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What do you guys use to sharpen your knives? I'm talking hunting and everyday carry knives. I have never sharpened a knife by hand, so probably some sort of electric sharpener is what I would need.

I have used Lansky products before.

http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/outdoor.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've been thinking about getting an electric sharpener.

I have never used hand sharpeners. Is there somewhere I can learn at? Or, is that something you have to know someone that can teach you?

I use a small belt sander at work if it's really dull, then a wet stone to finish it off. I've found the sharpeners on display at gun and outdoor stores to not give the edge a wet stone does, and are mostly a gimmick. I generally keep my knife like a razor.

i actually sharpen knives as a hobby/side money, if you were closer i'd run it through for you. i use a grider with special wheels. you can get a kit from some of the knife makers magazines. once you figure it out it just takes practice. if i'm just maintaining my blade then it takes longer for the wheel to spin up then it does to put the edge back on it. now if i have to fix a broken tip or take dents out then it will take a few minutes.

slight investment in materials and technique up front but saves loads of time and great results in the end.

shortysboy09 wrote:I have never used hand sharpeners. Is there somewhere I can learn at? Or, is that something you have to know someone that can teach you?

I just taught myself using the instructions with the kit and using an old/cheap knife. I'm by no means an expert at it in any way. Sounds like Rescue1 would be a great resource.

I got a Spyderco Sharpmaker plus the extra fine rods a while back that works real well, but a bit pricey. You can check youtube for plenty of video tutorials and reviews.

I also got a Block Sharpener at the gun show a few weeks back and have been pretty impressed with its simple use and sharpness it provides for $12. Website is here - http://www.theblocksharpener.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Watch the videos to see how it works. I used it to sharpen an old Gerber knife that was laying around and it get it cut paper like the video after 20 strokes or so. I'd be curious to get other user's thoughts on this if you have used it.

budroux2w wrote: I just taught myself using the instructions with the kit and using an old/cheap knife. I'm by no means an expert at it in any way. Sounds like Rescue1 would be a great resource.

Exactly what i did.
if you happen by gander mountain in college station on sat you will see my father in law setup there to sharpen knives. he got tired of me always throwing him all my stuff to do so he got me setup at the house. i started with a few cheap knives i had in the garage and worked my way up to everything that was supposed to cut. kitchen knives, scissors, garden sheers etc... then i started doing other peoples. i really like listening to the stories. almost everyone has a story to tell about their knife. i find it all very interesting..

anyway back on topic.. i highly recommend the sharpening wheels. it makes short work of the task and with some practice great results. caution: you do have to be mindful of what your doing at all times.

this is the kit, but not who i got mine from http://www.thewoodcraftshop.com/store/p ... ed=froogle

depending on how dull and what type of metal, some knives take as little as one pass (each side) to get to the point of shaving. you will also come to find the difference in good steel.

anyone that wants me to show them how or wants something done just let me know. i'll be happy to help.

also, i use something similar to the block sharpener for serrated blades. does a great job.

those cross sharpeners are great but just realize their limitations. they have a set angle. so while they are fine for doing say pocket knives; a fillet knife or on the other end, a machette have different angles to them. but like i said i use one.

Rescue1 wrote:also, i use something similar to the block sharpener for serrated blades. does a great job.

those cross sharpeners are great but just realize their limitations. they have a set angle. so while they are fine for doing say pocket knives; a fillet knife or on the other end, a machette have different angles to them. but like i said i use one.

Thanks for your comments. I've used them for inexpensive pocket knives and kitchen knives, but was a little hesitant to use on my Kershaws.

I use Lansky too. I could never sharpen a knife until I got the Lansky. It holds the exact angle that you want. The knife is stationary and you move the stone through a guide that holds the angle. I have the one with diamond stones and it still wasn't expensive.

I have something similar to the Lansky's. They're really easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Thanks for all the replies. I just bought a nice Kershaw and I am looking into getting some custom knives and I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. What is the best steel to use as far as a knife goes?

shortysboy09 wrote:... I am looking into getting some custom knives ... What is the best steel to use as far as a knife goes?

Do you mean getting into customs as a maker or as a user? You choice of steel may be a little different based on if you are using a custom knife or just getting into knifmaking.

JLaw

JLaw wrote:

shortysboy09 wrote:... I am looking into getting some custom knives ... What is the best steel to use as far as a knife goes?

Do you mean getting into customs as a maker or as a user? You choice of steel may be a little different based on if you are using a custom knife or just getting into knifmaking.

JLaw

As in purchasing some custom made knives. Sorry, should have been more clear on that.

I'm looking at getting a custom knife for using to field-dress and skinning deer and hogs. I was also thinking about getting a custom fillet knife as well.