a knife on a speeding wheel, you have altered the hardening of the cutting edge quality. Yes your knifes will be very sharp but, they will loose their cutting edge very fast. Best method is water stone, no heat whatsoever. Don’t forget that the cutting edge is very thin and heats up quickly and, to create a spark like you see in this video, you need heat!
@@charger440 Considering that 99.555% of knives that anyone will ever have began their life being sharpened on a belt grinder, I dont think your argument holds water. Yes, heat can damage a blade. But just about every knife made is initially sharpened on a belt grinder. You can absolutely sharpen with speed and not damage the knife.
The key is very light pressure, fast strokes and keep a finger as close to the knife edge as possible. You will burn your finger before you hurt the temper. Once again very light pressure
@@charger440 Heat from welding is quite different than that from grinding an edge or grinding with an angle grinder in general. As long as it doesn't show any discoloration ( anything beyond straw which is anything blueish and beyond which you don't want if you don't want to lose the tempering ) the structure will stay the same. As someone who had an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker i have been grinding and welding things for years and i know you have to apply a lot of pressure and heat to actually cause any metal / steel to discolor. I am working as a CNC machinist for 20 years with calcium silicate ( stuff similar to what'S in dry walls but harder and tougher ). We can't cool the cutting bits because that would ruin the material and we don't get any discoloration unless we run to high RPM and to much feed.
Yes, heat from a dishwasher doesn't change knife steel much. Thats mostly a hoax (still dishwashers and knives are a no go due to chemicals AND heat, but thats another reason)
What everyone here tends to forget is the following:
No one is saying the heat changes the metal of the whole blade.
Actually only less than the first millimeter is what maters for sharpness.
The heat from a grinding wheel doesn't change the metal of the full knive. However: Just like it heats those sparks, it also heats that VERY VERY small area that is the edge of the knife. It won't damage the knife as a whole and could easily be resharpened in a proper way, but an edge from a fast grinder is not as hard as the rest of your knive and thus doesn't hold its edge for as long as a slow sharpening methode.
Moving faster does limit the of heat transfer. But at 3000+rpm with these wheel sizes, you need to move so fast it's undoable. when using half speed (about 1500rpm) wheels, it is possible if kept within a few seconds per pass (see Knifegrinders research on it).
Less pressure decreases the friction, which indeed does lower the heat. But the edge is so microscopicly thin, that most of the friction is not caused by excess pressure but by putting it against a extremely fast moving and extremely coarse grinder (
How do you apply the 180 grit silicon carbide? Just literally put it on your finger and rub it on the wheel? (Not while it’s on obviously)
So what's the best tool for doing it by hand and method?
Been a collector of knives in the past been looking into making my own. Saw your channel. Step by step great guide
Thank you very much! That's actually the reason I got into knife making in the first place. I love knives, have a bunch of them, but once you have several $200+ fixed blades, it's hard to justify buying more. Once you have X number of great blades, it's certainly not something that you "need" more of. So, I started making them. (to be honest though, it really hasn't helped my desire to buy more knives though). The curse of a collector:) Cheers!
I make one with a piece of scrap plywood, 3/4 inch thick. Good video, I run mine backwards thou allot safer that way.
Nice! Thank you 👍
@@Simplelittlelife you should be able to reverse the base on the grinder
any worries about over heating the blade and losing the edge?
Any idea where I can buy this now
Can you sharpen a Hatchet or Ace blade on those wheels?
Hachet yes ace blade i doubt but i dont know for sure
stand the other side of the grinder and use the top of the wheel...you get so much more control. Also...an MDF wheel works really well and costs peanuts.
What bench grinder is that?
Does this work with kitchen knives?
Hello! I need to buy a system like this and I asked you:- where can I found this system and do they ship to Brasil?
I just ordered two sets one for home and the other for my sharpening business. You should get sponsored by this company. Big Mex wishes you luck and success with your efforts.
I didn't check the date you published this. Helpful video but the link for the wheel is down.
I got the same issue ... Couldn't find a sharpener I loved ... I have tried this one and yes it works but it doesn't hold an edge ... Ended with the worksharp because the edge is not crazy sharp but holds a working edge longer ... And I use my blades all the time
Same here. Convex edges of worksharp just keep going.. Best solution for me so far
wow you and Izzy Swan have the same product the same day. I use MDF wheels on my bench grinder and do the same thing.
haha, that's funny! I've never seen his channel before but just subscribed. Thanks for the tip. Yeah, MDF wheels would work just as well too I'm sure. I just found it easier to buy this than make them. Lazy..... Cheers!
rmojo23, Do you put the 180 powder in the MDF wheel? And use the 2 types of wheels? Can you explain me? I just can´t buy this "Razor Sharp Edge Making System" from Brazil. Thanks!
I just use green compound on one and white on the other wheel. Yes I use two disks I cut out of MDF and mounted them the bench grinder and trued them up with a chisel. I then run them and add the compound. Happy sharpening!
The green compound, is the course one right? With this compound you can sharpen the knife from the very first time? Or the first time you use a stone, or something like that? Thank man!
yes
Where can I buy this? Links aren't working.
How do you add 180 grit silicone carbide for resurfacing wheel
You just a thin layer of wood glue and then sprinkle the abrasive on top of that. I’ve done it once and it’s quite easy. I should have filmed it so I would have a video on that. Next time 👍
You already have a couple nice 2x72 belt sanders. You should try some leather 2x72 belts and stropping compound. I use a 1x30 belt sander and various belts from 1800grit-5000grit and I also use leather 1x30 belts and stropping compounds to sharpen all my knives.
I was thinking that but wasn't sure how well they would work. Good to hear they do work well though. Might have to give them a try. Cheers!
Mine has 3450 rpm. Do you think it will work?
I’ve made those wheels out of fiberboard. I also turn the grinder around so I can work on top of the wheel and see the edge.
Are these1 or 2" wheels?
Thanks for all the great videos. Are you still using this system or have you moved on to something different? Ive just finished my first knife and struggle putting a nice edge on it. Thanks for your help
Try Wicked Edge system for sharpening. It is best for all sharpening needs.
I should try that some time
The links in the description show a bad url, can you update?
I received two hand made knives that are incomplete and I am unsure how to complete both of them both of these knives have incomplete edges or half edges with a few rough spots looking for ways to complete these blades. Both had a lot of surface rust.
I tried your sharpening wheel link and it does not work , can you pls reply with a working link thank you.
Ok I'm new to this but aren't you supposed to sharpen with the blade pointing towards up with the wheel coming down? I'm probably wrong that's why I'm asking. Love your channel, please keep it up!
hey that's a great question man. With wheels that are stone, yes, you would want to sharpen with the blade pointing up. Having said that, it works just as well the other way. But with these paper wheels, always point the blade down. Same thing with buffing wheels and stuff. Reason being is that they are softer than a stone wheel and can very easily grab the blade, possibly sending it flying somewhere that you don't want it flying to:)
Hope that helps. You know, my dad always said the only dumb question is the one you never asked. Good on you for going out and getting the info you want.
Glad you enjoy the channel, and thanks for the compliment.
Cheers!
If you do it that way there us a chance the edge will bite into the wheel and throw it at high speed...
I use a diamond stone to sharpen the knife and MDF with some nerv-dull I got at Canadian tire to polish the edge like you it takes time but I can shave with it after and like you I have no hair left on my arms to shave off so I use my beard (dry shaving sucks)
Newbie question here: What is wrong with using the stone wheel that came with the bench grinder to sharpen the knife? I ask this because where I live it is hard to get your paper wheel , only stone wheels for me. I really don't want to change the wheel. Thanks in advance.
I use just stones, usually (japanese grades) from #1000 to all way way into #10000 or #120000. All it really needs is to keep the angle constant. It can take a few tries to learn though. I think learning to use stones took something like 6 months of learning initially.
After stones I strop with a paddle strop. Initially or partially dulled edge gets up to 1um or 0.5um. After stones all it takes is a bit of 0.25um. Under microscope you can see the edge polish. For shaving a lot of stropping on pure leather after that. If you stop at #3000 you get 90% of the sharpness though.
After a good initial sharpening, all it takes is stropping every now and then when you use the knife. With razors I've found they go up to a year if you strop them enough with good technique.
My criteria for a shark knife is that it cuts through paper with its own weight. With razors a hair should split when dropped on the blade.
Those mdf wheels are a fast substitute for manual stropping. I use sometimes felt wheels but I seem to get better results manually. Probably because I've done that a lot more then with the wheels.
Thanks! Very helpful. I am with you on the stones-I totally suck using them.
Great video, I have this system on one of my grinders. I have a suggestion, you should turn the grinder around so the wheels turn away from you because it will keep you from catching the edge of the knife on the wheel, I know you don't have this problem but a novice will believe me. Another thing the polishing wheel is not round this is easy to corrected with coarse sandpaper attached to a flat board and touching it to the wheel while it is turning, it will be smoother when it is turned up, and you can do this to the grinding wheel also and put another coat of grinding powder on it when you get it round. Not being critical just trying to help.
Kenneth Caine what is the name of grinding wheel product ?
I saw sparks when you were grinding. Did you lower the edge temper?
Excellent video! What kind of steel is in those knives you sharpened? Curious to know, seems like the S30V or S35VN is much easier to sharpen than a basic stainless steel like 440 or something softer.
I've always wondered about putting a leather strap on a sharpening wheel.
The listed links you provided don't connect for me.
You recommended this or work sharp sistem ?
you didn't watch the video did you...
Boss what is name of the yellow small stone