Knife Sharpening

[Skean Dhude]

I've tried various techniques over the years and all of them have given me an edge that I can use to cut myself easily but the edge of the ninja, the one were a tissue is cut cleanly under gravity has always eluded me no matter what I try and how long I have tried.

On the plus side I've always been a fan of good enough for prepping and imo as long as you have a good simple system to use then you will be OK. A stone is always the basic but then you don't get the angle right without some help. Several systems are available to hold the blade at an angle for consistency, otherwise you grind your blade to nothing over time. Get one of those and imo they are pretty much of a likeness and you will always have good sharp blades.

As far as a strap is concerned. I've tried a few and I've not managed to improve on my sharpening. But I suspect that barbers the world over don't use them for no reason. They clearly do something in the right hands.

My view though is to find a sharpening system that is easy to use and gets an adjustable angle for your blade as a basic system for use. The try on a bare stone and strap and see how it gets you. There are people than can get excellent edges on their blades. Still won't cut a tissue though.