Have I ruined my knives?

[bluemist]

I hear a lot about improper sharpening woes, and I'm just no good at it, I'll try again when I get the sharpmaker. I've learned how to keep an edge with a few passes but I've got 2 stretch I's, a SS ATR SE, 3 natives, a cento 4, and zdp delica that I've just made duller and duller by trying again and again to get them sharp. I'm using a crock stick and not going for hair popping and like I said it can now keep a mean factory edge if I stay on top of it but have I ruined the ones that I've dulled? Will a trip to :spyder: :spyder: :spyder: fix 'em up or have I voided the fair and honest warranty?

[yablanowitz]

A trip to the factory should put them back in shape. If you have really messed up the edges by improper sharpening, it may cost you a little extra.

[markg]

I don't believe that you have ruined your knives. If you want, I do believe most companies will sharpen them for you (I would expect to pay some nominal fee for this service).

If you have really messed them up, they will need to be reprofiled. You can do this yourself, but sounds like you may need some intervention at this point.

Once you get your Sharpmaker, that should help you out, Edgepro is also good, but more expensive and elaborate.

Just remember (once you get your Sharpmaker) Stropping is your friend! Also ZDP-189 gives even the best sharpeners among us fits at times, but you will get it.

[Spyharpy]

The Sharpmaker comes with a DVD that shows you exactly how to sharpen your knives. I've taken extremely dull knives and got them real sharp with the Sharpmaker. I'd invest in one if I were you. I find it essential. Maintaining a sharp edge should be part of your edge maintenance routine for the knives you use the most.

[huugh]

No chance of ruining blade (heat treated steel) with crock stick.

If you feel like it, send it to Spyderco for sharpening. Info here:
http://spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/index.php?item=10

[bh49]

The Sharpmaker comes with a DVD that shows you exactly how to sharpen your knives. I've taken extremely dull knives and got them real sharp with the Sharpmaker. I'd invest in one if I were you. I find it essential. Maintaining a sharp edge should be part of your edge maintenance routine for the knives you use the most.

Sharpmaker is a great tool. I use it for over two years and love it. If your knives are really dull it would be better for you if you get coarse stones as well. There are several options here. Probably the best diamond rods, but it is expensive, about $70. DMT coarse stone about $20, you can lean it against flat of sharpmaker rod and hold it with large binder clip, also you can get cheap coarse stone or sandpaper at hardware store. you will need this setup to reprofile blades anyway.
good luck, sharpening can be fun.
P.S. Also, 10X or better eye loupe can be helpful in addition to magic marker, see Deacon's post below

[The Deacon]

Get a magic marker and coat the grind of one of those really dull knives on both sides with it. Now give each side five passes on whatever stone you are currently using and see where the ink remains and where it has been removed. That will give you a pretty good indication of what you are doing wrong and possibly allow you to correct the problem. If you can't fix them yourself, then by all means send them to Spyderco for sharpening and go heavy on the preventive maintenace when you get them back

[Slick]

Here is a sharpening link worth looking at. Generally good information compiled from various experts. The best part is that many sharpening issues are addressed giving a broad overview.

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=26036

[mrappraisit]

Slick - Thats a very informative link, good one. :)

[FLYcrash]

I'd say maybe take a break to let your frustration wear off, get out the magic marker, and then "practice, practice, practice." Sharpening is a difficult skill. I got a full set of DMT diamond grits and sharpen every dull blade I can find with them. That includes all of the PE kitchen knives I can get my hands on - my own as well as those of my family members and colleagues. A bonus is that NKP-type folks will marvel at the sharpness from even a mediocre sharpening job.

I'm still not at the point when I can get a blade shaving sharp, but I think I'm improving. And so will you. Good luck!

P.S. I *love* that egullet tutorial!

[SimpleIsGood229]

I, too, recommend getting some DMTs. I use the Diafolds. Basically, I hold the sharpener upside down while sharpening. That way, you can see that it stays flat on the bevel. Just a couple more strokes with the DMT red (fine) at a higher angle for the micro bevel, and you have it.

That is a somewhat over-simplified explanation, though.

Also ZDP-189 gives even the best sharpeners among us fits at times, but you will get it.

I'm not one of the best sharpeners here, but I can definitely attest to how ZDP will, at times, throw fits.

A bonus is that NKP-type folks will marvel at the sharpness from even a mediocre sharpening job.

I've noticed that, too. They'll think it's sharp, but I think the blade needs work immediately!

[A.P.F.]

That was a good read, Slick, thanks.

[Nickyd]

Good information,Slick.-I've 'Book-Marked' it for future reference.

[bluemist]

Thanks for all the advice.

[Slick]

I do not have a bookmark for
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=26036

The page will download correctly if you do a "save as" your file name. This page is so good I keep a copy on my system. Every time I reference the page I learn something new or remember something I forgot. I believe I found the link to egullet.org from on this forum.

The credit goes to this forum.

So much good information, so little time (or money).

[jaislandboy]

hi bluemist, yeah i've ruined my share of knives trying to learn how to sharpen....even with a Sharpmaker..... at least for me, sharpening is an acquired skill that requires plenty of practice.....good lighting, steady hands, being able to see the edge contact the sharpening surface (throughout the entire motion), and a "light touch" are all key ingredients imho....
Maybe after another year or two I'll be better :rolleyes: :o Proper sharpening technique for me appears to be a lifelong learning experience (or maybe that's just another symptom of my OCD) :)

[SimpleIsGood229]

Proper sharpening technique for me appears to be a lifelong learning experience

You are absolutely right! :) No matter how good you get, there is always room for improvement.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: 'Till you "get it down" I recommend just using the corners of the stones and holding the knife lightly with your fingertips to avoid rolling the edge. Lighter is better! :spyder:

[bluemist]

brought one back to hair popping after reading thru this thread and the tutorial