Sharpening question?

[imskippy]

How are you all sharpening? I have been doing it by hand but think the pros are using belts is this true? Just curious, if so what type/grit belts are you using? That is if you don't mind sharing your trade secrets. Thanks Skippy

[skullworks]

Try this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLjFjT4vYsM&NR=1

I myself use a Lansky System.

[imskippy]

I've seen that video before very helpful. There are some other good ones one there aswell.

[Lin Rhea]

Skippy,
        I use belts in the building process and for the initial shaping of the edge geometry. This deffinitely can get the blade sharp, but I always finish and maintain my edges with stones and stropping.
   I almost never allow my blades to get so bad that I have to go back to the belts to get them sharp.
      This is just the way I do it.   Lin

[OconeeDan]

Lin, you said it well.  
I have one of those angle guide sharpening systems (like lansky), but never really liked it, and found myself going back to putting the initial edge on with belts and using a regular hard stone for the final edge.
The angle quide sharpeners do work well, especially for those who are not practiced with a stone.
Dan

[imskippy]

Thank you guys. I respect your input. It's an honor learning from so many well respected builders. Skippy

[el oso]

My dad showed me how to sharpen  when I was about six and I have been learning ever since. For a final sharpining I hand sharpen  on stones ,but diferent knives call for diferant methods. For some knives I will do a polished edge with a hard Arkansas stone and oil. this gives the sharpest edge, but is not the most deurable and has to be maintained constantly. For a working edge I am sold on the DMT " diomend stones" they leave a microscopic saw tooth edge that cuts like crazy, and lasts a while between sharpinings. For knives with a deep belly and a curved edge I use diamond or ceramic sticks, the kind that stand uprite in a V shape. for thin blade kitchen knives  or felet knives I use a steal. To me , knife sharpining is not black and white. You have to match the style of sharpining to the blade and the type of worke to be done.

[robtattoo]

Lin Rhea:
Skippy,
        I use belts in the building process and for the initial shaping of the edge geometry. This deffinitely can get the blade sharp, but I always finish and maintain my edges with stones and stropping.
   I almost never allow my blades to get so bad that I have to go back to the belts to get them sharp.
      This is just the way I do it.   Lin

[QUOTE Oconeedan]:Lin, you said it well.
I have one of those angle guide sharpening systems (like lansky), but never really liked it, and found myself going back to putting the initial edge on with belts and using a regular hard stone for the final edge [/QUOTE]

Yep, me too. Belt, stone, hone, strop. I try to keep my working blades in 'stroppable' condition, or 'honeable' at worst. I only ever go back to using stones, on my users, if I've chipped or deformed the edge & need to reprofile the bevel.