There are a number of different ways to sharpen your pocket knife. The honing rod is just one option. However, it is important to know the right way to do it.
Identify the bevel angle of the blade
If you’re new to sharpening, the first thing you need to learn is the proper bevel angle for your knife. This can be done by asking a store clerk or searching online.
The angle is usually calculated for both sides of the blade. You can use a bevel gauge or simply raise the spine of the blade above the angle guide. Once you’ve found the correct angle, it’s time to start sharpening.
There are two types of angles you can use: the primary bevel and the edge leading stroke. Both should be used to maximize the performance of your knife.
The primary bevel is the steeper angle near the edge of the cutting edge. It’s typically 1/8 inch or 3/16 of an inch wide. For most knives, this is the most important edge to sharpen.
Locate the right angle between the knife and the honing steel
One of the best ways to keep a knife sharp is to hone it at the proper angle. This allows the blade to glide across the surface of the rod without causing unnecessary scratches and cuts.
Honing should not be rushed and it should be used in conjunction with a blade sharpener. A handheld sharpener is the easiest way to go and it can get your knives ready for the grill or the table in no time.
You can hone your knife using a sharpening stone, a sandpaper stone, or even a mechanical sharpener. The only thing to remember is that you should not be using too much pressure. If you are new to the process, start slowly.
To hone your knife, you should use the right angle and the right motion. You should hold the edge of the blade in one hand and move it from the top to the bottom of the hone in a smooth and controlled manner.
Apply an anti-friction agent
One of the best ways to maintain the sharpness of your pocket knife is to apply an anti-friction agent. An anti-friction agent will reduce the friction that can lead to heat and warping of the blade.
A good lubricant is mineral oil or spit. You should apply the lubricant just enough to keep the surface clean.
You should hold the blade at a 10-20 degree angle. This will help ensure that the knife edge is able to slide easily through a sheet of paper.
Once the blade is at this proper angle, you should start sharpening it. Use light pressure and move the blade in a feathery motion. Do this five or more times on each side of the blade.
When you are done, you should wipe the blade down with a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can rinse the blade with water. If you are worried about rust, you can soak the blade in white vinegar. The acid in the vinegar can remove rust from the metal.
Use a lubricant
If you want to sharpen your pocket knife with a honing rod, you will need to learn how to properly use a lubricant. This will not only keep your blade clean, it will also protect the blade from damage.
Honing a pocket knife requires the correct angle and motion. Using too much pressure can cause the blade to heat up and become brittle, ruining the edge. The best angle for your pocket knife is around 25-30 degrees.
A lubricant helps prevent the heat and friction that can cause the blade to become warped. The lubricant also clears away metal debris. It will also prevent the pores from clogging.
You can use a variety of lubricants. Most often, mineral oil is used. However, water is also a suitable option.
Keep the right angle
If you want to keep your pocket knife sharp, then you should make sure that you know how to keep the right angle when sharpening a knife. The edge of your blade is fragile and can be damaged by a blunt force, so you should ensure that you maintain the proper angle when sharpening it.
There are several methods for keeping the correct angle when sharpening a knife. You can use a honing rod, a knife sharpening stone, or even a chopping block. A honing rod is best for honed edges, while a sharpening stone can be used to smooth the surface of the blade.
In order to keep the right angle when sharpening your knife, you need to follow a few basic steps. First, you need to find the angle of your blade. This isn’t difficult, but you need to be careful.