Episode 386
"How to sharpen our knives, axes, hatchets, and other bladed implements"
Question: Do you know the proper tools to use to sharpening your axe, your machete, your hatchet, or your tomahawk, fixed blade knife, or pocket knife? You will after listening to this episode.
Sharpening our bladed implements is an important skill for all of us.
There are several tools for sharpening knives, each with its own advantages.
The Whetstone is a traditional method of sharpening knives that involves using a sharpening stone to grind away the dull edge of the blade. Often referred to as an "Arkansas stone"
Whetstones come in different grits, which determine how coarse or fine the stone is.
The advantage of using a whetstone is that it allows you to control the angle and pressure of the sharpening, resulting in a very sharp edge.
Honing Steel
This is a long, narrow rod made of steel or ceramic that is used to realign the edge of a knife.
It doesn't actually sharpen the blade, but rather straightens out any microscopic bends or nicks that can cause the blade to dull.
The advantage of using a honing steel is that it's quick and easy to use, and can help maintain the sharpness of a knife between sharpenings.
Diamond Sharpeners
Very useful for quickly removing material from the blade when necessary.
Good for repairing the edge from nicks and chips
Electric Sharpener
The advantage of using an electric sharpener is that it's fast and efficient, and can be used to sharpen a variety of knives.
Manual Sharpener
This is a handheld device that uses steel, or ceramic rods to sharpen knives.
Manual sharpeners are portable and easy to use, and can produce a very sharp edge.
The advantage of using a manual sharpener is that it's affordable and can be used to sharpen a variety of knives.
To sharpen a knife, you will need a sharpening stone or a honing rod.
Here are the steps to sharpen a knife:
Choose the right sharpening tool:
A sharpening stone is best for sharpening dull or damaged blades, while a honing rod is best for maintaining the edge of a sharp blade.
Hold the knife at the correct angle:
For most knives, a 20-degree angle is ideal.
You can use a sharpening guide to help you maintain the correct angle.
Begin sharpening
If using a sharpening stone, apply a few drops of oil or water to the stone
(Jim Curtis Knives says that if you will use vegetable oil, your apple will taste better)
Begin running the blade along the stone at the correct angle.
Use a slicing motion and apply light pressure.
If using a honing rod, hold the rod vertically and run the blade along the rod at the correct angle, using a sweeping motion.
Repeat on the other side
After sharpening one side of the blade, repeat the process on the other side.
Test the sharpness
Sharpening an axe, hatchet, tomahawk, or machete is an important skill for any outdoorsman or prepper.
Here are the steps to sharpen these tools:
Secure the tool - make sure the tool is securely clamped or held in place to prevent it from moving around.
File the edge
Use a coarse file to remove any nicks or chips in the blade.
Hold the file at a 20-degree angle to the blade and work in one direction,
Use long, smooth strokes.
Switch to a finer file
Hold the file at the same angle as before and work in one direction, using long, smooth strokes. Hone the edge
Use a sharpening stone or honing steel to further refine the edge. Hold
the stone or steel at the same angle as before and work in one direction, using light pressure.
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