Schoolmaster,
Sharpening a convex grind is very easy. It depends on how dull it is as to what you use. If it's only slightly dull you may be able to bring the edge back by stropping it [edge trailing not leading] on an old leather belt or even on your pants leg.
If it needs more than that get some wet or dry sand paper in grits for example 400, 600, 1000, up to maybe 1500.
Some people use an old mouse pad but I use a Cabelas catalog. Lay a piece of 400 grit on the catalog and LIGHTLY strop the blade across the sandpaper. Do 3-4 strokes on one side and then change to the other side and do the same on that side. Then change to a higher grit and do the same.
To get an idea as to how much to raise the back of the blade while stropping use a Sharpie or marking pin and just paint the blade edge. Make a stroke and check where the sand paper removed the ink. That way you will know what part of the blade is hitting the paper.
The secret to using sand paper is LITE PRESSURE. Only the weight of the blade or less. If you use to much pressure the blade sinks in, the sand paper comes up behind the the trailing edge and dulls it.[cuts the edge off] With to much pressure you sharpen and sharpen and the edge stays dull.
After progressing through the sand paper I have either a leather hone or a piece of balsa wood to bring the edge up to SCARY SHARP.
On the leather I use Bark River sharpening compound. On the balsa wood I use 1 Micron Diamond Spray. This is a Hand American product. This stuff really works!
There was an instruction film on the Knives Ship Free web site. Maybe it's still there. Or just check Google for convex edges.
Just remember LITE PRESSURE.
Regards, Keith
