I've read a lot about convexing your blades and I'm pretty comfortable w/ the common methods (belt sander, sandpaper/mousepad). BUT... I keep reading on different forums and in different articles that it is possible to convex using stones "but it takes way too long," or it's "just too hard," but nobody elaborates on how to do this. Is it possible to convex using stones? (i.e. diamond stones, or arkansas stones, etc.) I've learned a lot from the other dogs here, I'm hoping you can help me with this one.

yeah, you're supposed to raise the spine as you drag the edge across the stone. doing this consistently is not easy.

Has anyone tried it?

A few times in my early years, by accident, just don't ask me how it worked. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Most knives that have been used a lot and hand sharpened over time will have convex edges naturally. Before angle guides and such became popular, folks did not maintain the exact same angle when sharpening. Also, the stones themselves became curved from wear, further curving the edge. Those of you who are old enough may remember grandma's old butcher knife and the long stone that was worn thin in the middle that was used to keep it sharp. Grandma didn't want a new knife with a straight bevel ground edge. It wouldn't cut like her old convexed and slightly recurved favorite knife. We can duplicate years of such sharpening in just a few minutes with a slack belt on a sander. It works.

Hey Vic- have you ever done any video so we can watch your skills ? Would be great for us dummies ( me) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> that struggle along-Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am sure we would ALL love to see Vic make a video of his process on his belt grinder <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> .... and chopping up his backyard. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


But, I haven't seen a Vic the Horn Dog Viking Video yet. Maybe some day. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

One of our other fellow Dogs though HAS put together some VERY nice videos.

Brian A dove in and went full out on knife sharpening, then eventually into making a few of his own knives.

He has or had (???) a nice Kalamazoo. But, then he upgraded to a KMG.

His videos are some of the best I have seen so far: Backyardbushman - Brian A sharpening videos

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

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Excellent explanation Vic, right on the money with the stone concept for the O.P.

and now days yes the slack belt is very quick at making a good vex.

I'm old enough to remember the peddle stones that my grandparents had on the yard...



[img][image]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a33/BareFootin/peddlepower.jpg[/img][/image]

I need to look for the old stones that my PaPa used for sharpening his woodcarving and pearing knives. I know that those were some serious worn stones that had a serious bow in the middle. Thanks HD, that brought back some memories of me watching him work that steel over.

I have convexed a few different blades on stones before by not knowing what I was doing, and I have even used a coarse diamond table one to semi-convex before. I am hoping that by this fall that I have picked up a belt sander to start my convexing adventures. I just need some place to do it. Space is extremely limited right now, and that is why I thought about trying my hand at a palm sander except mine decided to burn the motor up. I just can't justify getting a new palm sander when I can get a belt sander from HF for about the same.

Speaking of work areas, does anyone use a breakdown table to convex with a belt sander? I have been thinking about getting one of the Black and Decker folding tables, replacing the top with a nice heavy duty laminated top, and use it for reloading and possibly belt sander. I figure with limited space the table can be broke down and stored along with equipment when I am not using, and it would not take long to set up or take down. I have realized that a lot of my shooting ammo stock is depleating and I single stage so what the heck. Winter is approaching so it might be a cure for this cramped house.

My dad has an old stone that is worn down, I love borrowing it, it does a great job on most my knives.

not for convexing but has anyone used a dremel to sharpen their knives?

Great vids. Thanks for the link!