Where is the best place to order a sharpening stone? Also what stone would you recommend for sharpening Woodsman Elites? Thanks in advance.
Brian,
I'd start with a big 12-14" quality file doing 2 blades at a time. I'm anal about sharpening and follow up with a DMT fine diamond bench stonw w/water and then a Black Arkansas stone w/oil. I think mine came from Smoky Mountain Knife Works (if I'm not supposed to refer by name, how about a "large online/catalog knife supplier in the Tennessee mountains"(LOL)! I'm sure there are others, just do an internet search. The only thing I'd recommend with a stone is get a good one with 6-8" of more of surface. Some folks get good results merely free-handing with a file and Jewelstick. To each his own. I finish up with Lansky white or blue sapphire ultra-fine. They'll cut ya if you look at 'em wrong!
Wow thanks for all the info! Will be looking at stones and files this week.
I like a 8" file for really beat up or dull heads to get the initial grind well established. Once you have grind established I use a jewel stick diamond hone you can get from 3Rivers.
KME
I use sandpaper to sharp all my blades. I start with 600 grit, then 1200, then 2000. For very dull ones, I start with 400 or 360 grit. At 1200 grit the blade is razor sharp. But after 2000 grit, I go on and hone the blade in a leather strop, with a abrasive compound. In the end I have a mirror finish edge.
If you have a woodworking store close they will have a lot of different large stones and systems to choose from. Look at Woodcraft or Lee Valley tools.
KME will sell you GOOD quality stones AND give you advice/help over the phone. Pretty hard to beat that combo and from a TRADGANG Sponsor.
QuoteOriginally posted by owlbait:
KME will sell you GOOD quality stones AND give you advice/help over the phone. Pretty hard to beat that combo and from a TRADGANG Sponsor.
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