Realigning Deformed Edges

I have mostly kitchen knives. I have found that doing anything without a jig (WEPS) introduces variability in “finding” the precise bevel to apex plane. If you have a micro bevel then it is even more difficult. Using strops while on the WEPS is also touchy to avoid rolling the edge (ie. most people recommend backing off 1-2 dps to avoid it but then you are using pressure to find the edge with variability). I use a Messermeister white $20 ceramic rod to true up my kitchen knife edges. It is claimed to be 1200 grit but in looking at the scratch patterns under my scope I feel it is coarser than the 1200 WEPS diamond grit (more like 600 to me). I used to use a classic steel but threw it in the trash once I saw how it ripped up the edge under my scope.

Using the white rod freehand (or anything else for that matter) takes practice. I find that only a few very light edge leading strokes on the rod does it. A few hints I found are to hold the rod horizontal with the end resting on something (so the rod doesn’t move) to give you a view of the black marks, pretend you are trying to cut peels out of the rod, listen to the sound carefully (it varies slightly based on contact angle). I go edge leading away from me and flip the knife and go edge leading toward me. You need to be able to see what you are doing.

I go straight to a thumb nail scrape (before, during, after) to help me determine progress. The white rod also has the benefit of leaving steel markings with each stroke (see pics). I think the wider black lines are an indication that you have engaged more of the bevel. Note that it is very easy to inadvertently put a micro bevel (say 20 dps) on an edge when you were just trying to straighten a 16 dps bevel. The knife will be sharper than before straightening but not as sharp as it was at 16 dps. This has happened to me a lot (pic 3). I contend that very, very few people can put a freehand bevel/straightening on an edge like a jig can (WEPS). A scope will tell the true results.

It takes years of practice for a straight edge barber to perfect his stropping and he has the advantage of special straight edge geometry to find his angle. It’s about pressure and smooth angular flow (not trivial). I have been at it for a few years now and am not sure if I will ever get there but t sure is fun and interesting. Good Luck. Tom

I use a Spyderco sharpmaker for quick touch ups. It is inexpensive and a couple of passes on each side brings back a great edge. Done in a minute. Issue is it is fixed to 20  and 15 degrees when using the base. I use it on my edcs which I typically sharpen at 15 dps.  Never used it on my kitchen knives which are typically sharpened at a lower angle but the sharpmaker stones could be used in the same fashion as a traditional steel.