Which stones for touch ups?

[[digidude]]

Hey guys/gals, quick question. I recently bought a sharpmaker (great sharpening system BTW) and I'm just wondering which stones should I use when I just want to touch up an already "sharpish" edge? I was thinking the white stones, but I fugured I'd ask just to be sure.

Edit to add: I can't believe I only have 4 posts here after all these months. I'm a real lurker.

[Billy]

You figured right - white stones for touch-ups on blades that are already fairly sharp (able to slice paper cleanly). If you are diligent about touch-ups, major sharpening sessions should be few and far between.

[vivi]

Billy's advice is good. My EDC knives tend to never see the brown stones unless I cut A LOT of abrasive stuff on a given day. I usually sharpen my carry knives after I'm in for the day and I'm winding down, unless I didn't do any cutting that day. Spending a minute on the white stones is all it ever takes if I keep up on them.

Congrats on the purchase too. It's a great setup, I use mine every day.

[ChapmanPreferred]

It depends on your measure of "still sharp". I have had contractors hand me their knives and tell me they were still sharp but by my standard, they were really dirty butter knives. Billy makes a good example of edge performance examinaion prior to sharpening to help you choose the necessary rods. If you use Sal's "benchmarks" from the video, you will be in the right ball park with the rods/steps he suggests.

[[digidude]]

Thanks for the replies. Just one more thing, is it the corners or the flat sides I should be using for touch ups?

[vivi]

Use the flats, they spread the pressure you apply over a bigger area which reduces burr formation, and it's much easier to get the tip sharp with them. Corners are good for recurves, hawkbills and serrations.

[ChapmanPreferred]

Well said Vivi!

[[digidude]]

Thank you sirs.