Knife Sharpening Techniques: The Art of Getting the Edge Back

Do you find yourself using a variety of tools to sharpen your knives? Sometimes, the most familiar or readily available tool doesn't always cut it. Whether you are a sailor using a sanding block or someone with the usual stone, or even someone using woodworking tools to refine your knives, understanding the right technique can make all the difference. This article will guide you through the knife sharpening process, from the initial sharpening using stones to the final touch with a honing steel, and the importance of maintaining a proper edge geometry.

Choosing the Right Tools

When it comes to sharpening knives, you might find yourself reaching for a variety of tools. However, it's important to understand that using the right tools and techniques can make a significant difference in the sharpness and durability of your blade.

For example, when out on a sailing trip, you might touch up the edge with a sanding block and sandpaper, and bring a routine stone home to achieve a sharper and more durable edge for your knives. Additionally, wood chisels can be used to clean up surfaces and scrape off difficult to remove debris. Small stones can be used for refining hooks, filleting knives, or even the galley/chef knife on your boat.

Steps in Knife Sharpening

The process of sharpening a knife involves several steps, including using a stone, honing steel, and a strop. Here’s how to go about it:

Using Stones for Initial Sharpening

A stone is the first tool you’ll use to put the edge back on the knife. It is crucial to use a coarse stone initially to get the edge back, followed by a medium and then a fine stone to refine the edge. A rough stone is necessary to handle blades that require significant edge restoration, while a super-fine stone is better for minor tweaks or touch-ups.

Some may argue that the time it takes to sharpen a knife using these stones is insane, especially if you were aiming for a subtle sharpness enhancement. It’s important to consider the geometry of the knife blade. If your knife blade has a poor point geometry, you may need to use minimum three stones for the process, or even fine water sandpaper. The key is to understand that sharpening to perfection is akin to playing an instrument; it requires both skill and practice.

Using a Honing Steel for Final Touches

A honing steel is not for sharpening but for aligning the edge of your knife. If you take a dull knife and run it over a honing rod 100 times, it will still be dull. The honing steel is used to realign the edge of the blade, ensuring that it is straight and parallel. For minor touch-ups, a honing steel paired with a 1000 grit stone should be sufficient.

Final Polishing with a Strop

The final step in the sharpening process is using a strop. A strop helps to polish the edge, further aligns it, and removes any chaff or rough edges. This step is crucial for achieving a finished edge on your knife.

Understanding Blade Geometry and Stone Selection

The geometry of the knife blade is also a critical factor in choosing the right stone. Some knives may require their edge geometry to be adjusted periodically. In such cases, you might need a set of different stones to maintain the optimal sharpness. A set can include various grits, from coarse to fine, and even oil stones.

It is also important to remember that while a fully skilled sharpener can make even a butter knife shave like a razor on an open car window, this level of perfection might not be sustainable. A less skilled sharpener using abrasive tools might dull the blade over time. This is why using high-quality oils and stones can be counterproductive if you do not have the touch to maintain the edge.

For beginners, it's best to start with poor quality knives from the dollar store to get a feel for the angle of sharpening. This can help prevent ruining the edge of more expensive chef or hunting knives.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of knife sharpening requires both skill and practice. Whether you are sharpening a knife on a ship or at home, understanding the tools and techniques involved can significantly enhance your knife’s performance. By using the right stones and honing steel, you can ensure that your knives stay sharp and ready for any task. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preserving your knife’s edge, and with time and practice, anyone can become proficient in this valuable skill.