Dull Weaver Master Tools Round Knife

[JerseyFirefighter]

To add to some of these guys comments. The difference between a weaver knife and a handmade round knife from some of the go-to names (along with the price tag) is night and day. the tips on my weaver knife started to bend easily. I've purchased one and have been sitting on an order for two more for almost a year. Its a hard pill to swallow but man, what a difference between blade quality/durability. 

[bikermutt07]

8 hours ago, GRod said:

Wait, wait, wait, wait...  one...  second...  You mean I can get things functionally sharp with my belt sander? 

I have an older Jet combination model with a 1x42 belt and 8" disc; I bought it years ago when I had a small custom golf club operation - it's a huge help in finishing ferrules.  I quit golf clubs long ago and have been eyeballing that thing and wondering if it was worth dedicating the space in my garage.  Using it to sharpen tools never occurred to me! (As Forrest Gump once said, "I may not be a smart man...")

I too am no *&^%$ good with a stone. I spent hours working on the swivel knife that came in my Tandy kit, and ended up finally getting a workable edge with sandpaper and a strop.  I'm expecting my Japanese skiving knife and some pricking irons from GoodsJapan any day now and I've had more than a little anxiety about keeping things sharp.  The thought of trying to sharpen a round knife with stones is about enough to give me night sweats.

So is something like this enough to get me to town?

Yep, that will totally get you started. Keep in mind that there is a learning curve. 

I started with all the cheap pocket knives I could never sharpen. Then cheap kitchen knives.

After that I brought it up to work and have been keeping my EDC knife sharp. I can sharpen punches and chisels with it too.

I haven't put my Knipshield's to it though. I only use a piece of leather and rouge on those.

[YinTx]

I picked up an old (was old 25 years ago when purchased in France) head knife the previous owner claims is a Blanchard with no markings.  I have cleaned it up, and despite the expected surface pitting, it cleaned up nice.  I have spent the last 2 HOURS honing it on a diamond plate, it is hard metal.  I have just begin to pull up a burr.  This is one of those instances where mechanical assistance would have been nice.  This is opposed to almost all the other new blades I have that shed steel on the diamond plate no problem.  I have a feeling it is going to be a great knife that holds its edge really well.  Now I just have to be able to justify keeping it with all the other knives I've been collecting.   Sadly, I may have to put er up for sale.

YinTx