Just now working an edge on an old Case xx and a Western hunting knife. The toothpaste leather strap is just what I need to finish up. Thanks for the info!!

I've used this technique before on carving chisels and it works great.  I used some thick glass, and Elmer's spray adhesive to glue the sandpaper down.

Great Job,really apreciate the tie you spent.

                          Thanks T

nice post. i do it a little differently , but i also usually use a straight razor , so this is a lot of the opposite of what i do. nothing really matters other than saying to use the blade edge as the leading edge. ie : cutting the top atom off the paper. most people will gouge both the paper/stone and the knife trying to do this.

the only thing i do differently , is i pull a burr up , then cut into a soft piece of basswood very lightly to remove the burr. after that i strop with an actual strop (just because i have one for shaving , the belt works great too).then use the canvas side of the strop.

i also dont use a steel , but thats one of those preference things. ive gotten great deals on "unsharpenable" knives from people who own steels...

also read up on what are the best angles for what you want. yes , that draw knife might be shaving sharp , but the angle would slice into your throat if you tried shaving with it...


my main tip is if you dont let your knife get  dull , you wont have to spend half an hour sharpening it. touch it up when youre done using it , strop it , and clean it good before putting it away , and youll always have it.


-hov

Thanks for the very helpful info

Excellant,informative and really nicely put together.Great Job and thanks

one of the all time best posts Ive seen on sharpening! Wow! the disciplines and values of the traditional bowhunter are incredible!

Great Post Robtattoo, appreciate all the work. Thanks Don

I can get my broadheads and axe sharp with files  but have a heck of a time getting knives sharp...lol...

this is one awesome thread!! i just filed it for future use. thanks much, robtatto!!    

thanks for the info , i will put it to good use

Thanks I have always wondered how the get a really good edge on a blade.

I use a tool designed by a local smith, called the "Rudolf-strap." Gives a shaving sharp edge in a minute or two, tops.

I have a beautiful custom knife with artificial antler handles, what is this material and where can it be bought.