Whether you’re just starting out with the world of knives or you’re an experienced knifemaker looking for a new challenge, it’s easy to get excited about making your own pocket knife. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways you can make a pocket knife using household items that you probably have around your home.
Identify the Bevel Angle
A common problem with sharpening pocket knives is that they are often sharpened at a strange angle. This is caused by the way that knives are manufactured, and can lead to a blade that is too sharp or too dull. To fix this, you need to identify the bevel angle of your knife before you begin.
Most pocket knives have a bevel angle of 25 to 30 degrees. This is commonly known as the rough grind angle, and it’s important to keep this angle steady when sharpening your knife.
This will ensure that you’re always working with a sharp edge, and you can easily sharpen your pocket knife.
Use a Rock to Sharpen your Knife
While not exactly a household item, a flat rock makes a great surface to sharpen your blade. However, you should be careful when using a rock for this purpose because the surface is very rough and can ruin your blade.
Alternatively, you can use something like an old nail file to sharpen your blade. You can find a nail file in any household, and this method is an excellent way to sharpen your knife without having to spend much money.
Test for Sharpness
The best way to tell if your pocket knife is sharp is by holding it up to the light. If the blade is sharp, it should slice through paper easily. If it’s not, you should check for imperfections or rounded parts on the blade.
There are several different types of tools that you can use to test your blade’s sharpness, so make sure to do it on a regular basis. You can also test for sharpness by slicing through paper or cardboard.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sharpening materials, as long as they aren’t too coarse. You don’t want to use a stone that is too rough for your knife, or a hard metal surface, as these will damage the blade and leave it dull.
Another good idea is to use a piece of sandpaper or a sandpaper block that’s been soaked in water. Putting your pocket knife on this material will help to remove any excess steel from the blade, and it can also be used as a strop for the edges of your knife.
Adding Oil to your Pocket Knife
There are many different kinds of oils that you can add to your pocket knife to lubricate it. These can be found at your local hardware store, or online at places such as Amazon. While most of these are petroleum-based products, some are food safe and could be a good option if your knife is also used as an eating utensil.