If you have ever wondered how to sharpen a hunting knife, you have come to the right place. There are plenty of different ways that you can get the blade of your hunting knife back to its best. But you need to be sure that you are using the proper method.
Over-sharpening a knife is possible
Many people don’t understand the importance of proper knife sharpening. This can lead to over-sharpening. If done correctly, you’ll not only prolong the life of your knife but also increase the level of satisfaction you’ll get out of using it.
One of the most important aspects of proper sharpening is the right angle. Sharpening at the wrong angle can rob you of the edge you’re working for. It can also cause your blade to become thicker behind the edge. Using a honing rod is a great way to keep your edge in tip top shape.
A good quality blade does not have to be expensive. In fact, the best knives are often inexpensive. Depending on how often you use your knife, you may not need to sharpen it for weeks or months.
Hardness of the steel used in hunting knives
When it comes to hunting knives, the hardness of the steel used plays a big role. Choosing the right material can determine whether a knife stays sharp, is able to hold its edge, and is durable enough to last a lifetime.
There are many different grades of steel to choose from. Knife makers use various ingredients to create each variety of steel. These include carbon, which is the most important component. However, it is not always possible to add all of the elements in the proper ratio. The composition of the steel grade also determines what hardness you can expect.
Some steels are designed specifically for knives. For example, Carpenter XHP is a powder metal steel that offers a high hardness level while being corrosion resistant. It is considered a very good choice for knives.
Using a sharpening stone
A sharpening stone is a great tool for your hunting knife. They provide a consistent angle to the edge of the blade, which reduces slippage and increases retention. It also helps smooth out minuscule irregularities on the blade.
In order to get the most out of a sharpening stone, you’ll need to use the right grit. Sharpening stones range in grit from fine to coarse. The coarser grits are designed to sharpen and polish existing edges, while the fine grits smooth out minor irregularities in the blade.
To start, find a flat surface to hold the sharpening stone. You can either use a holder or clamp it down with a pair of pliers.
Place the hilt of the knife at a 20 degree angle to the surface of the stone. This will prevent your finger from dragging backwards, which can cause metal shavings to stick to the surface.
Using a strop or stropping
A strop is a flat surface that can be used to apply a stropping compound. A strop can be made out of leather, felt, cardboard, or even a newspaper. Leather is the best material for a strop. However, felt and cardboard are not as durable as leather.
When sharpening a knife, you will need a variety of tools. For a strop, you can buy a premade one, or you can make your own. You can also use a strop to polish metal.
The stropping process is similar to the process of using a hone or stone. It involves holding the knife at a certain angle, rubbing the edge on the strop, and then realigning it.
Before you strop, you should take your time and make sure that the angle is not too shallow. If the strop is too shallow, it will not make contact with the edge of your knife, and the edge of your knife will be dulled.
Keeping distractions to a minimum
When it comes to hunting and fishing, nothing beats an efficient sharpened blade. Fortunately, keeping your hunting and fishing kit in top shape is more doable than it sounds. There is a lot of trial and error involved, but not to worry as long as you’re armed with the requisite tools and the proper etiquette. To keep things on track, you’ll need to make a few key decisions and stick to it. The biggest obstacle is often a lack of patience or a stoic demeanor. Keeping distractions to a minimum is the best way to go about it. One of the most effective ways to do this is to have someone else take care of the lion’s share of the grunt work. The key is to ensure you have the right people doing the right things at the right time.