Knife Sharpening

[Lightguy27]

Ok well I had this big long thing typed up but when I posted CPF was down so I will cut to the chase . My Grandfather recently gave me his old 1980's era Spyderco Mariner. He says that he does'nt know much about it, and that he got it when he use to go crab fishing in the Delware Bay. This knife is in good condition and means a lot to me, my Grandfather was my Dad figure growing up and we are very close so it is relly invaluble to me. This knife truly is a beautiful tool, it is heavy weight solid stainless steel, fine edged, almost 9 inches open, and has a real old school feel to it. As many people know dive knives are generally not razor sharp, and this knife is no exception. I want to have this knife sharpened but skills are lacking. So does anyone still use the old leather techniques or the wet stone or sand paper? Because most of the current techniques get it nice and sharp, but only for a few cuts, the old ways I have found hold an edge much better as the people who still use these techniques know. I will pay shipping both ways and for your services. Hmm, I guess I retyped it all after all...

 

[HoopleHead]

im looking for this service as well.

someone who knows the different knives and steel types, and different grinds, who can either replicate the original angle and edge or reprofile for specific uses. chisel grinds as well!

 

[Lightguy27]

I don't know about all that but I just want a true old fashioned sharpening that actually holds it's edge.

 

[Lightguy27]

Ok well maybe I should try a knife forum so any suggestions on that?

 

[Kueh]

Many of us (I'm guessing) using the ol' bench stones for sharpening. I do occasionally using a leather strop to polish the edge.

It's not difficult to learn, just takes practice.

Can't tell from your description.... does your Mariner have a serrated edge or plain edge ?

 

[Lightguy27]

Plain.

 

[Metatron]

i use the apex edge pro on all my knives, they hold their edges well as i have reground them to 15 degrees either side. all my edges i can shave with.

happy to sharpen any knife at no charge, just as long as u handle postage

 

[Lightguy27]

More details please? Maybe pics?

 

[carrot]

Spyderco will resharpen your knife for the cost of return postage (almost free). After that it is very simple to maintain a keen edge with a Spyderco Sharpmaker. Spyderco's sharpening tools and service are as good as any, at making an edge razor sharp.

 

[guyg]

Ditto on Spyderco sharpening it.

 

[Metatron]

given au customs may just detain ur knife i gotta give a +1 for spyderco.

 

[AlexGT]

A member here named cutlerylover has some very good videos on various sharpening methods, his instructions are very easy and accurate, you may be able to sharpen your knife yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/results?sear...pening&search_type=&aq=0&oq=cutlerylover+shar

 

[Lightguy27]

Thanks for all the input guys, I will try my options and report back.

 

[shakeylegs]

Ok well maybe I should try a knife forum so any suggestions on that?

Bladeforums has a whole forum on maintenance but you may need to register. http://www.bladeforums.com/

Knife forums has a whole forum on sharpening
http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/

 

[adamlau]

Give it a go yourself, leather and sandpaper have never gone out of fashion. How else is one to maintain a convex edge? Go with a Sharpmaker as your Mariner likely has a beveled primary edge. Face a mirror to help maintain a consistent vertical angle when drawing the blade downwards .

 

[Lightguy27]

Bump

 

[NoFair]

This knifemaker sharpens knives for others and is well regarded on Bladforums.

http://www.freewebs.com/sfaknives/Sharpening Service.html

He normally puts convex edges on knives (like in the old days), so the knife can easily be maintained with a treated leather strop/hone.

The first sharpening is free (shipping excluded):thumbsup:

Otherwise a trip to Golden Colorado to see the Spyderco crew is a great option.
If you do this I would recommend a Sharpmaker kit to maintain it and other knives in your household.

Sverre

 

[precisionworks]

About 40 years ago, I realized I'd never acquire the skills to freehand sharpen a blade ... there are now three or four clamp on blade jigs that I use for all sharpening. Combine diamond "stones" with the jig, & the result is a factory perfect edge at whatever angle you want.

Lansky has been around since forever, and is an excellent, inexpensive (under $50) system. Google Lansky sharpeners.

The DMT QuickEdge Aligner Kit is nice for smaller blades, up to 4" or so. Similar price to Lansky.

Other guides, mostly similar to those above, can also do an excellent job. A good discussion here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201500

 

[Radiophile]

i use the apex edge pro on all my knives, they hold their edges well as i have reground them to 15 degrees either side. all my edges i can shave with.

How do you like the Apex Pro? I've been lusting after the standard model for a couple of years, but haven't ordered one just yet.

For my sharpening needs I have a Gatco system (similar to Lansky's clamp system) with natural stones, but the majority of time I use a 20+ year old Smith's aluminum oxide V-rod system to keep my knives ridiculously sharp.

I also broke down and bought a Chef's Choice sharpener that I'm afraid to use because it removes so much metal, so it gets used mostly for inexpensive kitchen knives. The stropping stage does put a nice polish on the bevel though.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

Spyderco will resharpen your knife for the cost of return postage (almost free). After that it is very simple to maintain a keen edge with a Spyderco Sharpmaker. Spyderco's sharpening tools and service are as good as any, at making an edge razor sharp.

Nice bit of info, that. Thanks.