Help me understand about sharpening before I'm all wrinkly!

[ScottC]

Please will you help me understand about sharpening further.
I can never get much of a sharp edge with knives, this is because I basically don't know enough about sharpening.

I find it difficult to understand about angles and number of strokes and what stropping is for, convex edges and all the other problems that come with sharpening etc. I need somebody to explain as simply as they can how to get a sharp edge, what equipment to use, techniques etc without confusing me. On the basis of a lapp Puukko knife or similar.

I would like to understand about sharpening as early as possible so that I can enjoy bushcraft and outdoor ventures now as well as in later years.

[Adi007]

Here's a site that'll get you started ...

http://www.premiumknives.com/ShopSit...n_a_Knife.html

http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsharp.shtml

Sharpening is more art than science and is a skill far better demonstrated than explained in words ... there are so many different types of blade, types of steel and types of sharpening equipment.

[bushwacker bob]

I AM old and wrinkly and still sometimes get it wrong. Practice is the best teacher, but reading some of the sites that Adi directed you to will help. :-)

[narsil]

I think that the best way to learn is just to keep practicing. If your nervous just buy some cheap knives with reasonable carbon steel blades, something like an opinel or a mora, then you won't be inhibited by the worry of damaging and expensive knife. In general its much easier to get a decent edge with a carbon steel blade than a stainless one.

Just remember that what you are trying to achieve is a clean non-rounded angle at the edge. It might help if you cover the edge with black marker pen and try to 'sharpen' it all off right to the edge, you will be able to see shiney metal showing through where you are removing material. A magnifying glass can be helpful here as well. But don't be confused by all the technical talk that goes on, just go for it, try to keep the angle between the blade and the stone as constant as you can and you'll get there soon enough.

Good luck.