Best Angle to Sharpen Knives and Heads..What Is It?

[Nala]

Hey all,

I am a rank AMATEUR at sharpening.  I just recently learned to get a wonderful edge on my 2 blade Bear green heads with a file.  I also have become pretty good at getting a good edge on my 3 blade Woodsman heads with a file, but it's not shaving sharp like I would like.

That brings me to why I posted this thread.  When it comes to knives I have to use a Lansky.  I am not too fond of it, but its the only thing I have other than a bench diamond stone that I have to eyeball and that don't work well enough to be repeatable.  I would like to know what the best angle to use on the Lansky when I sharpen my knives and other heads.  I have heard some say 20 degrees and others say 25.  Is there a consensus on what angle is the best to use for fixed and folding blade knives?  Keep in mind that I am using a LANSKY and the angle has to be one that is on the guide for me.

What are your thoughts on the best angle to sharpen at?

Thanks for your help and time.

Nalajr

[R H Clark]

IMHO it would depend on the original angle and how much time you want to put into reprofiling the edge.On a fairly thin short blade it won't take near as long to reprofile as on a thicker blade.

Some knives may have a zero convex and should be sharpened with fine sandpaper on a mouse pad.Some blades have a zero scandi grind and shoule be held to the original angle.

It all depends on the knife and what you intend to use it for.A 20 degree should be slightly sharper than a 25 but a 25 might not chip or roll quite as much.

A trick I've heard is to use a sharpie to mark just the very edge.That way you can tell if you are sharpening or profiling.