How to sharpen a pocket knife so it has a razor edge

B

Bob Onysko

Joined
Aug 5, 2018
Messages
6
First of all, I'm a newbie on this forum. I like to keep my collection of pocket knives (and tools) very sharp - especially, the knives. I just acquired a small belt sander (1" x 30" belt). I have heard that I can use this equipment to put a razor edge on my knives. If that's true, could someone please tell me how to do it? I've read where I can purchase sanding belts that have a grit of up to 5,000 - but I can't find them on the Internet. I did find a 1" x 30" leather belt that should be used with a polishing paste to finish off the edge. Thank you in advance..........
 
From one newb to another. If you're going to mess with a belt grinder, start with cheap knives. There is definitely a learning curve. It won't take much to screw it up, if ya know what I mean.

Been there, done that.

eta, in case you're wondering, YouTube can make it look pretty easy.
 
Last edited:
I have used my 1x30 grinder on some pretty expensive knives. But, I did not start on them. I don't use it to sharpen, so much as when I need to really reprofile and remove more material.
I can get a knife hair popping sharp in very short order from concrete cutting dull! (I took a pretty dull cheap beater knife and further destroyed the edge on concrete to show a group of scouts that method of sharpening/reprofiling.

You can ruin a good knife instantly.
I've also used it to completely regrind the primary bevel on some D2 knives that had way too obtuse primary grinds.
 
A belt grinder can be a good tool in experienced hands. I would not recommend it for someone new to sharpening. Very easy to mess up a knife, permanently in some cases. I think you'd be better served by starting with stones and going from there. However, if you're intent on using the belt sander be sure to use cheap knives that you don't care about. I have SiC belts for profiling and a leather belt loaded with diamond spray as a finisher and that works well. Generally I only do this on my big choppers though. For smaller knives and kitchen cutlery, I use stones and/or a guided system.
 
I start slow with a 400 grit belt, then 3m trizact a16 and stropping. Works for me. Neels has some good tips:
 
Please reconsider using a belt sander, especially without lots of experience in sharpening, its not that you can't make a razor edge with it, it's just there are far more pitfalls and the learning curve is much much steeper. This is Because it removes steel faster it's very easy to wear a knife away very very quickly, also mistakes will be more devastating. Rather then a scuff on a stone you can take out a chunk where you don't mean to and end up with some ugly knives.

Lastly, it takes alot of experience to not overheat the edge and or ruin the temper of the blade.

Also, with high quality steel I always finish on the stone, the belt can't match a stone edge, ever. I use belts for severe damage or If I'm sharpening low quality knives.

You can do whatever you want and sooner or later you'll figure out how to sharpen with a 1x30 regardless, but it might take you making a big pile of burned, wonky looking blades to get the hang of it, good luck.
 
If your knife collection is worth it, look into investing in a sharpening system like Edge Pro or Wicked Edge. I started off with a Lansky sharpener and years later bought a Edge Pro system (Pro kit). I can sharpen all my pocket and small/medium fixed blades in a relatively short time. Good luck.
 
Buy a Sharpmaker (fairly idiot proof and very easy to use) or if that is a bit too pricey, a Lansky Turnbox. Stones are a good idea as well, but may be a bit "put-offing" as they require a fair amount of technique learning.

After you get used to that and you then want to go up the "sharpening" ladder (for gobs more money), then branch out to the more expensive offerings. However, be very wary of anything that is battery powered or plugs into a wall, as they may cause damage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top