Knife Sharpening - Basic Technique and Demonstration

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to knife sharpening using a basic technique demonstrated by Jef Jewell. The goal is to equip beginners with the necessary skills to sharpen knives effectively, improving their performance and longevity.

Step 1: Understand Knife Angles

• Choose Your Angle: Decide on an angle for sharpening, typically between 18-20 degrees for knives. The closer the spine is to the stone, the more acute the angle, resulting in a sharper edge.
• Practice Holding the Knife:
  • Grip the knife firmly.
  • Place it on the stone at the chosen angle.
  • Use a wrist motion to lock the angle and apply gentle pressure downwards.

Step 2: Sharpening Technique

• Twist Motion: As you sharpen, twist the knife into the stone, allowing it to follow its natural curve.
• Long Sweeping Strokes:
  • Perform long strokes from the heel to the tip of the blade.
  • If the knife has a belly (curved tip), adjust your wrist to maintain the angle as you move.

Step 3: Developing a Burr

• Identify a Burr: After sharpening one side, feel for a burr (a small raised edge of metal) on the opposite side. This indicates that you have sharpened enough on one side.
• Switching Sides:
  • After developing a burr, switch to the other side and repeat the process.
  • Use the same number of strokes (e.g., 10 strokes) on each side for consistency.

Step 4: Refining the Edge

• Inspect the Edge: Look for a reflection of light on the edge. The goal is to eliminate this reflection, indicating that the edge is being sharpened properly.
• Repeat: Continue alternating sides and sharpening until the reflection disappears.

Step 5: Use of Grit Stones

• Selecting Grit: Start with a coarser stone (around 320 grit) for initial sharpening. Progress to finer stones (2000 grit, then 4000 grit) for refining the edge.
• Transitioning Between Stones: Always ensure the knife is free of burrs before moving to a finer stone.

Step 6: Stropping the Knife

• Stropping: After sharpening, use a leather strop with a polishing compound to refine the edge further.
  • Perform edge-trailing strokes (pulling the knife away from the edge) to avoid cutting into the leather.

Practical Tips

• Start with Budget Knives: Use affordable knives for practice, avoiding very cheap or low-quality options.
• Check Your Work: Periodically test the sharpness by cutting paper; if it catches, you may need to return to the stone.
• Maintain Your Stones: Ensure your sharpening stones remain flat. Use a diamond plate or concrete surface to flatten them.

Conclusion

Knife sharpening is a skill that improves with practice. By following these steps, you can develop a sharp edge on your knives, enhancing their performance for cooking or outdoor activities. Remember to practice consistently, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques and angles until you find what works best for you. Happy sharpening!