Author Topic: Best Sharpening Tool for Hunting Knives? (Read 1714 times)

matt d · « **on:** October 03, 2003, 01:04:44 PM »

I have purchased a couple small stones and one of those little diamond sharpeners that go one your belt. I'm not looking for something portable, just effective. I haven't bought anything that was more than twenty bucks because if I am going to spend a larger amount of money I want to be sure I know what I'm getting. I would appreciate some help.

SAWgunner · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2003, 02:13:02 PM »

Lanske sharpenening system. I bought minefor $35 about 5 years ago, and all of my blades, including my field knives are surgical sharp. In my honest opinion, these are the best sharpening systems made. Everyone in my family that has any use for knives (besides in the kitchen, heh heh) uses a Lanske, which is why I bought one honestly. Hope that helps.

Neanderthal · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2003, 04:04:52 PM »

Do a search at www.bladeforums.com and you'll find exhaustive information on the topic. The consensus seems to prefer the Edgepro (pricey ~ $300) and the Sharpmaker #204 ($43 plus S&H at www.kinvesplus.com). HTH. Personally I use an old Buck Honemaster guide clamp with diamond hones. The Honemaster is no longer manufacured.

Robert · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2003, 04:37:06 PM »

I bought a cheap system that has a plastic guide that controls the edge. The stones are mounted on little plastic handles and srewed onto a rod that fits in the guide. However...most of my good knives are hard stainless, and these cheap stones dont cut it very well, so I took a cheap diamond stone and attached it to the back of one of the other stones with a hot glue gun. It makes quick work of the stainless blades. Most people don't have the knack(self included) to use a stone well. It is very easy with these systems, the edge of the blade dosen't get 'rounded'.

ronbow · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2003, 04:37:42 AM »

Go with Lansky system. You always maintain the same angle which is the key to getting a quick razor edge. I have used nothing but for over 10 years.

TimWieneke · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2003, 10:05:35 AM »

Red 4" DMT sharpener ($30-40), water and practice is the best portable sharpening system I've ever had. I'd like to try water stones one of these days....

Course, if you can swing a bit more cash, you can get a 1" bench belt sander and some very fine grit belts. Can get a very nice edge with those, but you should practice on cheapo knives first so you don't burn off the tips. Check out David Boye's book on knifemaking - he has a quick lesson on using a belt sander (grinder) and a buffing wheel (you can make one of these with a drill and a $15 buffing wheel kit from Home Depot) to put edges on his knives.

Tim

matt d · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2003, 05:57:25 AM »

Thanks Tim, Go Cubs!

Joel · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2003, 04:06:56 AM »

I've answered this question a bunch of time, and my answer is always the same. For home use, a small 1" x 30" belt grinder and a small buffer of anykind beats ANYTHING else hands down. Like Matt said, practice on some cheap kitchen knives. I can put a hair popping edge on a knife in about one minute flat. Since we're talking re-sharpening here, not having to grind an edge bevel on unsharpened stock, then all you need are a couple of belts in the 600 grit or greater range. The buffer takes off the "wire edge" you create with the ginder. Or you can use a piece of leather to remove it. Harbor Freight had a small grinder for 29.95.

longwinters · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2003, 10:47:38 AM »

Lansky. The angle is always right and they will put an edge on anything I have tried.

long

rd2903 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2003, 03:58:00 PM »

I agre with joel I use the same system, however I also carry a dmt blue/red for touch ups in a hurry Had a lansky for years if you don't own knife equipment (or a steady hand) they are great!

Neanderthal · « **Reply #10 on:** October 27, 2003, 10:26:29 AM »

Joel and Tim W : Where do you buy your 1' X 30" sanding belts ? I've tried Sears, Lowes, and Home Depot, but 220 is the finest grit they carry. TIA

TimWieneke · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2003, 10:42:48 AM »

Neanderthal,
I think it's called Norton (that could be the brand of the belt though)? They have a black and white quarter page photo add in just about every knife magazine. I'll take a look for the add when I get home tonight.

Tim

FYI - I generally don't recommend this, but in a pinch you can wear down a 220 belt some so that it isn't quite as sharp, then use it as your sharpening belt. It is much preferable though, imho, to get a finer grit for sharpening. The smiths I know that use belts for sharpening typically use their more worn-out belts for sharpening anyway. If you do want to try it with the 220, test it on el cheapo knives so you can see what results you get and if you're happy with them.

Joel · « **Reply #12 on:** October 29, 2003, 05:36:59 AM »

Easiest place to get just a couple of 1 x 30 belts is at one of the knife supply catalogs. My normal place has a minimum $25.00 order(wish I could get by on the minimum). Norton belts are a premium brand of belt, don't know if they have a website. Try Texas Knifemakers supply(www.texasknife.com) or Jantz Knifemakers supply(www.jantzsupply.com). Sheffield Knifemakers Supply has a large assortment, but their catalog is PDF format. If you can get them, the cork belts, in 600 grit or finer are great for sharpening, because you use them wet( I just spray them with a spray bottle of water) which makes sure your edge doesn't get too hot. The regular SC (silicon Carbide) belts can also be used wet are are available in a lot of fine grits. The regular AO(aluminim oxide) belts are also fine for reshapening. They don't last as long, but they are cheap. Only problem with ordering from the catalogs, is the shipping may cost more than your order. They all have minimum shipping charges. Worn out 220 grits( or any othre grit) might work in a pinch, just make sure they're good and smooth. Understand your problem, Our Sears and wood workers warehouse only stock the heaver grits also.