Well here is my process and my simple tools. With a good set of diamond stones, time and effort to learn you can get great results!
I recently noticed while playing with the benchstone and a piece of plank that it seemed to be a good angle at around 5 degrees. After some measurement this is what I came up with:
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170028.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170029.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170026.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170033.jpg)
Now the reason for this is due to a video done by another member on various forums.
Here is a link to his great adjustable sharpening platform:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXhrqfV5jvsMy method is very similar, except after watching videos of the Bubble Jig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Jp5NLNmMe2YI decided to incorporate something similar till I can afford the real Bubble Jig.
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170031.jpg)
The secret is to get a good burr going. This is D2 steel on my Becnhmade Bone Collector profiled to 10 degrees per side.
Good burr
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170023.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170024.jpg)
Edge all the way sharpened
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170019.jpg)
No burr, and not hitting the entire edge: BAD!
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170025.jpg)
![[Linked Image from i840.photobucket.com]](http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz325/geronki2/2011/P5170018.jpg)
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Then I knock the burr of with white ceramic stone of Lansky
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Then strop.
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Results
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Under 25X times magnification
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In the field I use a diamond paddle 600 grit or Lansky Turn box kit. Usually I just use the paddle and lightly knock the bur off.
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Total edge reprofiling: Can take up to 2 hours.
Edge maintenance. Less then 10 minutes to same results as above. In the field the same time. (this can vary depending on the damage to the edge and DONT STOP UNTIL YOU FEEL THE BURR)
Reasons I started with this low angle and constant low angle.
Well here is a video.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ewerstruly#p/c/299E614F6D3C94DD/6/u4rDIFFyXVkIt requires less force to cut through material.
and I read the book
The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening.
Here is a website where you can get the book.
http://www.razoredgesystems.com/products/booksDMT stones will make the process much faster IMO and of course, this is my process for my needs. I convex certain knives, but EDC and hunting knives are as thin as possible. Your needs may vary, but remember when sharpening.....GET THE BURR!