confessions of a sharpening addict

Uncle Buck · November 16, 2011, 07:44:00 PM

I have a sharpening problem, I flat out love to sharpen knives, broadheads, axes, anything with an edge. I probably own about a dozen different sharpeners and use then all. Sharpening knives relaxes me and puting an edge on one that is hopelessly dull is very rewarding for me. I am finding another sharpening tool that I have to have. I recently picked up a virtually brand new Gatco Professional model sharpening system at the Goodwill For $12 ( did I mention Im also Cheap) . I even ask friends to lend me their knives so I can sharpen them for them. Does anybody else have this disease?

May God Bless,
Buck

cody94 · November 16, 2011, 07:51:00 PM

not quiet but im on the right path

DannyBows · November 16, 2011, 07:57:00 PM

I too am afflicted with a burning desire to sharpen things. I often sharpen broadheads during downtime at work, of course my co-workers think I'm nuts, but they give me space and that's a good thing. They do bring me things to sharpen though.

I have spent a lot of bucks over the years on every system I took a fancy to, but these days I find the only two I need are my KME, and a Simmons Steel Master. They take care of all my broadheads and knives. I even put a shaving sharp edge on a small Damascas Hawk recently with the KME.

I buy used broadheads from the classifieds just to have some to sharpen.

So 'Sharpen on' Brother, you're not alone!

guspup · November 16, 2011, 07:57:00 PM

OK, I admit, I can't live with dull stuff.

Al33 · November 16, 2011, 08:15:00 PM

I am always sharpening something. Being a woodcarver and bow hunter I have broad heads, Knives, gouges in all shapes and sizes, axes, hatchets, and even a tomahawk to keep sharp. I cannot stand trying to use an edge tool that is not sharp. My pocket knife will shave you and I have to warn folks who want to use it for some quick need to be especially careful. Amazes me how so many folks carry a knife that won't cut butter.

joebuck · November 16, 2011, 08:20:00 PM

gatcos,Lanskys,Simmons,spiderco,wicked edge,all sizes of diamonds, India stones, water stones, Arkansas stones,grinders, ABS sharpening wheels KME BH and knife sharpener, henkel steels,ceramic rods, carbide drag cutters, 3 different leather stropps with 60000 grit chromium oxides compounds and pastes, 12" screw driver? , stainless burnishing rod.. I think that's about it.

So what is my go too?
quick razor edge on knife? Alaska bowhunting supply Grizz wheel. Fast and easy.

broadhead sharpening my stainless steel heads? KME knife sharpening with the stones and homemade leather strop attachment. It stays on my desk at all times. Adjustable angle is way to go. Use a 20x maginifier and lightly touch up my heads back to scary razor sharp.

I am an addict too.

Uncle Buck · November 16, 2011, 08:23:00 PM

one sure sign that you are a sharpening addict is when all thr hair on your left forearm has been shaved off by testing edges.

NoCams · November 16, 2011, 08:28:00 PM

Uncle Buck....not so if you are a SouthPaw ! By the end of season my right calf is smoother than my wife's too !!!

jsweka · November 16, 2011, 09:18:00 PM

I too simply hate an edge you can't shave with.

Pat B. · November 16, 2011, 09:20:00 PM

I even sharpen hoes and shovels; my ax will generally take hair off your arm.

Become one with your file, LOL...

DannyBows · November 16, 2011, 09:39:00 PM

Uncle Buck you are so right! I just ran out of hair on my left arm, not much on the right. If this keeps up I'll have shaved legs.

November 16, 2011, 09:41:00 PM

Come on down to Tx! I have a whole slew of knives and broadheads I would be glad to let you sharpen for me. I am sharpening challenged and it is a true struggle for me to get things really sharp.

Bisch

LA Trapper · November 16, 2011, 10:44:00 PM

Man that steel system Simmons broadheads sells is good. I have the KME but the Simmons landshark has that flare on it. The KME works great on a flat blade. Ron makes a quality product.

The Simmons Steel System- just follow the instructions and it gets sharp, quickly. I stropped it on an old leather belt a few times to see how it would do and hair leaps off your arm. Obsene.

Sharpened 7 heads last night right out of the package and my arm looks like it has the broadhead mange. Just a couple of minutes per head and the first time I used it.

Billy

Matthew Bolton · November 16, 2011, 10:46:00 PM

Apparently I'm the only person in my family that can sharpen anything so I have been made an addict by my family. To me a file and a steel can't be beat when it comes to sharpening anything.

David Yukon · November 16, 2011, 10:47:00 PM

I like thins sharp!!! I do some woodworking and only using hand tools... do you have some japanese natural water stones?

Uncle Buck · November 17, 2011, 05:41:00 AM

I have always been impressed with guys who can improvise using whatever is at hand. When I was a Navy Corpsman with the 3rd Marine Div, I watched a Gunnery sgt put a shaving edge on a kabar with a flat rock and water from his canteen. I have seen guys use the top edge of their truck window or enven an unplugged belt sander turned upside down. On of my wifes friends just gave her a large nail file made of glass coated with some kind of abrasive. I just might have to give it a try when shes not home.

Michael Pfander · November 17, 2011, 07:19:00 AM

I have had people ask me "whats wrong with your arm?" In my case the right. I have a suggestion for all of you who can't get enough edge work in. Buy a set of Japanese swords. The real ones, correctly sharpening and polishing a katana, wakazashi, and tanto will keep you sharpening for days. It takes me a solid week to get them ready for a Tai Chi. Of course I have more than one set. Oh well.
MAP

Soilarch · November 20, 2011, 03:34:00 PM

I'll put my Sharpening "complex" up against anyone's!

I even started a business, so I can actually prove how much money I've spent in the last 2 years on sharpening stuff. Japanese waterstones are way cool, I've tried the high-end synthetics (Naniwa & Shapton) and the good ole "King" 1k/6k. I prefer the cheaper kings for knives/broadheads though.

I don't think I'll ever be able to afford a true Jap. "natural" though.

I'm on my 3rd or 4th DMT 8" extra coarse. I wear them out keeping my waterstones flat.

Everyone should by a King 1k/6K stone. The small 8X2" combo stone is all anyone would *NEED* to do knives, hatchets, and broadheads for a lifetime...and they're less than $40. Waterstones are a joy.

For the paper wheel guys...try some 1 micron diamond paste from Italdo on the polishing wheel. It's about $20, but will last you a lifetime...and you can thank me later.

Yeah, I love sharpening...should I seek counseling?