Say guys- what do you use to sharpen your steel. I started with a Sharpmaker and many different grits of paper for mouse pad work. I am also stropping with leather and diamond paste and getting pretty [censored] sharp at this point. I also am using some DMT stones and the new aligner. Thinking on a belt sander- but want to get my free hand skills more honed before I make that leap. How about you ? What using ?

well, I just picked up a belt sander, I used the mouse pad sandpaper before that. still waiting on my leather belt and super fine grit belts, so I use the mouse pad to finish up the edge right now

I've been sharpening alot of machetes in the meantime

Well I use a Smith's 6 inch course stone for the past 9 years and a dmt dia fold course and a fine stone (all diamond) and a Spyderco course ceramic stone. I don't polish my edges, just use the diafold fine to refine them just a bit after the course stones. I mainly listen to the sound and the feel as it slides across the stones to get the angle I am used to. Works for me.

I think the important thing is to find a way that you can do consistantly and gives you the edge that works the best for the type/stuff you cut.

I've been using the central machinery belt sander from Harbor freight for about a week or so now, for 35-40 dollars, its worth it, even if you only use it every once in awhile

I find that I like to mess with all types of sharpening. My knife collection s large and the collecting part was getting kind of boring. SY alone I have at least one of every knife. Machete shapening is fun to do with a puck as is my axes. I am also getting to the point where I enjoy steel that isn't too tough to sharpen. I have some S30V and it is ridiculous. What steels you like to play with ?

I could probably do that eventually, but I have been hand sharpening on stones for so long, I can close my eyes and just listen and feel and tell how I'm doing. I can let my mind go blank and it just totally relaxes me.

What ya think of the Delta ? The HF is good- but I have had a bit of trouble with some of their stuff ? Good price though. Oh- I also have an Apex Pro- it is decent too

For me, the hardest I have to sharpen right now is my Assault shaker and the S5. Everything else is standard factory production stuff.

Oh, I do like N690 steel. And also 7cr14mov. Sharpens easily and holds a good edge for my cutting uses.

That is what I am talking about -I think I much enjoy the sharpening to the collecting. I also live in a very remote area " National Recreation Area" so practice my outdoor skils daily. Sure enjoy the sharpening though