I'm relatively unknowledgable when it comes to the art of sharpening knives and incredibly unknowledgeable when it comes to SR77 as this is my first scrap yard knife. Like others have stated, my knife came a little dull. I'd like to sharpen it up a bit, but this knife is going to be a user so i also want it to have good edge retention. How are you guys sharpening your DMDCs? Stones, sharpmakers, edgepros, lansky, etc...?

Belt sander + 220 grit + strop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLjFjT4vYsM

I use different methods depending on the size and shape of the knife. A belt sander is great, but takes practice. You need to get some cheap steel and practice first. A lansky is a good safe bet. I've got a couple of sets that I've used for years. It's slow but you can put a really nice edge with a pretty accurate angle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Spyderco Sharpmaker, med, fine and extra fine crocks + leather strop. Still not shaving sharp just paper slicing sharp. I've never been able to acheive shaving sharp.

+1


But, as Rainwalker said - and I STRESS again, it takes practice. If you haven't tried this method, you should really practice on about 4-8 real cheap knives till you get the technique down.

If you start off with nice knives, you will likely mess up nice knives! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

Watch the video and make notes of some of very relevant comments J. makes about belts. Also, take note of the speed he moves the blade and keeping the blade cool.

Although, this method takes practice, once you get the hang of it, nothing is as easy or as fast. And I personally don't think many methods are much better if any better. This method creates a convex edge which I prefer.

There is some equipment cost up front, but a good belt grinder and belts don't cost anymore than high dollar water stones.

1" x 30" from Harbor Freight runs about $40 - $45

1" x 42" Delta is about 6 times nicer than 1" x 30 and costs about $125

1" x 42" Kalamazoo with Baldor motor goes for about $225 and has some advantages over the 1" x 42" Delta, but not needed for most people.

Get the right belts though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />



.

That's quite odd. Unless you've used the edge till it's just really, really rounded.

I highly suggest after you do the extra fine, use a steeling or ceramic rod and "strop" the blade on it. 3 times on each side, 2 times on each side, and 1 time on each side. Then move to the strop with the compound.

I have used my Griptilian to the point where it's extremely dull and was able to put a nice sharp edge back, pop a few hairs and there, with just a rod. After a little more of the rod, a leather strop and compound, it was shaving sharp. BTW, the Grip's 154CM is a ***** to sharpen and doesn't hold an edge as well I like it too.

I do want to get belt sander sometime soon. Just don't know if I'd get the hang of it. Though, then, I would be able to put mirror finishes on the edge, which would make the knife look and ton better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Horndog = Master of Grinder. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I could never get a knife shaving sharp before either.
Until, somehow I just got the hang of it.

I sharpen my knives every week and when I'm out in the field I keep them sharp.
A sharp knife can be your most important tool.
Ever try to skin a deer with a dull knife?

I just sharpened up my new DMDC with 400 grit sandpaper and then stropped on a white ceramic rod. Hair popping sharp. My right arm would make a woman proud "did you wax your arms"? LOL

let me just say this... HornDog is a perfectionist when it comes to sharpening knives... He should comment on this thread. He put an edge on my Scrapper 6 that is insanely sharp and beautiful.

why does or do SY send their knives a little dull???

I don't think they do it on purpose.
but latley the edges have improved.
(on the DFLE and yardkeeper)

hmmm.. all of my SR knives have always been razor sharp. maybe its bc the SY knives are made for such hard use... who knows?