Post by ogeezer on Dec 14, 2006 9:05:01 GMT -6
Now, a hunting knife or utility knife is usually carried in a leather sheath to protect both the knife and the wearer. But one should always remove his/her knife from the leather sheath for storage because the chemicals used in making the leather are pH acidic and will lead to damage of the metals in the knife. After hunting, clean your knife as soon as possible. Blood and body fluids, especially digestive juices, have a corrosive effect on steel. Also remember, if you want to dig a hole, sharpen a stick as a digging tool. A knife was not designed as a shovel.
Now, here comes the big question: What type of stone should I use? That question has been the spark of a fiery debate that still rages on. There are stones that are marketed as either “wet” or “dry.” So keep the following point in mind as you shop around for that perfect stone.
One school of thought insists that a stone should have oil, water, or saliva placed on the surface to float the metal shavings away from the stone when the blade is being sharpened.
The other theory is that using any kind of liquid just clogs the stone with oily, gooey sludge that fills in the pores of the stone, ruining the stone forever and only polishing the blade, rather than honing it to a sharp edge.
I am not going to take either side of that issue. The method I use works on wet or dry stones.
Place your medium-grit stone on the table in front of you. Lay the blade of your knife at about a 20-degree angle on the stone. Place your index finger on the back of the blade. Keeping the edge of the blade in contact with the stone at a 20-degree angle, drag the blade toward you with a steady, smooth, even pull. Apply medium to light pressure as you draw the blade across the stone. Then turn the blade over and repeat. If you keep the knife in the same hand, you’ll need to use your thumb on the back part of the blade and push the blade away from you on this motion. Also remember it’s important to keep the same angle at about 20 degrees on both sides of the blade. Go slowly and alternate forward and backward strokes. Pull to you, then flip the knife and push away. Do this several times. A dull knife will probably take a few extra strokes.
Now, here comes the big question: What type of stone should I use? That question has been the spark of a fiery debate that still rages on. There are stones that are marketed as either “wet” or “dry.” So keep the following point in mind as you shop around for that perfect stone.
One school of thought insists that a stone should have oil, water, or saliva placed on the surface to float the metal shavings away from the stone when the blade is being sharpened.
The other theory is that using any kind of liquid just clogs the stone with oily, gooey sludge that fills in the pores of the stone, ruining the stone forever and only polishing the blade, rather than honing it to a sharp edge.
I am not going to take either side of that issue. The method I use works on wet or dry stones.
Place your medium-grit stone on the table in front of you. Lay the blade of your knife at about a 20-degree angle on the stone. Place your index finger on the back of the blade. Keeping the edge of the blade in contact with the stone at a 20-degree angle, drag the blade toward you with a steady, smooth, even pull. Apply medium to light pressure as you draw the blade across the stone. Then turn the blade over and repeat. If you keep the knife in the same hand, you’ll need to use your thumb on the back part of the blade and push the blade away from you on this motion. Also remember it’s important to keep the same angle at about 20 degrees on both sides of the blade. Go slowly and alternate forward and backward strokes. Pull to you, then flip the knife and push away. Do this several times. A dull knife will probably take a few extra strokes.