Sharpening a Tanto Blade ?

TheFactor

TheFactor

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Well just picked up my first Tanto Blade a ZT 0620 CF and what a sweet knife I really like it !
But being my first Tanto Blade as mentioned I'm not sure the best way or how to sharpen it using my Apex Edge Pro . I've pretty much got it down and can produce a razor sharp edge on my other blades but this Tanto has me wondering what's the best way and I'm thinking you just treat it like two separate edges when sharpening it . Best way and tips would be greatly appreciated . It's hair shaving razor sharp out of the box but just planning ahead for its first sharpening session.Here's a few pictures of my new love [emoji41]


 
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TheFactor said:
I'm thinking you just treat it like two separate edges when sharpening it
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That's what I do with my tanto blades. I don't have an Edge Pro, but whether freehanding or using my Aligner set, I just treat them as two separate edges.
 
flarp said:
That's what I do with my tanto blades. I don't have an Edge Pro, but whether freehanding or using my Aligner set, I just treat them as two separate edges.
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Thanks , that's what I was I hoping . I didn't want to screw it up that's for sure especially on its first trip to the sharpening bench .
 
I carry tantos a lot. I don't understand this myth that a tanto makes a lousy EDC. Anyway....

I sharpen the main edge to a 'working' toothier edge and use it the most, mainly for the major tasks and heavier duty cutting...projects say, something that's going to occupy me for a few. Mostly use a ceramic stick prior to the strop when I sharpen it.

I sharpen the leading edge to surgical, as sharp as I can make it. This I use for the quick tasks you run into---cutting string, zip ties, zipping something open....things you can do pretty much with a 'flick' of the blade. Here I use mostly a diamond stick prior to the strop.

Might be just me but I feel like this preserves both blades edges when each has a kind of purpose. Kind of a....'symbiosis'....I think is what they call it on Animal Planet.

I do like a tanto with two defined points as opposed to some of the smoother transistion grinds. I use the same idea with points too. I use the transition point more for linear cutting jobs and the actual point more for piercing, puncturing or quicker small cuts/slices. If you do that, keep working that profile toward keeping such a second point when you sharpen.

It simulates the purpose of the old traditionals with the main and pen blades. At least for me.

EDIT: Funny how that first pic shows some definite belly in your leading edge then the next pic it looks totally straight. Assuming the belly is there that should make a nifty slicing edge, huh? I tend to keep a straighter leading edge on my knives but I bet you'll really like that blade.
 
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I agree, treat it as two separate edges. I did that with my Wicked Edge and I couldn't be happier with the result.
 
Congrats on the new blade, It's a nice one, enjoy it. I had one for a while, but just recently let it go. I liked it a lot, I just like this one better.



 
I never said they make lousy tools. I just don't prefer them because it takes me twice as much work to sharpen.
 
singularity35 said:
I never said they make lousy tools. I just don't prefer them because it takes me twice as much work to sharpen.
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I don't mind I actually enjoy sharpening my knives but I may do only one or two a month since I have a few in my rotation and they only see light use . But I will keep them at a razor edge sharp or they won't get in my pocket until they hit my sharpening bench . I pretty much just need to do touch ups from like 600 grit up to 3000 for polishing unless it's a new blade that I've never sharpened then I'll start with 250 to re profile . Thinking about picking up a little more aggressive stone for first time sharpening though .Sometimes I'll just do a few passes on the leather strop and if it shaves the hair on my arm I call it good lol .
 
ebidis said:
Congrats on the new blade, It's a nice one, enjoy it. I had one for a while, but just recently let it go. I liked it a lot, I just like this one better.



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Thanks ! Also congrats to you that's one Nice blade it's a beauty ! That's a ETAK isn't it ? That was one of my choices from Emerson that and the Iron Dragon. It's a tough choice there's so many nice knives out there .
 
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EChoil said:
I carry tantos a lot. I don't understand this myth that a tanto makes a lousy EDC. Anyway....

I sharpen the main edge to a 'working' toothier edge and use it the most, mainly for the major tasks and heavier duty cutting...projects say, something that's going to occupy me for a few. Mostly use a ceramic stick prior to the strop when I sharpen it.

I sharpen the leading edge to surgical, as sharp as I can make it. This I use for the quick tasks you run into---cutting string, zip ties, zipping something open....things you can do pretty much with a 'flick' of the blade. Here I use mostly a diamond stick prior to the strop.

Might be just me but I feel like this preserves both blades edges when each has a kind of purpose. Kind of a....'symbiosis'....I think is what they call it on Animal Planet.

I do like a tanto with two defined points as opposed to some of the smoother transistion grinds. I use the same idea with points too. I use the transition point more for linear cutting jobs and the actual point more for piercing, puncturing or quicker small cuts/slices. If you do that, keep working that profile toward keeping such a second point when you sharpen.

It simulates the purpose of the old traditionals with the main and pen blades. At least for me.

EDIT: Funny how that first pic shows some definite belly in your leading edge then the next pic it looks totally straight. Assuming the belly is there that should make a nifty slicing edge, huh? I tend to keep a straighter leading edge on my knives but I bet you'll really like that blade.
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Great advice thanks , yup she's got a little belly on her : ) looking forward to some tasks with it and adjust to the use of the Tanto shape blade . I believe they refer to this one as The American Tanto because of the slight belly .
 
TheFactor said:
Thanks ! Also congrats to you that's one Nice blade it's a beauty ! That's a ETAK isn't it ? That was one of my choices from Emerson that and the Iron Dragon. It's a tough choice there's so many nice knives out there .
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Yes it's the ETAK-B. Love this knife.

Just to encourage, and enable you, here's my Iron Dragon. Both of these are outstanding knives, but then I'm an Emerson "fan boy" LoL!


 
TheFactor said:
I don't mind I actually enjoy sharpening my knives but I may do only one or two a month since I have a few in my rotation and they only see light use . But I will keep them at a razor edge sharp or they won't get in my pocket until they hit my sharpening bench . I pretty much just need to do touch ups from like 600 grit up to 3000 for polishing unless it's a new blade that I've never sharpened then I'll start with 250 to re profile . Thinking about picking up a little more aggressive stone for first time sharpening though .Sometimes I'll just do a few passes on the leather strop and if it shaves the hair on my arm I call it good lol .
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Yes, I wouldn't mind too if I had to sharpen only one or twice a month. I probably needed to sharpen twice or thrice a week when I worked at my farm. Sharpening is no fun if you're tired and just want to hit the hay. :)
 
ebidis said:
Yes it's the ETAK-B. Love this knife.

Just to encourage, and enable you, here's my Iron Dragon. Both of these are outstanding knives, but then I'm an Emerson "fan boy" LoL!


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Dang that Iron Dragon is sweet !!!!
You don't play fair 😛 lol .
 
singularity35 said:
Yes, I wouldn't mind too if I had to sharpen only one or twice a month. I probably needed to sharpen twice or thrice a week when I worked at my farm. Sharpening is no fun if you're tired and just want to hit the hay. :)
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Couldn't agree more and yes that would be a different story . It's no fun sharpening if your in a hurry and or tired .
 
Update ...
I carried it all day today and did some light cutting with it and I'm very impressed with the edge and Tanto blade . Was just cutting some plastic rap off some packages on crates and it cut it like butter effortlessly. I'm really liking this Tanto blade and this CTS204P steel is pretty impressive . I must say out of the box this is the sharpest blade I've ever bought and that's comparing it to knives in my collection costing over 4 times as much .
This ZT 0620 is a keeper in my book and its exceeded my expectations performance wise , ease of carry and deployment . Blade centering, detent, fit and finish is outstanding .
 
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