Clear, easy-to-understand instructions matched with great demonstrations -- THANK YOU! Like many other people I've struggled to master knife sharpening basics. An excellent tutorial.
I own some of the best sharpening equipment money can buy (like the Lansky system) and have been ruining edges for many years. This video gives me new hope!
Your videos have an awesome level of quality. They are a real pleasure to watch.
@BushcraftOnFire it doesn't seem to work really its definitely taking metal off but not getting too sharp.. it could just be me not putting a decent edge on to start with i dont know, i think i'l have to invest in a strop and some compound thats whats stopping me getting a decent edge i think i have a good dimond stone and sand paper up to 2000 grit but i still can't get that hair popping edge..
@BushcraftOnFire Great video man,thanks for the info.Try as I might,I just suck at sharpening knifes,the only success I have had is with an "acusharp".What do you think of these,what would you recommened after using acusharp to remove the burrs you spoke of in the video,and can you recommend anything better or easier than an acusharp for those of us that have little to no skills for sharpening?
@Bushcraft on fire i use a smiths diamond sharpner sorta like the one on the second demo on my bear grylls knife but it makes it even more dull (even with the honing solution) any tips if so great if not thats okay
If you're not familiar with using diamond stones.. you can easily dull the blade. My first guess is that you are pressing WAY too hard. Lighten up on the pressure.. VERY Light.. and make sure you are keeping your angle consistent. It usually only takes 3 or 4 passes / side on the diamond to get the blade back to razor.
I did mention it in a video.. but which one escapes me right now. I use a diamond rod.. and just go in the serrations. Keep the touch soft and the angle low. you can also use a chainsaw file if you like.. HTH
@BushcraftOnFire It does, however I don't have access to such materials at the moment. The sharpener I do have is the Smith Daimond Stone you got in the vid. I'll keep my eyes open though, thanks.
Running a knife along a ceramic steel like you were without a thumb guard makes me cringe. I'm used to 8-12" cooks knives, I'd never do that towards myself
You can use water INSTEAD of oil.. which I do on my field stones since water is more available out there. But you CANNOT use water on a stone that has been used with oil. Hope that helps
I use a stone/device similar to the smith's you have and I can get to a point where I feel an edge and when I hold it up to the light I don't see any shine but it doesn't even cut paper I have no idea what I am doing wrong.
It's hard to tell without seeing what you're doing.. but a few things to try. #1 - Use very little pressure once the knife is pretty sharp.. you don't want to dull the edge by pressing too hard on the stone. #2 - Perhaps you aren't sharpening long enough? Try at least 40-50 light strokes on each side.. alternating sides after each 4 or 5 strokes.
hi ive been reading the commentsw on wat kind of oil to use if ur preping food or skining game wat i like to use is cooking oil/canola oil hope u find this tip useful
I actually use Olive Oil. It is anti microbial.. but if you use a lot you will have a mess.. so use it sparingly. Sorry I didn't answer sooner.. I thought I answered this
hi! the oil you use on the sharpening stone, is that a specific kind of oil or can you use any kind of oil, for instance engine oil or chain lubricants for bikes.
Any oil will work.. but I would keep in mind what I am doing with the knife.. If you are doing a lot of food prep.. I wouldn't use motor oil personally :)
I got that Smith's 3 in 1 field sharpener today and I was just wondering if I need to keep it dry or if I could use oil on it. And if I could what oil would be best for it. Thanks
You shouldn't use oil on a diamond stone or on ceramic. One of the nice things about this system is that you don't need to carry lubricants with you! Once in awhile I wipe my diamond stones off with water in order to "flush" off any metal from the sharpener. I do the same with my ceramic rods from time to time. Other than that they are pretty maintenance free.
Hi David. I have a Hamberg Scharfe Stein sharpening block, very old but never used. It is 2 shades of grey but unmarked. How do I tell which side is the rough and smooth? Feeling it doesn't really tell me. I am new to this, and want to learn how to sharpen knives and machetes (and yes I will practise on cheap knives first), but I want to use the block properly.
I'm not familiar with that sharpener.. but you should be able to see the difference of at least feel it. Have you tried wetting it with oil or water? The larger pores of the rougher side should be quite obvious I would think. Hope that Helps
Once you have used oil.. you can't use water. But if it's a new stone.. you can use water.. I have one that I ONLY use with water.. so it can be used in the bush without having to carry oil.
@BushcraftOnFire Tnx!!! I asking because i have new sharping set with 2 Arkansas stones and one small bottle of oil.From the stones the small one is for polishing and the bigger is for sharping .I understand very little german but it is written on the bottle that is only for the polishing stone.
But as you answer my question is no place for enlarging this topic .
@BushcraftOnFire Thanks for the response. I deleted my original question because I did some more research, and it's not just ANY whetstone. It needs to be made of novaculite (a high-grade form of chert or flint only found in the Ouachita Mountains)
when using a lether strop is the buffing compond needed? and when i sharpen my knives i can get the tip shaving sharp but the rest the blade only mildly sharp any tips?
Buffing compound isn't necessary.. but it really shines the edge! I have used toothpaste, mud in the feild.. and wet comet all to varying degrees of success. I have also used the strop "dry".
You are getting the tip sharp because the angle of that edge is correct.. whereas the main blade isn't. Try seeing what angle you pull the tip off at.. and use that angle for the rest of the blade.
@BushcraftOnFire toothpaste? hahaha excellent choice sir, did you know that the same compound (Silicon Dioxide) that is glued on sand paper is put into toothpaste
i bought a new coleman fixed blade knife from walmart and it came pretty dull (i guess for safety reasons) so i have been sharpening it with that diamond yellow and orange sharpener. i have used it on other knives and they are perfect but on this it seems to not work at all. anybody have any advice?
Great vid. I have a rtak II carbon coated. Do you think the hand held smiths or should i use buy the lanskey system by Smiths, which has 3-4 sharperning stones.
Keep up the great vids. I am learning alot. Hope to meet you 1 day
The lansky will keep your angle consistent.. I have found that you don't really need 3 or 4 stones.. One to get the edge in shape.. and one to fine the edge up is all that's necessary. Saying that.. I have a Lansky that I use when a knife really needs work :) But for the field.. I caryr my Smith's
Great Video. I recommend putting water on the natural stones as you are sharpening. The water lifts the metal particles off the stone and prevents clogging. In the woods... spit will work. Keep up the good work!
Hey, if you were lost in the woods, and you found a dull knife, how would you do this? Also so is the clay rod finished or unfinished? Could you find clay in the ground and make the same rod?
The rod is ceramic.. not clay my friend. Old resistors from telephone/electric lines will work well as will your car window. We showed this in a more recent video (Sharpening without Tools) which shows how to sharpen with a rock
Good tip Bro.. However.. the reason that tip is rounded is because I purposely did it. The very first time I used the knife.. I was making a hole for a fireboard, and the tip broke off. So I ground it down to a more round shape so as not to have it break again.
Good video. Personally i like using circular motions on a flat sharpening stone. I think its the easiest way to get a usable edge whilst out in the field.
on the old strait edge razors do you do the same thing with the belt becuz i heard you are supposed to used leather i dont have one but i was wondiring it was the same thing
Another great and informative video for me. I do have a question, what is the "finishing compound" and where can you get that kind of stuff for the leather strap or denim strap you were using?...Thanks.
I got mine at a local Ace Hardware. It's a slightly abrasive metal polishing compound that comes in stick form. I have also used mud, toothpaste, and other similar products with good success!
I have used a wallet, a boot, and other pieces of leather. I have used cardboard and newspaper... and even the back of another knife like a honing rod (A great reason to carry at least 2 knives)!! They all do the job!
I wondered all this time what I was doing so horribly wrong...LIGHT PRESSURE!!
NOBODY EVER TOLD ME NOT TO BEAR DOWN REALLY REALLY HARD ON THE STONE!!!
Well maybe with that little tip I can stop turning razor sharp into butter spreading dull!
Say about that buffing compound...I have noticed other people strop without that stuff, is it really necesary or does it just do a better job? If there a good substitute for that in the bush?
Glad it helped :) Now you can turn butter knives into razor sharp tools!
There are quite a few other things you can use for Buffing Compound.. Some that I have used include toothpaste (not the gel kind) and in the field.. Mud!)
Thanks! I always wanted to learn how to sharpen a knife. I got a couple around that are about as sharp as a butter knife... LOL. I have to buy a stone, and get to work.
This is probably my biggest area of oppertunity for improvment. I am the worst sharpener that ever lived. I am working on it though and have wondered a lot about some of the tech you showed ie: stroping? I have one of those kits that you showed in the begining and that seems to work well for me but it won't get that "perfect" edge I have been searching for.
Very good video Dave thanks , I just recently bought a Mora which came dull surprisingly and I am attempting to put a razor edge on I say again Attempting lol. I think I got my self in trouble by using too much pressure . I bought the same smith sharpener haven't decided if I like it went back to the soft Arkansas stone for now.
everytime you came back on the stones with your blade I thought you were going to slice your thumb off haha.. but you have very good control over what youre doing not to mention the fact that you've been doing this for quite some time, great video I've learned a few things
cardboard dont work real well .a strip of a paper shopping bag the brown ones , will work but it wont last very long . did it years ago that way . as for the compound hes using nope you dont , but ill bet it does help , a good ruff leather strap works fine .
Ok, thanks. I have used pieces of brown cardboard...think its called that...the ones you ship things in/with eeeh...iam Norwegian and not so good in english_
I have actually used cardboard to strop and it worked very well. I did use coumpound on the cardboard but it can be done without. The cardboard naturally has clay in it that acts as a compound.
Oh, didnt know that it got clay in it but thats just great. I use my spyderco sett but iam gonna by me self some stones, i like bether working on those stones you know.
Anyone have some great sugestions on some great quality stones?
You can buy Jeweler's Rouge.. but I am simply using White Rouge Buffing Compound which you can find at most hardware stores. I have also used toothpaste, comet, and Mud in the bush which works almost as well. Any slight abrasive will do the job. Hope that Hopes :)
wow i tip my hat to you . this is one of the best vids i have seen on how to sharpen a knife. very well laid out and good show ,and no pull through sharpeners most people use them and they ruin the edge on a knife . one thing to try i have used suede leather from a cheep coat after it has been wet and dried it is stiff and will give you a edge that you can shave with .
Andrew... I dislike the pull through sharpeners. They won't adjust for the edge angle and they only do a mediocre job for sharpeining your tools. It pays to learn to sharpen with a stone
Hydro...I have a few Arkansas Stones and use them regularly. Truth be told.. sometimes the "Old Ways" are still the best ways.
Well, they do some work. but there are different models, and some are real crap. Do some research on internet. For me, stone sharpening and then some honing is best.
Ah, newer tried them. I use common two sided stones, bought at hardware store. Theyre bit too rough, but when you use little pressure in your final phase of sharpening, they do good. Then i touch up with really hard steel rod, i got it from friend, its ejector from alluminium casting machine. But when thats not at hand, you can hone it on bet, or piece of paper - hard coarse is best. This dude giving me this rod was able to hone by sliding knife on his palm. does not work for me, was some woodo.
Cool video,I've also read in the book Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski that on your denim or canvas cloth strop you can use very fine sand and a little vegetable oil for your stropping compound!
The rods are a finishing method.. similar to stropping. To my understanding the reason for raising the angle a litlle (I usually go about 5 degrees more) it to give the blade a fine finish.. perhaps it makes a slight microbevel.. Whatever it does.. It works very well that way!
A cheap way to do it is an old toilet :) Or the bottom of a coffee cup. the top edge of a car window. Rods are available for sale on the web and in stores.
Thank's again David. I have been putting a edge on knifes for a long time. Today I learned from you, 1, use a littel polish, and, 2 you can use old blue jeans on a block of wood. How ever I would like to know if you can use jeweler's rouge, for the polish/
We were given that knife by someone and the tip was already missing. However I have a Schrade Folder almost identical to Tam's (that I was also given).
The first day that I had it I was starting a hole in a fireboard and broke the tip on mine in the exact same place. I think it's a weakness in the design personally!
great video.
ink1323 1 day ago
Clear, easy-to-understand instructions matched with great demonstrations -- THANK YOU! Like many other people I've struggled to master knife sharpening basics. An excellent tutorial.
cmsprocket 5 days ago
I own some of the best sharpening equipment money can buy (like the Lansky system) and have been ruining edges for many years. This video gives me new hope!
Your videos have an awesome level of quality. They are a real pleasure to watch.
Thanks!
wpirotte 6 days ago
Thank you!
Dperez812 3 weeks ago
you can also use a bottom of a ceramic coffee cup as a sharpener... and your belt like you said as your strop...
chaspears22 1 month ago
Awesome! And that belt compound is a great idea, I would have never thought of that!
uraniumjoe 1 month ago
As usual, your videos are very interesting and util, thanks for sharing this tips...
CASTOR0566 1 month ago
@BushcraftOnFire instead of that special compound could i just use a house hold metal polish like autosol..?
MrStogieMonster1988 1 month ago
@MrStogieMonster1988
You can certainly try it.. let us know how it works :)
BushcraftOnFire 1 month ago
@BushcraftOnFire it doesn't seem to work really its definitely taking metal off but not getting too sharp.. it could just be me not putting a decent edge on to start with i dont know, i think i'l have to invest in a strop and some compound thats whats stopping me getting a decent edge i think i have a good dimond stone and sand paper up to 2000 grit but i still can't get that hair popping edge..
MrStogieMonster1988 1 month ago
where did you get that buffing compound.
swampassoutfitters 1 month ago
@swampassoutfitters
The local Tru Value
BushcraftOnFire 1 month ago
@BushcraftOnFire thanks alot
swampassoutfitters 1 month ago
good stuff ! thanks !
Roca89 2 months ago
@BushcraftOnFire Great video man,thanks for the info.Try as I might,I just suck at sharpening knifes,the only success I have had is with an "acusharp".What do you think of these,what would you recommened after using acusharp to remove the burrs you spoke of in the video,and can you recommend anything better or easier than an acusharp for those of us that have little to no skills for sharpening?
jqcyclops 2 months ago
@jqcyclops Sorry.. I'm not familiar with that sharpener.. maybe someone else will know. Honing your knife or stropping it should remove the burrs.
BushcraftOnFire 2 months ago
THANK YOU!!!! :)
qzceqzceqzceqzce 2 months ago
@Bushcraft on fire i use a smiths diamond sharpner sorta like the one on the second demo on my bear grylls knife but it makes it even more dull (even with the honing solution) any tips if so great if not thats okay
Tootread 3 months ago
@Tootread
If you're not familiar with using diamond stones.. you can easily dull the blade. My first guess is that you are pressing WAY too hard. Lighten up on the pressure.. VERY Light.. and make sure you are keeping your angle consistent. It usually only takes 3 or 4 passes / side on the diamond to get the blade back to razor.
Hope that Helps
BushcraftOnFire 3 months ago
thanks for the tips very much
levelrod 4 months ago
hey, I don't suppose you got a video on how to sharpen serations on knives do you?
varata666 5 months ago
@varata666
I did mention it in a video.. but which one escapes me right now. I use a diamond rod.. and just go in the serrations. Keep the touch soft and the angle low. you can also use a chainsaw file if you like.. HTH
BushcraftOnFire 5 months ago
@BushcraftOnFire It does, however I don't have access to such materials at the moment. The sharpener I do have is the Smith Daimond Stone you got in the vid. I'll keep my eyes open though, thanks.
varata666 5 months ago
great videos thank you
ag1a 7 months ago
looks like smith stone could use some sort of a hand gaurd or such
ag1a 7 months ago
hi i have an new channel now it was liltrapprer 209 an i have a new one now but anyway u guy have some great useful vids
superformance270 7 months ago
instead of a compound what else would you use for the strop
theJudgeofdread1 7 months ago
@theJudgeofdread1
I have used Toothpaste, Mud, and Clay all with success.
BushcraftOnFire 7 months ago
Running a knife along a ceramic steel like you were without a thumb guard makes me cringe. I'm used to 8-12" cooks knives, I'd never do that towards myself
howardb02 7 months ago
Could you go dry instead of using oil? Could i instead of using oil use water? I use whet stones so im always using water.
Richxx105 7 months ago
@Richxx105
You can use water INSTEAD of oil.. which I do on my field stones since water is more available out there. But you CANNOT use water on a stone that has been used with oil. Hope that helps
BushcraftOnFire 7 months ago
I use a stone/device similar to the smith's you have and I can get to a point where I feel an edge and when I hold it up to the light I don't see any shine but it doesn't even cut paper I have no idea what I am doing wrong.
Drownedinblood 7 months ago
@Drownedinblood
It's hard to tell without seeing what you're doing.. but a few things to try. #1 - Use very little pressure once the knife is pretty sharp.. you don't want to dull the edge by pressing too hard on the stone. #2 - Perhaps you aren't sharpening long enough? Try at least 40-50 light strokes on each side.. alternating sides after each 4 or 5 strokes.
BushcraftOnFire 7 months ago
@BushcraftOnFire K thanks I'll try that.
Drownedinblood 7 months ago
hi ive been reading the commentsw on wat kind of oil to use if ur preping food or skining game wat i like to use is cooking oil/canola oil hope u find this tip useful
liltrapper209 8 months ago
@liltrapper209
I actually use Olive Oil. It is anti microbial.. but if you use a lot you will have a mess.. so use it sparingly. Sorry I didn't answer sooner.. I thought I answered this
BushcraftOnFire 7 months ago
Great video!
Downsouth1796 8 months ago
hi! the oil you use on the sharpening stone, is that a specific kind of oil or can you use any kind of oil, for instance engine oil or chain lubricants for bikes.
123kg100 8 months ago
@123kg100
Any oil will work.. but I would keep in mind what I am doing with the knife.. If you are doing a lot of food prep.. I wouldn't use motor oil personally :)
BushcraftOnFire 8 months ago
This was a really good video on some great products and techniques!
BP1991X 9 months ago
how much does a diamond stone usually cost?
CruelMaple 9 months ago
@CruelMaple
They aren't too expensive.. You can get small ones for about $8-$10
BushcraftOnFire 9 months ago
thank you very much
pyrea17 9 months ago
Awesome thanks for the advice and I love your shows. I try to watch them as much as I can. Hooah
666therat 10 months ago
Hey David,
I got that Smith's 3 in 1 field sharpener today and I was just wondering if I need to keep it dry or if I could use oil on it. And if I could what oil would be best for it. Thanks
666therat 10 months ago
@666therat
You shouldn't use oil on a diamond stone or on ceramic. One of the nice things about this system is that you don't need to carry lubricants with you! Once in awhile I wipe my diamond stones off with water in order to "flush" off any metal from the sharpener. I do the same with my ceramic rods from time to time. Other than that they are pretty maintenance free.
BushcraftOnFire 10 months ago
Hi David. I have a Hamberg Scharfe Stein sharpening block, very old but never used. It is 2 shades of grey but unmarked. How do I tell which side is the rough and smooth? Feeling it doesn't really tell me. I am new to this, and want to learn how to sharpen knives and machetes (and yes I will practise on cheap knives first), but I want to use the block properly.
myastroflight 10 months ago
@myastroflight
I'm not familiar with that sharpener.. but you should be able to see the difference of at least feel it. Have you tried wetting it with oil or water? The larger pores of the rougher side should be quite obvious I would think. Hope that Helps
BushcraftOnFire 10 months ago
Thank you, this will help a lot of folks
hku99 1 year ago
Nice! Thank you so much!
noobzorz47 1 year ago
Good job
hapyyidiot 1 year ago
Great video! Very informative thanks for posting.
NLR884evr 1 year ago
that looks like a buck 110 sorta
loku1125 1 year ago
for the Arkansas stone is need to be used always oil or can be water?
tridneven 1 year ago
@tridneven
Once you have used oil.. you can't use water. But if it's a new stone.. you can use water.. I have one that I ONLY use with water.. so it can be used in the bush without having to carry oil.
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
@BushcraftOnFire Tnx!!! I asking because i have new sharping set with 2 Arkansas stones and one small bottle of oil.From the stones the small one is for polishing and the bigger is for sharping .I understand very little german but it is written on the bottle that is only for the polishing stone.
But as you answer my question is no place for enlarging this topic .
tridneven 1 year ago
what is the buffing compound you use for the strop?
Halousa117 1 year ago
@Halousa117
I use a white or brown Jeweler's Rouge... It is available at your local harware store
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
...which i assume is pronounced the same as "Wichita". I learn so much cool stuff on the interweb.... :)
bluenoserr 1 year ago
A better than average video on sharpening. Thank you!
bluenoserr 1 year ago
@bluenoserr
Thanks :) The Arkansas Stone is a Whetstone.. yes.. just a name for it here in the US
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
@BushcraftOnFire Thanks for the response. I deleted my original question because I did some more research, and it's not just ANY whetstone. It needs to be made of novaculite (a high-grade form of chert or flint only found in the Ouachita Mountains)
bluenoserr 1 year ago
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bluenoserr 1 year ago
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bluenoserr 1 year ago
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bluenoserr 1 year ago
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bluenoserr 1 year ago
when using a lether strop is the buffing compond needed? and when i sharpen my knives i can get the tip shaving sharp but the rest the blade only mildly sharp any tips?
lost14559 1 year ago
@lost14559
Buffing compound isn't necessary.. but it really shines the edge! I have used toothpaste, mud in the feild.. and wet comet all to varying degrees of success. I have also used the strop "dry".
You are getting the tip sharp because the angle of that edge is correct.. whereas the main blade isn't. Try seeing what angle you pull the tip off at.. and use that angle for the rest of the blade.
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
@BushcraftOnFire
alright thanks 4 the help :)
lost14559 1 year ago
@BushcraftOnFire toothpaste? hahaha excellent choice sir, did you know that the same compound (Silicon Dioxide) that is glued on sand paper is put into toothpaste
Slic3R1 1 year ago
@Slic3R1 That would explain why my pearly-whites gleam like a Cossack's sabre!
bluenoserr 1 year ago
i got a sog seal pup its a little thicker should i use a different angle i find that it gets dull with minimal use
alex007q 1 year ago
@alex007q
You'll have to figure out which angle will work well for what you are doing. I reprofiled my TBT.. it works a lot better now..
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
i bought a new coleman fixed blade knife from walmart and it came pretty dull (i guess for safety reasons) so i have been sharpening it with that diamond yellow and orange sharpener. i have used it on other knives and they are perfect but on this it seems to not work at all. anybody have any advice?
zonbox9 1 year ago
@zonbox9
Sometimes it's all about the knife..If it's not good steel.. all of your efforts will be in vain. For now.. try sharpening more lightly
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
Just Strop on a honeing stone, it's more effective in taking off the wire edge. It also trues the edge quicker 4 or 5 strokes is all you need
Greenmarine6 1 year ago
Nice simple review, gona get me a smiths diamond, Cheers
MINDWISEMAN 1 year ago
Great vid. I have a rtak II carbon coated. Do you think the hand held smiths or should i use buy the lanskey system by Smiths, which has 3-4 sharperning stones.
Keep up the great vids. I am learning alot. Hope to meet you 1 day
smrobot1 1 year ago
@smrobot1
The lansky will keep your angle consistent.. I have found that you don't really need 3 or 4 stones.. One to get the edge in shape.. and one to fine the edge up is all that's necessary. Saying that.. I have a Lansky that I use when a knife really needs work :) But for the field.. I caryr my Smith's
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
you said that 17° is youor choise for small knives but...for the TOPS anaconda, wich angle do you use?
ikoncino 1 year ago
@ikoncino
I believe that the Anaconda is 25-30 from Tops.. I haven't changed that angle
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
@BushcraftOnFire thanks a lot =) god bless you
ikoncino 1 year ago
Great Video. I recommend putting water on the natural stones as you are sharpening. The water lifts the metal particles off the stone and prevents clogging. In the woods... spit will work. Keep up the good work!
StubProductions 1 year ago
Hey, if you were lost in the woods, and you found a dull knife, how would you do this? Also so is the clay rod finished or unfinished? Could you find clay in the ground and make the same rod?
aproductions 1 year ago
@aproductions
The rod is ceramic.. not clay my friend. Old resistors from telephone/electric lines will work well as will your car window. We showed this in a more recent video (Sharpening without Tools) which shows how to sharpen with a rock
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
Little tip you could include because that knifes tip looks really rounded, Try not to roll the tip over or you'll end up with a round tip
ShadowsRage 1 year ago
@ShadowsRage
Good tip Bro.. However.. the reason that tip is rounded is because I purposely did it. The very first time I used the knife.. I was making a hole for a fireboard, and the tip broke off. So I ground it down to a more round shape so as not to have it break again.
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
Thanks for making your videos! You gave me inspiration to refine my technique and now it is better than ever! Thanks Man, have a great 4th!!
CorruptArsenal 1 year ago
thanks. A heck of alot better than the instructions in by old Boy Scout manual ;)
apamburn 1 year ago
Good video. Personally i like using circular motions on a flat sharpening stone. I think its the easiest way to get a usable edge whilst out in the field.
Alloutdoor1 1 year ago
on the old strait edge razors do you do the same thing with the belt becuz i heard you are supposed to used leather i dont have one but i was wondiring it was the same thing
cholomono12 1 year ago
@cholomono12
Yes.. You would strop a straight edge as well
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
Cool, I liked thr video
LittleBrotherKiller 1 year ago
awesome vid thanks
marshall3win 1 year ago
great video! thanks a ton
opeth867 1 year ago
also important to sharpen both sides evenly
dreamthinker79 1 year ago
Yes it is Dream.. Great reminder!! Thanks
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
Well done. How do you sharpen an ax or hatchet?
stickman409 1 year ago
I basically use a file... And then either a diamond hone or a Puck to finish it off..
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
You can also use a rounded pebble or stone from a lake
SillyBoyBlue83 2 years ago
What is an alternative for stropping compound
extremefred 2 years ago
@extremefred
I''m not saying these are the best... but I have used toothpaste among other things.. even mud on the strop while out in the field.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Good job at showing how to sharpen
extremefred 2 years ago
Excellent!!!!!!
WatchMan815 2 years ago
Just checking out some of your older videos, this has good tips for sharpening. Thanks.
biguy525 2 years ago
really helped me a lot 5/5
Sefion666 2 years ago
Good info. Thanks for posting.
ReDact45 2 years ago
Another great and informative video for me. I do have a question, what is the "finishing compound" and where can you get that kind of stuff for the leather strap or denim strap you were using?...Thanks.
389Lee 2 years ago
Lee...
I got mine at a local Ace Hardware. It's a slightly abrasive metal polishing compound that comes in stick form. I have also used mud, toothpaste, and other similar products with good success!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
@389Lee It's Master Mechanic Buffing Compound 307405. Just got that from pausing the video several times.
StephMGII 1 year ago
is it okay to strop a knife on an old leather wallet?
will it work as well as a belt?
utuubee 2 years ago
I have used a wallet, a boot, and other pieces of leather. I have used cardboard and newspaper... and even the back of another knife like a honing rod (A great reason to carry at least 2 knives)!! They all do the job!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
still pretty dull to me, i want to see a knife razor sharp, where u can run ur finger on the balde and it will start to take skin
hawkdlb06 2 years ago
i heard u cal also wrap newsprint really tight and u can hone on that, i just use an old leather belt with sharpening compound on it
hawkdlb06 2 years ago
I use the bottom of a coffee mug, it is usually unglazed
TheMudhole9 2 years ago
I've heard that works but never tried it.
darkcolmar 2 years ago
Yet another great video thanks Dave!
iSurvivalSkills 2 years ago
I wondered all this time what I was doing so horribly wrong...LIGHT PRESSURE!!
NOBODY EVER TOLD ME NOT TO BEAR DOWN REALLY REALLY HARD ON THE STONE!!!
Well maybe with that little tip I can stop turning razor sharp into butter spreading dull!
Say about that buffing compound...I have noticed other people strop without that stuff, is it really necesary or does it just do a better job? If there a good substitute for that in the bush?
StormRider308 2 years ago
Storm..
Glad it helped :) Now you can turn butter knives into razor sharp tools!
There are quite a few other things you can use for Buffing Compound.. Some that I have used include toothpaste (not the gel kind) and in the field.. Mud!)
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
thank you very much for this great video. the best and most comprehensive sharpening video i have ever seen.
Tikmondo 2 years ago
has anybody else noticed that david wendle looks like dave canterberry ?
OneWithGuns93 2 years ago
Yeah..
I think we are long lost brothers from different mothers.. LOL!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks! I always wanted to learn how to sharpen a knife. I got a couple around that are about as sharp as a butter knife... LOL. I have to buy a stone, and get to work.
gmako74 2 years ago
This is probably my biggest area of oppertunity for improvment. I am the worst sharpener that ever lived. I am working on it though and have wondered a lot about some of the tech you showed ie: stroping? I have one of those kits that you showed in the begining and that seems to work well for me but it won't get that "perfect" edge I have been searching for.
GREAT VID as always.
MaximumDensity1 2 years ago
Amazing control, I would be missing my thumbs! Great video!
Navyguy0023 2 years ago
Very good video Dave thanks , I just recently bought a Mora which came dull surprisingly and I am attempting to put a razor edge on I say again Attempting lol. I think I got my self in trouble by using too much pressure . I bought the same smith sharpener haven't decided if I like it went back to the soft Arkansas stone for now.
medicjimr 2 years ago
everytime you came back on the stones with your blade I thought you were going to slice your thumb off haha.. but you have very good control over what youre doing not to mention the fact that you've been doing this for quite some time, great video I've learned a few things
Fearyourgovernment 2 years ago
Dave,
That was so well done and easy to follow that I think anyone watching it could put a razer edge on their knives. Keep up the good work.
jwelch9004 2 years ago
To stropp, can you use cardboard as well and do you have to use that compound stuff ?
Roboflux 2 years ago
cardboard dont work real well .a strip of a paper shopping bag the brown ones , will work but it wont last very long . did it years ago that way . as for the compound hes using nope you dont , but ill bet it does help , a good ruff leather strap works fine .
lasttry666666 2 years ago
Ok, thanks. I have used pieces of brown cardboard...think its called that...the ones you ship things in/with eeeh...iam Norwegian and not so good in english_
Roboflux 2 years ago
Robo..
I have actually used cardboard to strop and it worked very well. I did use coumpound on the cardboard but it can be done without. The cardboard naturally has clay in it that acts as a compound.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Oh, didnt know that it got clay in it but thats just great. I use my spyderco sett but iam gonna by me self some stones, i like bether working on those stones you know.
Anyone have some great sugestions on some great quality stones?
And again, thanks Dave for everything!!!
Roboflux 2 years ago
what is the stuff that you put on your belt?? and where could i purchase some??
dudeman1823 2 years ago
Dude..
You can buy Jeweler's Rouge.. but I am simply using White Rouge Buffing Compound which you can find at most hardware stores. I have also used toothpaste, comet, and Mud in the bush which works almost as well. Any slight abrasive will do the job. Hope that Hopes :)
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
toothpaste...hehe great tip...Thanks;)
EnergyBreeze 2 years ago
thanks brah =D
dudeman1823 2 years ago
wow i tip my hat to you . this is one of the best vids i have seen on how to sharpen a knife. very well laid out and good show ,and no pull through sharpeners most people use them and they ruin the edge on a knife . one thing to try i have used suede leather from a cheep coat after it has been wet and dried it is stiff and will give you a edge that you can shave with .
lasttry666666 2 years ago
excellent advice, very informative!
missourioutdoorss 2 years ago
Another great how-to Dave. Thanks!
sraike 2 years ago
Thank you all for your comments and questions..
Andrew... I dislike the pull through sharpeners. They won't adjust for the edge angle and they only do a mediocre job for sharpeining your tools. It pays to learn to sharpen with a stone
Hydro...I have a few Arkansas Stones and use them regularly. Truth be told.. sometimes the "Old Ways" are still the best ways.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks for the video, lots of good info.
yoshaki 2 years ago
thanks david...that really helped me out...
shikamaru15x 2 years ago
what do you think of an old arkansa stone sharpener???
hydro560400 2 years ago
Would you recommend commercial pull-through sharpeners?
AndrewXAnarchy 2 years ago
Well, they do some work. but there are different models, and some are real crap. Do some research on internet. For me, stone sharpening and then some honing is best.
DudeNumberOnePlus 2 years ago
I've been looking at the Benchmade and Acusharpeners.
AndrewXAnarchy 2 years ago
Ah, newer tried them. I use common two sided stones, bought at hardware store. Theyre bit too rough, but when you use little pressure in your final phase of sharpening, they do good. Then i touch up with really hard steel rod, i got it from friend, its ejector from alluminium casting machine. But when thats not at hand, you can hone it on bet, or piece of paper - hard coarse is best. This dude giving me this rod was able to hone by sliding knife on his palm. does not work for me, was some woodo.
DudeNumberOnePlus 2 years ago
Great Basics i learn from you...thank you Dave 5/5 !!!
EnergyBreeze 2 years ago
Excellent tips, and one of the things most important to learn for use in the field. I like the denim strop. I will have to try that out. 5/5!
KURGAN44 2 years ago
Cool video,I've also read in the book Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski that on your denim or canvas cloth strop you can use very fine sand and a little vegetable oil for your stropping compound!
5/5
UnlimitedBushcraft 2 years ago
Great vid. I've been wondering about sharping my knives lately.
phokuzbt 2 years ago
Hi David,
Why did you raise the angle of the edge when using the ceramic rods?
wolfuntamable 2 years ago
Wolf...
The rods are a finishing method.. similar to stropping. To my understanding the reason for raising the angle a litlle (I usually go about 5 degrees more) it to give the blade a fine finish.. perhaps it makes a slight microbevel.. Whatever it does.. It works very well that way!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks Dave. I have been looking for a vid on that subject for a while. I'm going to sharpen my points!!!!!!
anyonefindAMERICA 2 years ago
awesome vid dave.
Burson69 2 years ago
Great info and demonstration..Thanks!
redrock52 2 years ago
thanks dave,great info
abr1242 2 years ago
Thanks mate, never seen or heard of ceramics before, more detail please!
bogesk 2 years ago
Bogesk...
A cheap way to do it is an old toilet :) Or the bottom of a coffee cup. the top edge of a car window. Rods are available for sale on the web and in stores.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Took me 45 mins to watch this video. But it was worth.
Aqualiteking 2 years ago
Great video and great attention to detail!! 5/5*****
johnboyrebel27 2 years ago
nice vid. Need to get me more buffing comp. Thanks for reminding me. Aloha
79outlaw 2 years ago
Great info!
BroPaul 2 years ago
Thank's again David. I have been putting a edge on knifes for a long time. Today I learned from you, 1, use a littel polish, and, 2 you can use old blue jeans on a block of wood. How ever I would like to know if you can use jeweler's rouge, for the polish/
davideli7879 2 years ago
David..
Jeweler's rouge is best.. However.. I have also used Toothpaste, Baking Powder, Metal Polishing Compound, and plain old mud all with success!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks for the prompt reply, most useful!
bogesk 2 years ago
Bloody..
We were given that knife by someone and the tip was already missing. However I have a Schrade Folder almost identical to Tam's (that I was also given).
The first day that I had it I was starting a hole in a fireboard and broke the tip on mine in the exact same place. I think it's a weakness in the design personally!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
great video
looks like tam lost the tip of her knife lol
Bloodynavallint 2 years ago
5stars !
amwdc21 2 years ago
first view. good video.
Rocdenindy 2 years ago