That's something I wouldn't mind trying either

I would love to try the grinder approach but alas I'm an urban apartment dweller. I don't have space for those types of toys. As far as the burr I'm still not totally sure how that is supposed to feel. I think I have achieved that a couple of times but messed it up some how finishing it up. I wish I had someone that could give me a hands on lesson I tend to learn physical skills better that way.

Big Joe, a "Burr" is nothing more than the edge has gotten as sharp as possible and has "Rolled over". It's sort of like a wave, you know how it "Curls". Well that is your burr edge. When you get that you turn your blade over until you get a Burr on the OTHER side of the blade. When THAT happens, you just strop it out (actually you are breaking off the Curl and what is left is the sharp edge). You can strop on almost anything, leather, a paper note pad... You could even strop on a stone or steel, but use VERY LIGHT STROKES. You are only wanting to remove the burr, not dull the actual cutting edge.

I hope this help you some.

Randy

Oh all I use is Diamond hones and ceramics.

Buy Horndog's used knives.

If that fails, I can put a rough edge on with the harbor freight belt sander, but the belt "vibrates" too much to put fine edge on, either that or my technique sucks. Probably both.

I just bought a sharpmaker, but dangit none of the knives I have are profiled a nice 40 or 30, so it just sits until I can get some diamond triangles. (Sharpie says I'm hitting the shoulder)
I'll have to do the whole kitchen block as conditions of purchase.

And speaking of sharpie, get one, and use it!. And if you care about looks, use masking tape too unless you got the perfect technique.

Skunk Hunter,
Thanks for the explanation. That was honestly the best (clearest) explanation I have read. It kind of makes sense now . I had an ah hah moment.<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Joe

Hehe, I have a lot of those. Most times when in the Throne room. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, there isn't anything magical about sharpening knives, I've been doing it for going on 50 years now. It just takes practice. I, a lot of times can tell when I've "Got it right" by the way the steel sounds and feels as it slides across the hones.

I use and LOVE my Worksharp. It's a little hand-held belt sander specifically for sharpening knives.

Hey DT, the belt is 1/2 wide, right? And I had forgotten all about that!

The harbor freight belt sander is not very big at all.

I like the hard alumina stones/rods from Spyderco and others and to do the fine work with a steelrod or strop.

the harbor freight 1x30 belt sander is small enough for apartment use, i would think. as long as you're not making a mess with the thing. the price tag is only $40.

after i hit the blade with that, i'll move on to ceramic rod or leather strop if i need extra precision. working freehand just takes time and practice. also, a homemade sharpening wedge helps, it sets the angle for you, you just hold the knife flat.

I have used a lot of different techniques but the one that works best for me is DMT diamonds, move to Spyderco Sharpmaker, then strop. If you are maintaining your edge the Sharpmaker is awesome, but getting an edge needs the stones.