If you have never sharpened a pocket knife before, then you are probably wondering how to do it. Before you can do it though, you need to learn how to use the right tools and materials. There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind when you are using your knife, including a Whetstone or a Rod. Also, be sure to practice and practice. You want to get the perfect edge, not just a quick one.
Whetstone
A sharpening stone is a great way to keep your knife in tip-top shape. It helps to clean your blade of any grime, nicks, or scratches. Sharp knives are easier to use and will make your cooking more enjoyable. But, you should always be careful to sharpen your knives properly. Dull knives can cause injury, and they can even lead to accidents.
The most important thing to remember when using a sharpening stone is to maintain a consistent angle. This angle determines how pointy the edge of your blade is. If the edge is too pointy, it will be prone to scratching, denting, or breaking. For more durable edges, use a less pointy grit.
When you first start, it’s important to work slowly. You should also pay close attention to the burr on your blade. Usually, you will find this after you begin to sharpen. To remove the burr, flip the stone to a finer grit. Do this six to eight times.
Depending on your skill level and the type of knife you are sharpening, you may need to use more than one stone. Having more than one stone will allow you to switch sides as needed. However, it can be hard to handle two different stones at the same time.
Rods
Using a sharpening stone is a good way to keep a pocket knife sharp. But, you need to get the right angle and do the same motion every time you sharpen it. If you don’t do it right, your knives may end up dull and even unsafe to use. Here are some tips to help you get the job done.
First, clean your blade. Wipe away any dirt or grease with soap and water. You can also use a leather strop to smooth the blade. After you’re done, hand wash it and don’t put it in the dishwasher.
Next, choose the coarsest grit of the stone. A good starting grit for beginners is 6000. You can choose a finer grit if your knife needs it. Then, work on the part of the blade closest to your hand. Use circular motions or a downward slice. Do this for about 10 strokes, then alternate sides.
Once you’re done with the rough side, turn over to the fine grit and do the same thing. This will remove the burr that formed during the rough phase. It also helps your edge sharpen faster.
Finally, you’ll want to polish your knife’s edge. Try using a leather strop or a polishing stone. They’ll make your blade super sharp and shiny.
Practice sharpening your knife
The main goal in sharpening your pocket knife is to make the edge as sharp as possible. If your blade is dull, it can be a safety hazard. In order to keep your blade razor sharp, you’ll need to practice sharpening it.
First, you’ll need a sharpening stone. These are generally inexpensive, and can be found at hardware stores. They come in several grit levels. Some grits are similar in texture, while others offer a different amount of sharpening. You’ll also need a lubricant. You can use oil, honing oil or water. However, it’s best to avoid food oils because they can affect the stone.
Next, you’ll need to apply the correct amount of pressure. The right pressure will help you sharpen your knife. It’s important not to press too hard, as you could damage the stone. Instead, you’ll want to apply light to moderate pressure.
Once you’ve applied the correct pressure, you should flip your knife over. This is important because the other side of the stone should be finer. Depending on the type of blade you’re sharpening, you may need to do this more than once. For a standard pocket knife, you’ll want to do about five or more strokes.