I am one of the sharpening challenged. I don't feel the need to modify the edge geometry, I was happy with the factory edge. How do I return a yard hook to factory edge specs?

Hello lighthiker. Some of the sharpening challenged tell me that the sharpmaker and others like it work fine on recurves. Just set the angle that best approximates the original, and it should be back to factory sharpness in no time.

For recurves or hawkbills I just use a diamond pen sharpener and keep them from getting really dull. My little eazylap was the best 10$ I ever spent and is perfect for fieldd sharpening, serrations touch ups. I can even do some big jobs as it removes material fairly fast even though it is small.

Kudos to the Spyderco Sharpmaker and the Ez-lap diamond rod sharpeners - I'm not very good at sharpening, but have great luck with both of those.

Thanks,

I have one of the angled cermamic rod set ups that is close to the Spyderco model. The angle is fixed to one position only. What is the factory angle?

I think you are worrying too much. Just go with the angle provided. It will be fine.

there's a whole lotta good cutting angles between "too obtuse" and "too thin" and a whole lotta blade to worry too much about getting it perfect the first time. if one is going to use a knife, then one is going to have to sharpen it, so get practicing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Swizzle describes it well. Get the angle the same on both sides and work until the burr on the edge is gone. I rub my thumb from the spine down past the edge. Over time you will learn to feel which side the burr is on immediately. Nice knife huh?

Well put Swizzle. Thanks. Dulling it to practice sharpening is half the fun. Okay all the fun - I don't enjoy the sharpening.