Wet stone, and how to sharpen stuff.?
Question:Do you sharpen a knife and Axe differently with a wet stone. I am fairly sure you use a circular motion on the edge of an axe. But is a knife any different?
Answers:
The reason for the circular motion on an axe is that the axe has so much more metal to remove. Also the axe isn't a precision instrument like a knife.
Pretty much the same using a WHETstone to sharpen a knife.
not really the angle you are sharpening at more important then the motion . 22.5 degrees makes a good sharp edge
If a 40 degree angle is held on a consistent basis on both sides of the blade, sooner or later the knife WILL get sharp! If an angle of 20 degrees is held the knife WILL get sharp!
What angle is best depends on the use of the knife. Few use the so called Tactical knives to do home surgery on a callous or to pick splinters.
If using an old fashioned flat stone, draw the blade from heel to tip across the stone in a smooth even stroke. One stroke, and flip the blade over and repeat. Sounds crazy, but the cutting edge leads against the stone.
Study the edge produced as you go along. Soon, you will notice where the stone is cutting and the results. Also by looking directly at the edge you will notice bright shiny spots perhaps. These are the dull spots which the light reflects from.
The type of stone has no mystery either. The coarser the surface of the stone, the rougher the edge produced, just imagine using sandpaper. A common two side stone available from any hardware store will sharpen ANY knife that you or I will likely have. (ceramic blades excluded)
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