Al Mar Backup 1 - Tanto Blade - Sharpening suggestions

[90grains]

I purchased this over seven years ago with the intent of making it an EDC until I learned the draconian knife laws in the SR of California.

I did have three custom kydex sheaths made for it:

1. Verticle
2. In the waistband
3. Horizontal

That offers a lot of good alternatives and with the IWB the grip is so small it vanishes.

It has seen little use, but could use a touch up. I understand from Al Mar that it has a 20 degree edge grind.

Any recommendations on how best to touch it up? I will not use the Ken Onion Worksharp on it, which gives a convex grind with even the blade grinding attachment. I have a Spyderco Sharpener and honestly am not the sharpest spoon in the drawer when it comes to hand sharpening and don't have the quality stones anyway.

I have an nice strop I purchased from Sharpening Supplies, which may be the ticket. Sharpening Specialist is a must visit web site: Sharpening Supplies Hope it is alright to post this here. Great prices, awesome service and I even received a phone call after my order. Unfortunately, living in SE Asia it was a little late at night, but still appreciated.

The Spyderco I imagine can do it, but getting that tanto tip puzzles me.

I would appreciate any recommendations.

 

[eveled]

Just sharpen each edge separately. Avoid rounding the corner off.

 

[90grains]

Just sharpen each edge separately. Avoid rounding the corner off.

Do you think I should just use the Spyderco set at the 40° setting? That gives a 20° edge and then following up with a strop? The other sharpener I have is a Lansky, which definitely isn't a good choice!

 

[eveled]

I sharpen by hand with a stone. Just try to keep the factory edge flat on the stone.

 

[90grains]

I sharpen by hand with a stone. Just try to keep the factory edge flat on the stone.

Thank you sir! I am not the sharpest spoon in the drawer when it comes to stones, which I don't have the proper ones as it is. I did put it on a strop and it is scary sharp. Al Mar - Japan must be some awesome steel. It has been used very little and the factory sharpening is still beautiful.

Thanks again!

 

[whp]

Just sharpen each edge separately. Avoid rounding the corner off.

I ve only owned one tanto blade which I got in the last year. I found that I liked rounding the corner a bit. I guess I m not a tanto fan.