I’m a retired chef with 30 years in white tablecloth restaurants, including two of my own. Using knives as part of my daily activities is ingrained. Regretfully, I never became proficient at freehand sharpening. I achieved only passable toothy edges on my (mostly Wusthof) work horses. I almost always had a Norton Tri-Stone around.
For a couple of years now I’ve collected a dozen and a half of better folders and custom fixed blades. Production knives, mid-techs, and customs. I exclusively used a Sharpmaker during this time. I wouldn’t dare try to sharpen them freehand for fear of scratching polished blades. It’s worked pretty well but once I learned about guided systems I soon jonesed for a Wicked Edge system.
My main exposure so far to better knives, better steels, and better sharpening techniques has been on BladeForums. I particularly want to thank 000Robert for directing me here.
I received a WE Pro-Pack III this week and have been begun to learn how to use it. Reading threads here has already been very helpful in getting started. I have a few tool steel carbon blades around to hopefully become proficient on before tackling my expensive folders and custom fixed blades.
Wayne I am glad you are with us. If you reach past the tip of the knife — move your hand a way from the knife as you bring your arm back. Safety first.
That’s ok. You can use whatever screenname that you want. I just decided to use the same screenname and avatar here, and at BF. This is the first time that I ever did that. I usually use different screennames and avatars for different forums.
Oh yeah. The odd part for me is that I never had an interest in folders till I retired. Except for the ubiquitous SAK. Strange but true. Since joining BF I’ve spent thousands on folders, and a couple of good custom fixed blades. Now I truly have what I desire and will use. My premium kit, if you will.
The next step was a WE system. I’m still pouring over videos. The Jende WEPS Chosera Tutorials posted in Getting Started are very helpful.
I’m the opposite - I bought my WE130 first, and then started buying some knives. I bought a Kershaw Launch 1 because I wanted a decent little auto to clip in a pocket. Then started buying fixed blades. After looking around, I decided that Carothers Performance Knives (CPK), were the knives that fit the bill for me. I love the looks and the toughness of CPK knives in CPM-3V steel. Plus they aren’t terribly expensive.
I lucked out and got a new CPK U/F - Utility/Fighter in 3V steel with Black and Red Linen Micarta scales.
Seems like Kershaw is the “gateway” to this addiction, I started with a Cryo and soon moved up to CRK’s. I have a fixed blade or two, scandi grind, I bought from Finland but right now I spend my time (and money) on Barry Wood knives…
It would be nice to see some photos! Before I bought my CPK U/F, I bought a Buck 120 General. I have always been partial to Buck knives and I just had to have at least one General. I also got three Grade A USA military surplus M7 bayonets for me and my two sons.
If you are doing expensive knives be sure to tape the knife well. Mysterious scratches show up on the blade face many times no matter how careful I am. Pretty much impossible to remove by hand.
Yup. if I’m sharpening a knife for someone who I think is anal about their knives, I’ll tape up all exposed areas to protect against accidental scratches. To prevent marks from the vise clamps, I use the aluminum foil duct tape. It sticks like a million bucks and cleans up very easily. The vise jaws bite into it really well too. Some guys also tape up the handles too. Not a bad idea.
