Something I never considered

[Richard Simmons]

until recently. Was reading a thread on another forum about folks getting brand new knives delivered with less than stellar sharpness. Several posters mentioned how this was a major issue for folks that don't sharpen their own knives. I guess I never really thought about it before. I've always sharpened my pocket knives since I was young. Sure, I didn't do a great job at first and after 40+ years there are a few models I have, usually the largest/longest or certain serrated blades that I can't accommodate and will send back to the manufacturer for sharpening. Also on used and abused blades I find I will often ship back for a "spa treatment" which usually entails re-profiling and or a tune up with regards to lockup, bladeplay, etc. Things better addressed by the factory than myself.

The idea that someone would purchase and use a knife, often quite expensive one at that and not have the most basic skillset and or equipment to touchup an edge just seem bizarre. Maybe it's more common then I'm aware of? Do these same folks shoot their firearms and then take them to a gunsmith or ship them back to the manufacturer for a cleaning? When I first read those comments I though, "Yeah, there's a problem here but it's not that the factory shipped a dull knife".

You guys do sharpen your knives don't you?

[deputyvaughn]

I have a Lansky sharpener that does the job quite nicely. Just have to be patient and go through the stones.


Scott

[cevulirn]

Most people don't know how to sharpen knives. And many who try never get as sharp as the factory edge. Then there's people like me, when I buy someone a knife as a gift, I open it up and sharpen it for them first, 'cause it just wouldn't do to give a knife that's not sharp to MY standards.

[Richard Simmons]

I too have the Lansky system. It was my go to sharpener before I picked up a Spyderco Sharpmaker. Now days I use the Sharpmaker for daily touchup duties and I've got a Wicked Edge system for major reprofiling tasks so the Lansky doesn't get much use any more. Also have a buck tri-stone setup I use for larger kitchen type cutlery. Just took me by surprise that a dull edge on a knife was such a big deal. Someone posted that folks might not sharpen their more expensive knives out of fear they will scratch them or damage the edge due to their lack of skill. That may be true but if the are afraid to scratch the blade are they even using the knife in the first place?

To me a knife, regardless of price is a tool and part of being a tool owner is not only understanding the proper use of the tool but also maintaining it. Obviously I don't recalibrate my torque wrenches if they get out of whack but my other tools get cleaned, tightened, sharpened, etc. I understand folks that have kitchen knives only not being set up to sharpen them but anyone who carries a blade on a daily basis should be able to maintain that blade. Heck, I kind of find the sharpening part of it relaxing if not always enjoyable.

[shorthair]

I have a stone at the work bench and use it often. Does anyone use a leather belt to finish?

[alismith]

I've gotten so I cheat, now, on having a sharp knife. I used to spend a lot of time sharpening blades but found that I dulled them pretty quickly. To stop spending so much time sharpening, I started using those folding utility knives that use single-edged razor blades. When a blade gets dull, I flip it, then when that gets dull, I replace it. Now, I'm only a few seconds from a razor sharp edge. (I love the newer spring operated, assisted-opening, utility knives.)

Of course, the utility knife is for lighter work and when I need a heavier-duty blade, I use a regular knife, but 95% of my knife usage is on lighter-duty stuff,

[Richard Simmons]

I have a stone at the work bench and use it often. Does anyone use a leather belt to finish?


I've got a couple of strops, homemade and store bought. I've tried them on occasion with my more "standard" grind blades but haven't really gotten the hang of it yet. Now for the knives I have with a convex edge, mostly my Bark River Bravo 1, Trail Buddy, etc., it works great and is basically how I keep those blades nice and sharp. As with anything else it pays to not let them get too dull. If I stay on top of them a few swipes on the strop with green compound it puts the hair popping edge right back on.

[NAPOTS]

I suck at sharpening knives. my dad can sharpen a knife to where you can shave with it, I have tried to learn but cant seem to get the knack.

[Richard Simmons]

I suck at sharpening knives. my dad can sharpen a knife to where you can shave with it, I have tried to learn but cant seem to get the knack.

I tell you what. The Spyderco Sharpmaker is a real breeze to use and does a really good job. If you can hold a knife and raise your hand up and down you can pretty much keep a sharp knife in your pocket with a Sharpmaker. It's dead easy and they don't cost an arm and a leg.