How do I get a knife to be "scary sharp"?

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BladeMaster
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How do I get a knife to be "scary sharp"?

#1

Post by BladeMaster »

I've heard of people getting their knives to be "Scary Sharp" on the 204. How do I do this? Is there a certain method?
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vampyrewolf
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#2

Post by vampyrewolf »

I use the 303MF(Doublestuff) for most of my sharpening...

I grew up sharpening freehand, so I may be a bit confusing to some.

Flip sides(of blade, thereby the wire) after each set, going edge first sclicing motion, holding the spine 2x the width above the stone(ie 1/8" spine = 1/4" clearance)... knife contacts stone about 45degrees off(on side... odd T shape), heel to toe, base to tip motion...

5{R},5{L},5{R},5{L},4,4,4,4,3,3,3,3,2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2.... continueing in 2s until it shaves on greys, getting lighter pressure each time until the blade is just floating on the stone.

then go to the whites... same process[5,5,5,5... 2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2,2]... then strop on the side of the case, using the stitching sides(not the wide areas). If you use compound on the case, it polishes up a bit more...

I can cut free hanging hair with my Calypso jr lt PE VG-10(no compound)... the new Meerkat(after an initial resharpening at 25-30inclusive on 800grit... only stropped on case with compound) Nav PE 6A will cut free hanging hair if you swipe at it(not just slice)

under 10x I don't have any wire left...

Of course, you could just put a convex edge on, and it slices and shaves for a LONG time.

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KBR
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#3

Post by KBR »

From my own experience, you must first make sure that your triangles are completely clean before you begin. Also, if your knife is dull, it would be a good idea to get the diamond triangles to reprofile the edge if need be.

The main thing that I do is go through each step as instructed in the book, roughly about twenty or so strokes on the corners and flats with both the med. and fine triangles. After this process, I use a strop to finish off the edge.

Just my .02

Survive, Adapt, and Overcome...

Edited by - KBR on 12/28/2002 10:03:12 PM
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J Smith
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#4

Post by J Smith »

As KBR said,CLEAN STONES.

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java
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#5

Post by java »

Since we've addressed the 204 and hand sharpening - here's a pretty fair link to knife sharpening by a guy who's tested em all in his quest to achieve supreme sharpness:

<a href="http://www.ameritech.net/users/knives/index.htm"><font color=FF00FF>Steve's Knife Sharpening Page</font></a>

Makes for interesting casual reading! Steve also has a book out on sharpening and his web site lists some interesting points about bladesmithing steels.

Have fun!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

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yog
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#6

Post by yog »

For really sharp edges using the 204 (providing you don't have the extra ultra-fine stones - recommended), sharpen on the dark grey and then the whites as recommended in the book and the video, then do another half dozen or strokes on each side, using lighter and lighter pressure on each stroke until you are barely touching the stone.

I would aslo recommend getting a smooth steel toprolong the edges life so you don't have to re-sharpen as often.

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BladeMaster
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Location: New York USA

#7

Post by BladeMaster »

Thanks for the help everyone. Maybe I'll finally be able to get my blades "scary sharp" after all.
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