Knife Sharpening

[CharlesHarris]

I was trained similar to MB and learned to keep edges in shape free-hand from my father. Dad learned from his grandfather who had been a cabinet maker. As kids my brother and I worked on wooden boats as well as repairing antique furniture.

When in the Navy I replaced the carborundum stone in the sheath pocket of my Ontyario aircrew survival knife with an Arkansas Washita stone and kept a small sharpening steel for quick touchups. Many a time I have touched up a pocket knife or razor using soap and water on the edge of a rental car window, or motel bathroom window.

For sharpening wood working tools in the shop I have adjustable sharpening guides to control the blade angle, as well as flat diamond stones in 190, 330 and 600 grits for quick stock removal, then follow with Japanese water stones in 1000 and 2000 for finishing.