Knife Maintenance 101: How To Sharpen A Pocket Knife
Aug 18th 2022
As a responsible knife owner, knowing how to maintain your pocket knife properly is important. One of the most important aspects of maintenance is sharpening, but with so many different grit options available, it can be overwhelming to choose one.
This guide will explain grit and the importance of choosing the best knife sharpener for your pocket knives. Let's get started!
Stone Grit Rates
When sharpening a pocket knife, choosing the right grit level is crucial. Here is a breakdown of the different grit rates and what they're best suited for:
Extra Coarse
Extra coarse grit stones are typically used for repairing or reprofiling damaged blades. This grit is very abrasive and should be used sparingly, as it can remove a significant amount of metal from the blade.
Medium Coarse
Medium coarse grit stones are commonly used for sharpening dull blades that have been neglected for a while. This grit level is also ideal for removing nicks and chips in the blade.
Fine
Fine grit stones are ideal for polishing and refining the edge of a blade that is already sharp. This grit level will help to remove any scratches or imperfections in the blade.
Extremely Fine
Extremely fine grit stones achieve a razor-sharp edge on your blade. This grit level is best suited for knives that require an extremely sharp edge, such as fillet knives or straight razors.
Mirror Polish
Mirror polish grit stones are the finest grit level available and are used for creating a highly polished finish on the blade. This grit level is only recommended for experienced knife sharpeners, as it requires high skill and patience to achieve a mirror polish.
Effective Sharpening Methods
Now that you know the different grit levels available, let's take a look at some of the most effective sharpening methods for your pocket knife:
V-Edge Pull Through Knife Sharpener
The V-Edge Pull Through Sharpener is an easy and convenient way to sharpen your pocket knife. Place the blade in the slots and pull it through with light pressure.
The Stone Method
The Stone Method uses sharpening stones of varying grit levels to achieve a sharp edge on your pocket knife. To use this method, hold the knife at a 20-degree angle against the stone and move it back and forth smoothly.
Sharpening Grinders
Sharpening grinders are electric or manual tools that use abrasive wheels to sharpen your knife. These grinders come in different grit levels and can be used to quickly and easily sharpen your knife. However, they should be used with caution as they can remove a lot of metal from the blade if not used properly.
The KME System
The KME System is a precision sharpening system that uses diamond abrasive rods to sharpen and refine your pocket knife. This system allows you to adjust the angle of the sharpening rods for different types of knives and has a range of grit options available.
EKnives - Where You Find Superior Pocket Knives
At EKnives, we understand the importance of having a sharp and reliable pocket knife for cutting tasks. However, finding a trustworthy source to purchase high-quality custom knivescan be tricky. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to take proper care of your knives. No knife owner deserves a dull or poorly maintained knife that doesn't perform as expected.
At EKnives, we offer different types of pocket knives made of high-quality materials and top blacksmiths so you can confidently purchase them. We understand your love for custom knives and want to provide the best resources for proper maintenance and care. Happy sharpening!