A good quality honing rod will do a good job at sharpening your pocket knife. You’ll be able to get a perfect edge with your favorite blade. If you want to do more than just the basic sharpening, consider getting a honing kit. This will come with a special lubricant that will reduce the heat buildup on your blade. It’ll also help you maintain the right pressure.
Keep a constant sharpening angle
When sharpening a pocket knife with a honing rod, it is important to keep a constant sharpening angle. In general, a smaller angle produces a more pronounced edge. However, a larger angle will blunt the blade.
If you have a manual, it should contain information on how to determine the appropriate angle for your particular knife. The best angle for a pocket knife varies depending on the type of blade. It is also important to consider how you will use the knife.
For instance, a hunting knife may have a slightly higher angle. Regardless, you should always try to match the edge on the bevel to the primary grind. You should also test the edge on paper to see if the blade is sharp.
Another trick is to make a guide. Sharpening guides can be made from wood or plastic. These guides are designed to help you maintain a consistent angle during the sharpening process.
Lubricant reduces heat buildup
If you are sharpening your pocket knife, it’s important that you use a lubricant to minimize heat buildup. Too much heat can ruin a blade. There are several types of lubricant you can use, including oil, water, and spit. But the main thing to remember is that you need to apply it just enough to keep the surface clean.
You will need to hold the blade in a consistent angle when sharpening. If you have a curved edge, you should sweep it sideways during the process. Likewise, if you are using a honing rod, you should make sure that you have a consistent angle. It’s a good idea to get a guide to help you with this.
Before you start, make sure to have a sharpening stone. Most are available in hardware stores for around $10. Alternatively, you can purchase a natural stone. When you’re done with the knife, you will have to scrub the blade with a sponge or toothbrush.
Maintain the right angle
A honing rod can be a useful tool when sharpening a pocket knife. The key to a great hone is maintaining the right angle, however.
When choosing the right angle, you must consider the type of uses for your knife. Thin knives cut better, but they are not as durable as thick ones. You may want to use a different angle for a serrated edge.
Some sharpening steels are actually ceramic. Others are coated with diamond dust. These tools are harder and more aggressive than steel. They can create a smoother blade.
For the same effect, you can try using a fine-grit stone. These typically come with a sharpening device.
It’s also not a bad idea to use a lubricant. This helps reduce friction and slipping. However, you shouldn’t use a lot of pressure.
One nifty trick to maintain the right angle is to use an angle guide. These are available in many hardware stores.
Maintain the right pressure
When you hone a knife, it’s important to keep the proper pressure. You don’t want to overdo it, but you don’t want to press too hard either. The wrong pressure can wear down the rod and shorten its lifespan.
First, you need to get the right angle. This will vary depending on the type of knife you are sharpening. If you are having trouble, you can try gauging it with a marker along the edge of your knife.
Once you’ve got the right angle, it’s time to hone the edge of your knife. Using the method described here, you should be able to do this safely.
To start the sharpening process, you’ll need a honing rod. These can be made of ceramic, steel, or diamonds. Make sure you have one that’s easy to hold.
After you have grabbed your honing rod, you should position it on a flat surface. Point it at an approximate 15 degree angle. Hold the blade of the knife with one hand, and then bring the other hand away from the steel.