I gotta' get this right before I touch another knife! OK, after reading every thread I could about how to sharpen a convex edge, I got a new mouse pad, some wet/dry sandpaper (600 & 1200 grit) and went at it on my DMLE... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> What a disaster! It had a decent, though not wicked sharp factory edge and I wanted to see if I could improve it a little but I made it worse!!

First thoughts are: 1) Pressed too hard, 2) Wrong angle 3) I should have my head examined for trying this.

Did this happen to you the first time you tried it? Can someone suggest what went wrong? Should I send the knife back to have it re-ground?

I haven't used the mousepad/sandpaper method, but do use a leather strop. Start with the blade relatively flat against the surface (20 degrees maybe?) and drag away from the start point, raising the angle as you go (to 35-40ish?). Don't press hard. alternate sides every few swipes...

Thats what has worked for me - some of the pros may weigh in soon...

my guess is that you pressed too hard and actually rounded off the edge. when i do the "mousepad sandpaper" trick i actually use a piece of cardboard instead of the mousepad. depending on you mousepad, you could have way too much cushion.

i would grab a stone and try to put a nice v-edge back on it (shouldn't be too hard if you just rounded out the edge) and then polish that edge, gently, with the 1200 grit.

you'll get the hang of it, but until you do, you might consider practicing on kitchen knives and cheap folders <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

you might have just started to reshape the edge and after a while you'll be sharpening it.
idk though.
I think you may have too much cushion and are rounding over the edge like said before, just use something with less cushion.
and keep trying, don't stop now.

but I would start practicing with cheaper knives.
I'm only fifteen, I didn't know a whole lot about this technique when I first started, so I started with a cheap gerber I had and after a long time I got better.
keep trying and poracticing until you find what you were doing wrong, and take the all the advise the guys here give you. and try it all until you understand what you did wrong.

you'll get it.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
keep trying.
it takes a while.

Hi tango6, I cant say what you did wrong but I will tell you what has worked flawless for me when using mousepad method for convex. The bevel shoulder (where coating meets edge) needs to be taken down to a slightly shallower angle before starting mousepad work. I do that with a piece of wood under 320 grit before mousepad under 600 grit then 1000 etc. If you dont take it down slightly then when you use the mousepad the edge will get to thick to get a good edge.
I'm am no expert at this but if you take your time and search BF there are some really good walk throughs on this subject try searching "mousepad" or "convex".
Guess I dont need to tell you.... Practice on some crude knives till you get results before getting your favorite blades anywhere near grit. We have all been there my friend.
As to how to fix it. Someone else with more exp. should take that one on. But it most likely can be done..
Good luck my freind..

What does all this have to do with the mouse pad trouble? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Well I'll tell ya Mike. About three Christmas's ago my dear bride who knows all of my shortcomings
took it upon herself to solve my very personal trouble. I own way too many knives and I actually suck at sharpening. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[img]http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u151/Prince_of_Peace/ChefsChoice120.jpg[/img]


That was her solution. Just about a Ben Franklin and I have shaving sharp blades all the time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />
Idiot proof guide angles that make the blade only load and sharpen one way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The right way. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Thought I'd pass along my solution to the age old problem of blade sharpening.

I do however eagerly urge you to contact Horn Dog "Victor Ross" here in The Yard. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

He is a Master sharpener and our own resident Third World Grind shop foreman.

Good luck with your problem Mike. You are NOT alone here.
Hard use knives are THICK! Period. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

It will take a lot of work to make it hair popping sharp,but all mine are so I know it can be done. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

I think we may be on to something here. The mouse pad I got is really soft and spongy (spongy?...that doesn't look right, does it?)...oh well, I think that may be one of or THE problem. The edge actually feels like it IS rounding. I'm going to keep at it. I'll let you know how it's going.

Thanks!

I thinky ou should switch backings, too soft will roll over the edge and as you push the edge against it you are dulling and rounding the edge.

yeah, send it to any of us with belt sanders. not a big deal.

unless you wanna rectify this yourself, which i think will be valuable education. speakin of which, i can't stay long.

I think you're right, I'm going to get a harder pad tomorrow.

Just informational... after I use the wood/320 I go to 400/600/1000/1500 with hard rubber matting that you can purchase at a local hardware store. I believe it is used for no slip floors. It is ridged on one side but the flat surface on the back is what I use. And you are right mousepads are to soft IMHO causing a thikening of the edge. Using a firmer surface works well for convex because naturally you can't keep a perfect repeat on each stroke, although that should be the goal, so it WILL convex naturally. BTW I finish off with leather strop and Flexcut Gold or Green paste from Lee Valley. Im sure that some of the grits could be skipped, but I think the strop and paste is what has made the biggest difference in my edge quality.