Knife Sharpness?

[fido dog]

I normally like to keep my knives razor sharp with a very smooth cutting edge finished on leather. Seems this may not be the best for outdoors activities?  I'm thinking a razor sharp with a not as smooth edge would last longer in the field?

I'm having an issue though. My 25 year old Smith Tri-Stone doesn't want to give it to me. The medium stone is actually pretty fine. I've tried several different angles and nothing is pleasing me. Anyone got the low-down on another sharpening system that isn't $100 that might give me what I want?

[GRINCH]

Try the Smiths Easy Sharp hannd held maintains the proper angle works great for me.

[William Tell Not]

I go to the local asian market and get a 1000 grit stone for $30. Most of the bigger markets have a selection of stones. I saw a 3000 grit for $80, but passed it by.

It makes my high carbon blades silly sharp

[Jeremy]

A 1000 grit waterstone is just a hair finer than a soft arkansas stone, but the cheap ones will require frequent flattening.  That's my biggest complaint with the waterstones.  They cut great, but I want to spend the time maintaining my blades, not my stone.

If you want to stick to natural stones, go to the KME sharp site and order the arkansas stones from Ron.  At a 1/2" they're thinner than most out on the market now and less expensive.  The one I have is great.  

Or get yourself a Norton combination India stone, then the soft arkansas.  That'll take care of most everything.  Usually the only things I take to a finer stone (up through the hard arkansas and black arkansas) are woodworking tools and razors (or knives I'm planning to shave with   )

Or spend the extra money and get a coarse diamond plate for heavy metal removal, then switch to the soft arkansas stone.

If your problem is maintaining a consistent angle, buy the KME sharpener (or Gatco, Lansky, DMT etc.)  The medium stone on your trihone should be a soft arkansas or the man-made equivalent.  They can glaze over or have the grit clogged with shavings if you're not using enough oil.  Clean it well and you may get better results.

[Recurve50 LBS]

For under $100.00 you can get the KME knife sharpener. I have one and it gets my knifes and 2 blade broadheads sharp enough to shave/plow the hair off my arms. You can choose the angle you want and set the jig and it will keep your angle. Give Ron a call he's a great guy and will explain the whole thing to you. IMO the knife sharpener is worth every penny. Stop wasteing your time on that old Smith Tri-Stone. I had one but threw it away in the trash after I got my KME.

[Bill Kissner]

Believe me, I have enough knife sharpeners to start my own store. Over 30 years I bought every conceivable sharpening device known to man. About 15 years ago I bought a $5.00 sharpener from a peddler that absolutely out did everything I had. It is by far the best sharpener I have ever seen!


It is called The Steamboat sharpener. It uses two electrical insulators mounted in an oak board similar to any ceramic sharpener. I have taken good care of it because I did not know where I would get another, then I found one on the auction site and immediately bought it. I now see them for sale there occasionally now.

[Lin Rhea]

I second the KME. If you follow the instruction, it will work.

I like a medium soft Arkansas edge lightly stropped. This is for general purpose hard use edge, such as skinning, whittling, etc. I even use this on my Camp Knives. Lin

[William Tell Not]

I use a japanese 1000 water stone for my swords, and knives.

Ive never seen any reason to go to a finer grit

[frank bullitt]

Read Robatatto post above. It works and is inexpensive. I'm like Bill, I have tried alot of gadgets over the years. I was a meat cutter earlier in my young career, and a gentleman showed me the same tech with a piece of glass and sandpaper. Also the book,The Razor Edge.