Help with sharpening my tools

[Hardrada]

This is what I use:

https://www.danswhetstone.com/product/bench-stones/

Soft and hard. Does the job.

Japanese skiving knives are super easy to sharpen on those, as they only have one bevel and are straight, so just hold at your preferred angle and push. Even I can do it.

Round knives, on the other hand... require better technique.

[Danne]

Also one more tip. Something I did before, and it helped me to to learn how to keep the angle. In the beginning I leaned the knife against the "distance piece" but after a while I just had it there without almost touching it. And I could finally remove it. 

 

[Rahere]

8 hours ago, sonataworks said:

Could you expand on this a bit more? The tools I bought did not come with instructions, so I'm not sure what "Japanese maintenance" encompasses.

The history of Japanese metalworking was one where their available iron was low quality. What high-quality steel they had was excruciatingly expensive, so they hit on a successful combination of damascened blades which were very flexible but couldn't hold an edge, and a quality edge added. As a result, too much grinding could destroy it, and their tools are very forgiving. They also are very efficient (one saw I have cuts between the pencil mark).

As a result, their water stones are very effective. A gringing paste is formed on the surface, and you need to learn how to hold at a steady angle. You simply drizzle it in pure water (I live in London where it's possibly harder than the steel) and stroke it. A bead forms, rub it off, then maintain the edge.

[Danne]

8 minutes ago, Rahere said:

The history of Japanese metalworking was one where their available iron was low quality. What high-quality steel they had was excruciatingly expensive, so they hit on a successful combination of damascened blades which were very flexible but couldn't hold an edge, and a quality edge added. As a result, too much grinding could destroy it, and their tools are very forgiving. They also are very efficient (one saw I have cuts between the pencil mark).

As a result, their water stones are very effective. A gringing paste is formed on the surface, and you need to learn how to hold at a steady angle. You simply drizzle it in pure water (I live in London where it's possibly harder than the steel) and stroke it. A bead forms, rub it off, then maintain the edge.

Is it some special Japanese tools you are talking about? I have a cheap Skiving knives from Kyoshin Elle (Aogami #2 steel) and there are not need for water stones. Gets razor sharp with regular wet and dry and some stropping. And cuts leather like butter. As I said before i'm certainly no expert on knife sharpening. But I do know that my knives get really sharp and it's super easy to skive with a clean result. 

[Rahere]

17 minutes ago, Danne said:

Is it some special Japanese tools you are talking about? I have a cheap Skiving knives from Kyoshin Elle (Aogami #2 steel) and there are not need for water stones. Gets razor sharp with regular wet and dry and some stropping. And cuts leather like butter. As I said before i'm certainly no expert on knife sharpening. But I do know that my knives get really sharp and it's super easy to skive with a clean result. 

This is precisely the trolling I hoped to avoid. You took my comment, removed the context, and have turned passiva aggressive.

[Danne]

1 minute ago, Rahere said:

This is precisely the trolling I hoped to avoid. You took my comment, removed the context, and have turned passiva aggressive.

I wasn't trolling. And i'm not sure what context I removed. I'm not trying to be rude in any way, and if you took it that way i'm sorry, it was certainly not my intention. Im just trying to understand why I would benefit from Japanese water stones instead of sand paper (apart from the obvious thing that sand paper can get expensive if I sharpen a lot) or why I should choose Japanese water stones instead of for example diamond stones.

[Rahere]

I have asked for moderation on this. Sorry, I'd block you if I could. I was very specific to avoid this, but you went there regardless. I've learned from this, there are some subjects best avoided. And that's a pity, all things considered.

[Danne]

35 minutes ago, Rahere said:

I have asked for moderation on this. Sorry, I'd block you if I could. I was very specific to avoid this, but you went there regardless. I've learned from this, there are some subjects best avoided. And that's a pity, all things considered.

No need to block me, if you don't want to discuss this I respect this. Have a nice day.

[Retswerb]

@Rahere, I have no idea what you responded to here but unless something has already been moderated out I have no clue what you’re on about. Settle down.

[Frodo]

I agree that SOME Japanese knives are better than the west and I am not going to apologize for my opinion.

If anyone disagrees. THAT is OK. I love ya anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OP. WOW.  First before you attempt to sharpen. Screw this, It would take me typing all night

Lets CHEAT, and use youtube 

Blade Sharpening Fundamentals - YouTube

Edited March 16, 2021 by Frodo