3 SHARPENING TIPS BEGINNERS MUST KNOW. How to sharpen a knife

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  • čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
  • These 3 knife sharpening tips will help achieve a razor sharp knife even if you are a beginner.
    Knife sharpening take time and practice to learn. Theres no sense in practicing if your practicing wrong. In this video I show the importance of maintaining an angle, how to feel for a burr, and proper technique for sharpening whetstones / waterstones. Plus a bonus strop tip!
    Sharpeding items used in video:
    Norton whetstones / waterstones
    knives plus strop block
    knife- spyderco pacific salt
    What is scary sharp?
    • WHAT IS SCARY SHARP?? ...
    The controversial knife sharpening video
    • THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL...
    Cold Funk - Funkorama by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
    Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
    Artist: incompetech.com/
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Komentáře • 2K

  • @OUTDOORS55
    @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +140

    The best beginner sharpening stone as of 2023⬇️Highly recommended ⬇
    amzn.to/47mOmWW
    Check out my website where I go over recommended sharpening stones as well as other knife sharpening supplies and mini reviews.⬇
    www.outdoors55.com/shop
    Stones in video ⬇️amzn.to/2OLzcni
    amzn.to/37cKt6A
    AS AN AMAZON AFFILIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES

    • @Gonzalez-en5qt
      @Gonzalez-en5qt Před 6 lety

      Oh shit thanks

    • @anonymous111delta4
      @anonymous111delta4 Před 6 lety +3

      loved your video...your definitely a pro...ex-military im assuming...anyway...just brought a set of karambit knives off eBay...but i have no idea how u would sharpen a curved blade like this

    • @SnowblindOtter
      @SnowblindOtter Před 6 lety +4

      You have some good points in your video, but the thing you failed to mention actually happens to be the most important thing to keeping a knife sharp in the first place: *Keeping your stone flat!* Anyone wanting to learn how to sharpen themselves should learn how to maintain their stone before any other skill. You can have perfect technique, but technique doesn't mean jack if your stone is out of whack.

    • @Osprey1994
      @Osprey1994 Před 6 lety +2

      OUTDOORS55 what if the knife came with fuckered angles? I ordered a knife that has a really good steel buy the rumor is that they cut corners on sharpening. People have said they received it with 24° on one side and 15-17° on the other. How big of a problem is this and do you recommend having a professional reprofile the edge?

    • @anthonylevy3410
      @anthonylevy3410 Před 6 lety

      OUTDOORSman

  • @thatchanguy
    @thatchanguy Před 4 lety +406

    As a city kid who is learning about fundamental skills later in life, I really appreciate your concise, clear, and common sense delivery. Thanks for doing what you do!

    • @mygaffer
      @mygaffer Před 3 lety +3

      Sharpening a knife isn't really a fundamental skill in today's world.

    • @sagaflamingwood2841
      @sagaflamingwood2841 Před 3 lety +11

      @@mygaffer it will always be fundamental. Always. Safety is always paramounr

    • @therealblurrybarber
      @therealblurrybarber Před 2 lety +19

      @@mygaffer it is to many people actually. Unless you don't use knives in your life I guess. But I use knives for many things in everyday life. I carry one in my pocket at all times. And I believe it is fundamental to know how to sharpen it or any kitchen knife I use daily

    • @JackTorrance333
      @JackTorrance333 Před 2 lety +10

      @@mygaffer soy lattes for everyone!!! Foh

    • @steveodeluxe
      @steveodeluxe Před 2 lety +4

      @@mygaffer why isn’t it? you…don’t cook anything?

  • @rickyhurtt5568
    @rickyhurtt5568 Před 3 lety +131

    See you can always learn something. I’m 53 and you taught me something about the angle while stropping. Always had problems with a strop. Now I know why. Thanks young man

  • @deepwoodsbutcher
    @deepwoodsbutcher Před 5 lety +417

    I'm a full time butcher and have been sharpening my knives like this since I was about 8 years old. This is an excellent video for beginners.

    • @johnmartinez7440
      @johnmartinez7440 Před 4 lety +1

      @@aprawtv No thanks

    • @33fastcar
      @33fastcar Před 3 lety +28

      I come from a long line of
      German/English butchers... My grandfather was a butcher for 50+ years & he taught me the exact same as in this lesson.
      In Fredericksburg Texas look up Dutchmans Market. That is the shop my grandfather opened back in the late 60's early 70's. The only reason he quit being a butcher, the grim reaper came to see Pop in 1976. This sounds gross but I grew up in a slaughter house. Learned how to butcher a cow or a deer before the 2nd grade! It comes in handy since I live on a 7K acre Black Angus cattle ranch in Texas!

    • @tayvin6538
      @tayvin6538 Před 3 lety +3

      @@33fastcar nobody cares

    • @shanepurcell8376
      @shanepurcell8376 Před 3 lety +17

      @@tayvin6538 well you don’t have to be an asshole

    • @loyalfairman6061
      @loyalfairman6061 Před 3 lety +16

      @@tayvin6538 fuck you, just because your rude ass doesnt care .

  • @xqiuvmah
    @xqiuvmah Před 4 lety +28

    Another tip is tool keep in mind what steel your blade is made of and how hard it is. A soft blade only needs a few passes before noticeable progress I'd made, where harder blades will take longer. When I was first getting into sharpening, I mainly practiced on a variety of pocket knives I owned which are typically hardened to under 60 Rockwell. I then found an incredibly dull kitchen knife that my parents had and never used because it was too dull. I decided to try and sharpen it, using the same technique I used for pocket knives. This knife was a Japanese style knife with a hardness rating of 65, so it takes a lot more effort to actually sharpen (not to mention this knife was a better hammer then a knife when I started). In the end I did manage to get it sharp but it took my 10× longer then it usually would have because I didn't understand knife hardness at the time.
    Another pro tip, you can make any steel shaving sharp, but cheap steel is still cheap steel and would be dull again after only a few cuts. Don't put a lot of effort into making cheap steel razor sharp, when it doesn't have the strength to maintain that. This isn't as big an issue with modern blades, because even cheap 440 stainless can hold a decent edge, but older knives can definitely be made of sub par steel that isn't worth the time. Just get a $2 plastic pull through sharpener and use that on them.

  • @tinovalle5278
    @tinovalle5278 Před 6 lety +970

    Nice video. One thing you might consider adding to your beginner advice is to use a black Sharpie marker to color the edge bevel before a person begins working on their blade. It really helps a person see and understand what's happening during the sharpening process when they can see ink removed with just a few strokes against their stone instead of chasing a burr for hours. If others have already mentioned this tip sorry for the repetition.

    • @smittywerbenyeagermenjenso3720
      @smittywerbenyeagermenjenso3720 Před 6 lety +29

      Tino Valle I am just starting with stones and I really suck at it. I watched this video and tried my best but I made my kinda sharp knife so dull it couldn't cut butter. Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to try it once I find a Sharpie. Let me know if there are any other tips I should know.

    • @PlasmaHH
      @PlasmaHH Před 5 lety +25

      I prefer other colouors than black since that sometimes can get mixed up with (oxidized) blade material.

    • @titoepfx4272
      @titoepfx4272 Před 5 lety +3

      I mean if ur new to it u would assume its a new whetstone

    • @richardhatt6541
      @richardhatt6541 Před 5 lety +78

      I have been sharpening for a few decades and I still use a sharpie on the secondary bevel. To match the factory angle you can lay the blade on the primary bevel flat to the stone. Come up really slow and can actually feel when the secondary bevel is flat against the stone. Stop when you feel this and lower it a tad and bring it up again to verify. You need to mess up a few times but it is worth it. He also didn't mention to take equal strikes from each side to keep the apex in the middle of the edge. You can alternate sides so you keep it in the middle. A light touch is better than a heavy one.

    • @tinaleeth2707
      @tinaleeth2707 Před 5 lety +4

      Cool tip

  • @illumiNOTme326
    @illumiNOTme326 Před 7 lety +665

    These are the type of videos that I enjoy watching when learning something. No wasted rambling straight-to-the-point clear concise. Thank you

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +19

      Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with your sharpening 😀

    • @charliebaker1427
      @charliebaker1427 Před 6 lety +1

      OUTDOORS55 i like doing the small circle method instead of back and forth

    • @joeysplats3209
      @joeysplats3209 Před 6 lety +17

      You mean like the review videos where they open and close the knife 17 times, talk about lunch, and their old car, and spend five minutes on the pocket clip?

    • @Crazyknives
      @Crazyknives Před 5 lety +2

      Andy sinishtaj Exactly!!!👍

    • @applejuicearsenal6806
      @applejuicearsenal6806 Před 4 lety +4

      Nice name

  • @szepi79
    @szepi79 Před 2 lety +4

    DUUUUDE!!!!
    I cannot express how grateful I am! I have been into sharpening for over a year now, I have a belt grinder with which I can hone quite well, but recently I purchased some wetstones and I kept messing up. I read some books, watched countless hours of youtube videos, but couldn't figure out what I have been doing wrong. Then I found your video, and BAAM. You are awesome!

  • @jeantheron2412
    @jeantheron2412 Před 4 lety +5

    Thank you for your direct approach to what has alluded me for most of my life. I am an outdoorsman. fisherman , gardener, tinkerer , and I have been able to sharpen drill bits, garden tools, lawn mower blades, axes, machete , etc . But I was embarrassed that I was horrible at sharpening Knives. Now I believe I have the knowledge to remedy this !

  • @th34lch3m1st
    @th34lch3m1st Před 5 lety +256

    The tip of lowing the angle on the strop is great. The sharpening stars on YT never mention it. +1 for you. Thanks for sharing.

    • @andrewtucker7990
      @andrewtucker7990 Před 3 lety

      Can you use any leather to strop?

    • @th34lch3m1st
      @th34lch3m1st Před 3 lety +1

      @@andrewtucker7990
      Short answer: every material that can hold the abrasive paste it's fine, it depends only on your ability to not damage the edge.
      Long answer: historically the leather used to strop razors was the most stiff leather in the world: shell cordovan. It's the technical name for the leather cut made with the horse's butt skin (and the most expensive leather in the world too). It's a good compromise between a hard surface that can bend your edge while you strop, and a soft surface where your blade can sink and round your edge instead of sharpen it. That said, if you have a trained hand you can strop on hard surfaces like wood or mdf or very soft surfaces like soft leather, cork or even cardboard. As OUTDOORS55 has showed in the video, you can change your stropping technique to adapt to the material. For knifes with a double bevel, my opinion is to prefer more rigid surfaces like the shell cordovan. For other blades, like for example woodworking tools with one bevel only (plane blades, chisels), it depends on how you sharpen the bevel. Some woodworker prefers create a convex bevel with hand sharpening. In that case you can strop on very soft materials or leather with almost no risk. If instead you sharpen your chisel or your plane blade with jigs, you obviously want to maintain planarity on that bevel. In that case more hard and flat materials are recommended (like wood or mdf).
      PS: Forgive my grammar, I am not native english.

    • @JustIn-op6oy
      @JustIn-op6oy Před 3 lety

      @@th34lch3m1st honestly, you have better grammar than most native English speakers. Also - great info in your post. I just recently decided to make a couple of strops for some friends out of leather scraps from making sheaths. The quality of lumber available is pretty poor, so I think I'm going to get a few pieces of MDF to use as a backing material.

    • @th34lch3m1st
      @th34lch3m1st Před 3 lety

      ​@@JustIn-op6oy Thank you. I'm glad I was helpful.

    • @silviabayer1213
      @silviabayer1213 Před 2 lety +2

      @@andrewtucker7990 hi, my father was a wood Carver for 60 years and he used an old belt made of a pig's hide for all his carving knives. His old hunting knives, pocket knives, my mom's kitchen knives, and my assortment of old knives...etc. He said it was perfect. He passed away 8 years ago and now I'm using it. It's pretty beat up but he was right. It's perfect. 🙂

  • @davebeecher6579
    @davebeecher6579 Před 5 lety +262

    I'm 64 years old , I was born and raised on farm in foothills of smoky mountains, east tennessee, hunted, fished and farm my entire life(so far) so I know a little about sharpening, just want to say thanks for simple basic advice, people should benefit greatly if they listen,and practice, so much time and money spent on expensive gadgets and far out methods, my opinion is you said it best, thanks

    • @alphapicturesentertainment
      @alphapicturesentertainment Před 5 lety +1

      Maybe the angle is bad?

    • @sergeantdef.3572
      @sergeantdef.3572 Před 5 lety +3

      @Blazin609
      You don't sharpen backwards.
      Because you sharpen against the edge.
      Try forwards..

    • @GreatJim54
      @GreatJim54 Před 5 lety +7

      Blazin609 for every one who says to sharpen backwards there is another who says sharpen forwards. I say do what works for you. I use both methods and get identical results. The key is practice and muscle memory. Be consistent in your angles.

    • @Zardoch
      @Zardoch Před 5 lety +3

      @@GreatJim54 Good comment. I think that all the politics and secterism in the sharpening community is sometimes entertaining, but fundamentally ridiculous.

    • @johnbrown3878
      @johnbrown3878 Před 4 lety +10

      I'm a wood carver since about 1980. This is a good video for newbies. All the basics are covered and the guy doesn't over explain and make it hard to catch on

  • @adamday6598
    @adamday6598 Před 4 lety +120

    Tip for detecting burrs:
    run a stream of water over the blade from the trailing edge to the cutting edge. Like under a sink tap. As the water glides over the blade and off the cutting edge, you can see disturbances in the stream caused by burrs.

    • @JustIn-op6oy
      @JustIn-op6oy Před 4 lety

      I've heard of this tip before, but remember differing schools of thought as to the size of blade it works on. From some sharpeners, I've heard/read that smaller blades (something smaller than the clip point blade on a Case medium stockman for example) this doesn't work. Personally I've never tried the running water method, but I am curious as to when this is applicable. (When looking for a burr I use a jeweler's loupe I keep in my sharpening tool box)

    • @martinaxe6390
      @martinaxe6390 Před 3 lety +2

      This is my preferred method if at the house. Keep those fingers clear of the cutting edge!

    • @jokov9903
      @jokov9903 Před 3 lety +11

      Something I just found out about. I was getting ready to buy a magnifying glass for the purpose of looking at my knife blades but, did you know that if you have an iPhone it has a built in magnifying glass feature? And that it also has a light. It’s totally awesome. For anyone that doesn’t know, here’s how. Go in settings, then tap on accessibility then scroll down to magnifier and turn it on. Some phones you go settings, general then accessibility. Then to access it, tap you home button 3x or there is a little magnifying glass icon on your slide screen that has your flashlight, calculator, alarm clock etc. on it. It works great and super powerful.

    • @cowboykelly6590
      @cowboykelly6590 Před 3 lety +1

      Wow Thank you Sir

    • @MoneyManMitch99
      @MoneyManMitch99 Před 2 lety

      Careful with the water some of my older knives rust very easy

  • @davemeade9489
    @davemeade9489 Před rokem +4

    I’ve searched for good sharpening techniques for a long time. I’m glad I finally found your channel. Thank you and keep ‘em coming.

  • @Watchandcutgearchannel
    @Watchandcutgearchannel Před 6 lety +20

    This was such a good video.. I rewatched it a few times as a simple refresher... I actually watched this as a beginner.. still am! Solid foundation

  • @joshuahemingway4343
    @joshuahemingway4343 Před 4 lety +14

    I've been sharpening for years but I'm so glad I saw this video, I learned loads of new stuff. I love your vids, they're fantastic. Keep up the good work.

  • @rstmadmike
    @rstmadmike Před 4 lety +25

    Great instructions, very well explained not over the head and straight forward. Thank you for sharing.

  • @jeffcanyafixiy
    @jeffcanyafixiy Před 4 lety +5

    I've gotten better results from these 3 tips than anything else I've read or watched.
    THANKS for the taking the time to post this. 👍👍

  • @OnlineAdjunct
    @OnlineAdjunct Před 6 lety +4

    I have seen a lot of videos on CZcams about sharpening knives and this is among the best. It is short and simple, and yet thorough. It is easy to understand and explains why certain things are done as well as how they are done.

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +1

      Thank you very much for the kind words. I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching 😀

  • @davidsmith7456
    @davidsmith7456 Před 4 lety +4

    This was incredibly helpful. I tried your tip at once and I think you just saved my favorite blade from a lot of abuse.

  • @cutter9009
    @cutter9009 Před 4 lety +1

    Have been hand sharpening successfully for decades to razor/shaving edges, and I learned from your video. Great tips!

  • @PhilippeCarphin
    @PhilippeCarphin Před 2 lety +9

    My favorite tip for beginners is to continuously cut lots of paper throughout the whole process. The way the sound and the feeling changes is my most important tool to know where I'm at in the process.
    If you're really a super beginner, then you want to go crazy with the paper cutting: couple strokes on the stone, wipe, cut and repeat. You should end up with a huge mess of cut up paper on your floor and a better understanding of how your actions affect the blade. Most importantly, you'll be able to identify when you do something unsharpens the knife.
    If you're consistently checking the state of the blade, then you will be aware of its state at all times so you can learn to associate it with other indicators like what sound the blade makes on the stone based on various factors, how it glides etc.
    Now instead of cutting paper, I use just those other more intangible factors. And if I want to do a peak level job, then I might cut some paper along the way.

  • @walterdowns2322
    @walterdowns2322 Před 5 lety +27

    Great video very informative I have been watching a lot of knife sharpening videos as I'm a beginner and you're the only one that gives an explanation of why you do the things you do thank you

  • @waynesmith4612
    @waynesmith4612 Před 4 lety +3

    One of the best tutorials I have ever watched, many thanks for that.

  • @joelgermano7785
    @joelgermano7785 Před rokem +11

    I've been sharpening my own knives for years and this video has taught me to sharpen correctly. Thanks.

    • @secretbeach999
      @secretbeach999 Před rokem

      You mean you’ve been dulling your knives for years

  • @rexgexnortowmader5165
    @rexgexnortowmader5165 Před 4 lety

    Purely simple instructions and directions. I learned something today, and that's what life's about.
    THANK YOU

  • @mrsteel250
    @mrsteel250 Před 7 lety +31

    Very good videos, just started sharpening and you (not to copy everyone else) really do have the best Sharpening videos by far, they're short, straight to the point and simple. Good Job!

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +5

      Thanks, I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching my friend 😀

    • @unclegeorge6175
      @unclegeorge6175 Před 6 lety +1

      I agree wholeheartedly

    • @epicinator2372
      @epicinator2372 Před 6 lety +3

      OUTDOORS55 I don’t think anybody is watching your friend.

  • @AnyDayNow360
    @AnyDayNow360 Před 4 lety +5

    This is the best explanation and tutorial video I've come across. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

  • @DAVIDMILLER-nc9vo
    @DAVIDMILLER-nc9vo Před 6 měsíci +1

    Excellent bonus! It's overlooked by most channels, but it's a most important topic and should be addressed and not overlooked.

  • @christopherd5276
    @christopherd5276 Před 4 lety +1

    These tips have improved my sharpening ten fold. Thank you very much!

  • @deppurple700
    @deppurple700 Před 3 lety +3

    Great tip about pulling the knife i was having a hell of a time because I was pushing and pulling on the stone and my angle was changing needles to say it was taking forever to find the burr and the lower angle when stopping wheeweee!!!! My knives are really sharp now thanks to you

  • @D9everything
    @D9everything Před 5 lety +2

    Dude - straight to the point and well-delivered.

  • @stevenwilgus8982
    @stevenwilgus8982 Před 3 lety

    You've just changed how I SHOULD be doing it over what I've been DOING WRONG ALL THIS TIME!
    Outstanding, keto up the great work

  • @justinwest7765
    @justinwest7765 Před 4 lety +12

    I can sharpen a blade but I didn’t know about the strops or leather part, glad I watched thanks

    • @ltgood
      @ltgood Před 3 lety

      Alabama Gunguy the old time barber always used a strop for his razor.

  • @makenchips
    @makenchips Před 3 lety +4

    Love your simple presentation and succinct discussion of the subject. You're knocking it out of the ballpark keep up the good work!

  • @Ratlins9
    @Ratlins9 Před 3 lety +3

    Very informative video. You thoroughly explained the techniques in sharpening and removing the burr and also demonstrated stropping and how to find the proper sharpening angle. Great job

  • @DanielCStanley
    @DanielCStanley Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks. Ive been doing so much wrong. Time to put this into play. THANK YOUUU

  • @anotherrandomtexan25
    @anotherrandomtexan25 Před 7 lety +161

    Seriously you have some of (if not THE) best videos on sharpening and stropping on YT this will be the video I send to anyone that wants to know more or is just starting to work on their own edges!

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +8

      Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it! I'm just trying to share some of the mistakes, and things I've learned over the years. Thanks for watching 👍

    • @imnainggolanpm2245
      @imnainggolanpm2245 Před 7 lety +2

      OUTDOORS55 tips n advice through experience are the best.
      Straightforward addressing the issue, simple (easy) to follow

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +2

      Wet sand paper on something flat. The same techniques apply.

    • @SebastianDaniec
      @SebastianDaniec Před 7 lety +5

      Probably. It's not impossible to sharpen on 3000 but it will take many many hours. If your knife is quite sharp and you just need to make it sharper you can do it on 3000 but if it's dull you are saving much time by going to a low grit like 200 or 400 and then around 1000. Imagine having a rough plank and trying to make it smooth. You wouldn't start with 1000 grit sandpaper because it would take you forever.

    • @jimcanfield5494
      @jimcanfield5494 Před 6 lety

      anotherrandomtexan25 and

  • @jasonanderson7020
    @jasonanderson7020 Před 2 lety +2

    hey man, thanks alot, i have just started trying to sharpen a few knives and ive committed several errors along the way, this video was very helpful and simple. thank you so much for your contribution to the community.

  • @LambeauLeeeper
    @LambeauLeeeper Před 4 lety +2

    My kids gifted me a stone Sharpening kit for Xmas. Im so excited to try it

  • @danrich92
    @danrich92 Před 5 lety +5

    Super helpful, I've been a beginner for years and I think in the last 20 minutes after watching this I at least became a novice

  • @zaneellzey1084
    @zaneellzey1084 Před 5 lety +7

    This has always been one of the 'man skills' that I've lacked. Watched your videos and bought a couple of cheap stones on the interwebs. Our worst kitchen knife is now the sharpest. Thank you for the educational video and practical tips. Great job!

  • @metagnat
    @metagnat Před 5 lety +2

    I'm new to sharpening and this video was super clear and helpful! Thank you!

  • @MegaRealStud
    @MegaRealStud Před 4 lety +1

    Great vid, some people aren’t very good at explaining things especially to beginners but you really knocked it out of the park

  • @wmoran7111
    @wmoran7111 Před 4 lety +6

    Great tips! Just picked up some of the cheapo Harbor freight stones to learn on some Walmart kitchen knives before trying my EDC leatherman and pocket knife.

  • @BlackKevin808
    @BlackKevin808 Před 5 lety +10

    Glad I rewatched this video after getting some hands on practice.

  • @oldladyrose
    @oldladyrose Před 5 lety +3

    This was the 1st videoI’ve watched that talked about a lesser angle on the strop. But makes total sense. I will be trying that. THANKS

  • @mikesharp4033
    @mikesharp4033 Před 14 dny

    A clear, concise, tutorial giving all essential information to proceed. If only all presenters were like you. Many, many thanks.

  • @hunterscarborough3665
    @hunterscarborough3665 Před 4 lety +3

    What an underrated channel. Nice work here

  • @ememe1412
    @ememe1412 Před 4 lety +3

    I think these are very good advice for beginners. Another thing I'll add is to listen to the sound of the strokes on the stone. Each stroke should sound the same each time and even through the motion of the stroke. If theres any change in the sound, the blade angle is changing or moving against the stone.

  • @morganflaherty9582
    @morganflaherty9582 Před 3 lety

    Thank you I've been trying for two days to get this knife Sharpin the process of watching your video I've been able to do better than I have the past two days

  • @rosaliecgarcia
    @rosaliecgarcia Před 2 lety +1

    This is the 3rd tutorial I watched and this is the best! I tried to follow the tips and it worked! I was able to sharpen 4 knives. I'm so happy haha.

  • @thejuicer9706
    @thejuicer9706 Před 4 lety +6

    Thanks bruh, I’ve always sucked at this. I like you’re teaching methods.

  • @Beyondthebackyard-au
    @Beyondthebackyard-au Před 5 lety +5

    Hi Mate,
    Thanks, really informative videos and very well done, thanks. Had a quick question... I heard that a scandi grind, while time consuming to do initially, was going to be one of the better types for sharpness and ease of keeping sharp. Would you agree?

  • @l.horseman5704
    @l.horseman5704 Před 5 lety

    The best delivered tips i have ever seen. Knives sharp enough to shave with. If you cannot shave with the blade it is not sharp. I liked what you said about muscle memory. When sharpening a blade the angle is a critical element in being able to sharpen it. Thanks! well taught!

  • @sunsetz72
    @sunsetz72 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much!!!!!! I’ve been trying to get an edge on knives for years!!!! Too no avail nothing ever worked. Trying your method of working backwards and feeling for the right angle helped tremendously! I didn’t work it long enough to get a burr (for fear of reshaping the apex) but the little I did do made it a game changer for me! Once I get a strop I’ll venture to the burr. 👍

  • @whome7004
    @whome7004 Před 5 lety +12

    I thought I had it figured out but I just got schooled. I Appreciate the knowledge Ever Man Need a good edge. Its just part of being a Man. Now it may cut butter Thank Ser

  • @jakemitchell1671
    @jakemitchell1671 Před 5 lety +18

    After poor angles, the most common beginner mistake I see is TOO MUCH pressure. When a person starts out he/she almost always underestimates the effectiveness of the various grits, and they think they have to use force. Once you do it awhile and then experience the effect of something like leather - which some beginners can't even believe actually work - it starts to sink in how little pressure/force is required. Great video. Thank you!

    • @ayekantspeylgud
      @ayekantspeylgud Před 5 lety

      Jake Mitchell I am one of those beginners lol. It’s less that I don’t believe it and more that I am perplexed how it actually can work.

    • @Frostbite1090
      @Frostbite1090 Před 5 lety +1

      @@ayekantspeylgud A straight edge has a bunch of tiny(very thin, bendable) teeth under a microscope, the strop will align all of this making it much sharper. Ive seen and heard this is why a strop is effective. And when it dulls a little, bring it back to the strop and it will be great again.

    • @lukedupont6238
      @lukedupont6238 Před 5 lety +1

      Pressure (or lack thereof) only matters when you're working the burr off, or if you're sharpening razors. I usually use more pressure when initially profiling the edge, and transition to almost no pressure at all when finishing. A moderate amount of pressure is sometimes necessary when working with some stones, such as Arkansas stones. The biggest mistake I see beginners do is use too fine a stone on a new knife that's never been profiled -- you need to be very patient to apex a new (or old) knife with, say, a 1000+ grit stone.

    • @JeffAboularage
      @JeffAboularage Před 7 měsíci

      I am a rank beginner. I bought a course stone from ace hardware, and I think it’s like a 200/300 grit. Anyway, I do understand grit and pressure as I work as a fabricator. But this one stroke backwards is great. One stroke, and I am able to work on my form. When I go back and fourth I feel like I am all over the place, and that I am damaging and filling the blade even more!

    • @jakemitchell1671
      @jakemitchell1671 Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@JeffAboularage I had to think back to a post I made 4 years ago, LOL. Darn, time flies! Since that time I've gotten much better at sharpening. The stage I'm working on now is sharpening broadheads for hunting deer during archery season. This has driven the point home even more. It's about angle and pressure, which cannot be taught. You just have to do enough of it to develop FEEL. I can now feel things that wouldn't remotely register years ago. My suggestion is to get a bunch of cheap, dull knives and spend hours getting them sharp. You can do it while watching TV or during breaks at work. Seriously. Just sharpen and sharpen, checking the edge every few strokes. You'll find most of what you do actually makes the blade duller, LOL.

  • @e.t.preppin7084
    @e.t.preppin7084 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely can’t believe I have never seen this old video. I love sharpening more than making knives. You did a very good job on this video 👍👍👍

  • @ronaldcoleman1323
    @ronaldcoleman1323 Před 5 lety +2

    Awesome thank you. Best sharpening vid I’ve seen. Thank you Sir.

  • @dalinean
    @dalinean Před 6 lety +3

    Thanks. I've been stropping at too high an angle

  • @TePPoP776
    @TePPoP776 Před 5 lety +14

    Every time I feel like wasting some time, I go to CZcams, look up some knife sharpening tutorials and try to sharpen my deadly dull folder (that actually was kinda sharp before I decided to remove a nick in the edge). Pretty much every next tutorial seem to poop all over what was said in the previous one, yet none helped me produce any success so far.
    I've tried dry stones ,watered stones, oiled stones, moving the knife away, moving the knife towards me, moving the knife in a circle, alternating after 5 strokes, alternating after 20 strokes, alternating after 1 minute, moving alongside the whole edge, sharpening the tip and the blade separately, screaming at the knife in utter despair.
    I'll either sharpen or just whittle it away eventually.

    • @tizianominghelli6786
      @tizianominghelli6786 Před 5 lety +2

      Buy the guide-knife it help a lot... you reach a nice angle. I start sharpen 1 year ago my chefknives without results and now slowly slowly i see that every time come better and to adjust a knife you don t need 2000-3000 grit buy a wet stone 400 and 1000 is enough for normal purpose and is enough to keep sharpen most of the knives. When youll learn how to sharpen better move on more grit and when you will learn very good move on diamond stones because diamond stone if you don t know how to sharpen very well are gonna fuck up your blade.

    • @edwardkautz4972
      @edwardkautz4972 Před 5 lety

      Alexander Samarin oiu

    • @edwardkautz4972
      @edwardkautz4972 Před 5 lety

      Alexander Samarin i

    • @aprawtv
      @aprawtv Před 4 lety

      Sir try to visit my channel... I also have my own techniques in sharpening a knife...

  • @janholmes3742
    @janholmes3742 Před 2 lety +1

    The 1st ever tutorial I've ever seen that made sense on this subject. I like the way it was illustrated.. good job. I've been trying it for years, I'm 64 and can now sharpen a knife.

    • @montamiddleton9318
      @montamiddleton9318 Před 2 lety

      I'm right there with you. I always used that thing on the back of the can opener ( I know it's should not be considered a sharpener but a duller). Cleaning out our Dada shop my brother handed me a rather large file to replace my "duller". Lol! He then manslained with his engineers way how to use it. I'm 65 and can sharpen kitchen knives and my yard tools ( some of my dad's yard tools) with that old file. Or a rasp as dad called it.
      And it's a way of keeping him in my thoughts. And that's probably the cornest thing I've ever said. Now let me go look for that sharpening stone I have of his. 😊

  • @James-oj6ck
    @James-oj6ck Před 4 lety

    Thank you so much for making this video. I am a person who has tried a few times and given up every time to try and learn how to sharpen a knife. I like you no hype helps. Now to find my stone.

  • @netyr4554
    @netyr4554 Před 7 lety +85

    It's nice to see a knife guy who doesn't unnecessarily complicate the sharpening process, I swear that most people these days are more interested in eating away their blades trying to get the perfect edge than actually using the knife.
    I don't know if you have experience with convexing your blades but would love to see a video on convex sharpening, there's a myth going around that you can't maintain a convex edge on flat stones that needs to be dispelled. I understand if you'd rather not teach a method that contradicts your advice on maintaining a constant angle, could be confusing for beginners. I personally find convex edges easier although that may be because I started with axes and figured I'd just do the same thing for knives rather than learning a different technique.

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +9

      I'm no an expert on angles and convexing. I do believe though, that any hand sharpened blade will have some convex to it. Even if you are very good at maintaining an angle while sharpening, there will still be some variation in that angle. I have seen this to be true in larger items like axes. You can actually see the convex edge, even if I try to maintain an angle on a flat stone, or flat sharpening surface. I know some people have better technique and muscle memory for maintaining an angle than I do, so It may be possible to not convex if your really good. This is just my opinion, based on things I've seen in my own sharpening experience. Your mileage may vary. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for stopping by😀👍

    • @ared18t
      @ared18t Před 7 lety +1

      Netyr convex edge sharpening on a flat Stone is easy just roll it up on the pull stroke

    • @RByrne
      @RByrne Před 6 lety +1

      ared18t
      Yeah it's actually just as easy to learn as maintaining a constant angle. One you set the convex its quite easy to maintain. Actually a strop is generally good to maintain the edge even with frequent use. Good blade to practice on are opinel.

    • @PlayaSinNombre
      @PlayaSinNombre Před 6 lety +1

      Netyr l

  • @LostBeetle
    @LostBeetle Před 4 lety +5

    Eventually it's nice to start going forward and backward on your stones, it's much, much faster. When I started sharpening fourteen years ago it's what I did right from the start, but I made a lot of mistakes. When you are ready to learn this I recommend you learn on knives that don't matter much, sharpen kitchen knives you buy from thrift stores or old cheap pocket knives with no sentimental value to you, or even garden tools like an old rust machete or an axe. Get the muscle memory and you will be set.

  • @jonnyboat2
    @jonnyboat2 Před 3 lety

    See, this is what happens when you actually see and hear how someone with experience, knowledge and understanding demonstrates how to sharpen a knife properly. You just showed me the step I didn’t know about when stroppng that is why I sometimes get a slightly rounded over edge. Use a lesser angle. Now it makes sense. That’s why you see guys strop a blade and they’re practically holding the knife parallel to the strop. It’s those key points that are too easily taken for granted that people overlook explaining. Thank you for explaining things properly. A great, to the point, no nonsense video with clear instruction.

  • @toolsstop
    @toolsstop Před 2 lety +2

    Bro i cannot express how amazing your content is and how helpful it is. You got me into knife making!!✌️

  • @kenjames3034
    @kenjames3034 Před 5 lety +8

    Great tutorial. However, at 3:00 or so I did not quite catch what you said regarding reflection. If light reflects from the edge, does that mean an apex has not been achieved, or vice versa?

    • @Oslerian
      @Oslerian Před 5 lety +3

      My understanding is if you see light reflected off the edge of the primary edge (the part the cuts) then you have to keep going with your sharpening strokes. When the primary edge comes to a true point, light is not visibly reflected off it.

    • @Tinhead426
      @Tinhead426 Před 4 lety +2

      If the knife is not apexed in a certain way, you will see what looks like a flat spot in the edge when you hold it up to the light.

  • @silverwiskers7371
    @silverwiskers7371 Před 4 lety +4

    some of us still use the old straight razors, when you learn to keep it sharp enough to shave daily you can sharpen anything

    • @satuurn5245
      @satuurn5245 Před 4 lety +1

      I'd love to be that good. I'll keep at it.

  • @paulnewsom1764
    @paulnewsom1764 Před 4 lety +1

    I think most people will like this tutorial, very easy to follow. Nice job.!!

  • @BensBlades
    @BensBlades Před rokem +1

    I love these basic sharpening tips!!! Thank you for the great video!!!🔪🖤🗡

  • @anamericanpatriot5230
    @anamericanpatriot5230 Před 4 lety +3

    My intent is not to toot my own horn but I have been proficient with knives and sharpening for decades .
    this video is very well stated ...
    A very good tutorial

  • @aljosailic4074
    @aljosailic4074 Před 6 lety +3

    By far the most useful tutorial i've came across. I was struggling to get a sharp edge on various sharpeners, until i bought a 240/800 whetstone. Again, i wasn't aware about the importance of apex. Following these tips, i just sharpened my kitchen knife to the point where i cut my palm just by touching it with the knife :)) first time to get a burr! But i still haven't achieved shave sharpness. I know i still have lot of sharpening to do to get some serious skill, but can every blade be sharpened to the point of shaving? Thanks, and great video!

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +1

      Technically yes, any blade CAN be shaving. However if the steel is too soft (due to poor heat treatment or very poor quality steel) it can be VERY hard to sharpen. I did a video sharpening a butter knife and got it hair whittling but it was the hardest blade I’ve ever sharpened. It all comes down to steel and heat treatment. Sometimes a lot of finesse is need haha. Hope this answers your question 😀

    • @aljosailic4074
      @aljosailic4074 Před 6 lety +1

      Status update, just shaved half of my hand with it :) it's medium sized Solingen knife, so i hope it'll maintain sharpness for some time. Another question: i have a Browning Black 338, it came absolutely dull, with convex edge..now, can i keep it convex and sharpen just the very edge of the blade, or is it better to make a full wedge out of it?

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +2

      Sorry for the late reply sometimes I loose track of comments😩 you can keep a convex edge or put a secondary bevel on it and sharpen like any other knife. Convened edges can be a pain to sharpen but provide a lot of benefits, but the benefits only come if the edge is kept full convex. The choice is really up to you.

    • @aljosailic4074
      @aljosailic4074 Před 6 lety +1

      Thanks!

  • @jacintosilva8669
    @jacintosilva8669 Před rokem

    This is one of the best, if not the best knife sharpening tutorial I've seen to date. Thanks

  • @michaellane8296
    @michaellane8296 Před 4 lety

    I was Having trouble with Sharpening but you're Video helped out Alot.

  • @jasonsgrowingtree5764
    @jasonsgrowingtree5764 Před 6 lety +4

    I absolutely suck at this. I am so mad at myself right now for I have ruined my mora bushcraft and spyderco polestar edge. You make it look like buttering toast.

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +3

      You can't really ruin an edge completely unless you took it to a bench grinder. Just practice maintaining an angle and go slow. It does take some practice. The mora bushcraft is a scandi grind. All you have to do with that knife is keep the bevel flat on the stone. Again just go slow and maintain an angle. Hope this helps🙂

    • @richardhatt6541
      @richardhatt6541 Před 5 lety +1

      Smith's or Lansky has a kit for sharpening. Look them up.

    • @Zardoch
      @Zardoch Před 5 lety +1

      ​@@richardhatt6541 Systems with a set angle are not the best on Scandi grinds (use the Wicked Edge a lot myself). The problem is that the system is very exact, but the grinding on the knife is not. So it needs a more flexible touch, which can be achieved free hand. Easily, since the grind itself functions as an angle guide.

  • @randyroberts2301
    @randyroberts2301 Před 4 lety +8

    Thanks for the tips. When is wet or dry better for sharpening?

    • @razorraider5981
      @razorraider5981 Před 4 lety

      Not that my opinion matters much, but I have found that wet works better

    • @aprawtv
      @aprawtv Před 4 lety

      In my opinion wet is better than dry because you can remove those grains from the stone... Try to visit my channel..I also have a technique on how to sharpen my knife

  • @moderntentcamping
    @moderntentcamping Před 2 lety

    Thanks. Been struggling with sharpening for a long time. This was helpful.

  • @bobavedian1009
    @bobavedian1009 Před 2 lety

    I’ve been sharpening blades the other way for years with some success and much frustration at dulling edges. God tip about sharpening the other way . Thanks!

  • @chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98

    Cleanup the stone would be the first advice :)))

  • @rangerjudd528
    @rangerjudd528 Před 4 lety +33

    He looks like an NPC in oblivion

  • @williamcalvinkirk
    @williamcalvinkirk Před 4 lety

    Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. They really help me !

  • @patrickmuhwheeney6518
    @patrickmuhwheeney6518 Před 3 lety

    Thanks, man...Concise, clear, AND entertaining...

  • @foxesandfeathers
    @foxesandfeathers Před 7 lety +3

    How soft do you push down on when stropping

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 7 lety +3

      Not super hard or super easy. Pushing too hard can round off the edge.

  • @Terrakinetic
    @Terrakinetic Před 5 lety +80

    Even his ears, nose, and chin are sharp. ...Bosmer?

  • @Ottee2
    @Ottee2 Před 3 lety

    Apex, burr, strop. Got it. Your advice is cutting edge, made all the more palatable by your keen wit. Thanks.

  • @earlearl8850
    @earlearl8850 Před 2 lety

    Thank You for all your help!

  • @olivernordenhok253
    @olivernordenhok253 Před 6 lety +5

    He looks like a dark elf

  • @maratgetmanchuk
    @maratgetmanchuk Před 6 lety +22

    Stroking towards the edge of the blade leaves less burr and has an important cold strain hardening effect. So I suggest focusing on maintaining the precise angle not to cut into the stone, but stroke towards the edge.

    • @OUTDOORS55
      @OUTDOORS55  Před 6 lety +25

      The steel doesn't know whether you go forward or backwards. I suggest only going backwards as it's easier for beginners to maintain an angle and not mess up. Once you have the proper muscle memory it doesn't matter. Thanks for the comment.

    • @polishpicl
      @polishpicl Před 6 lety +3

      Morris Getman you got it right!??

    • @polishpicl
      @polishpicl Před 6 lety

      Morris Getman outstanding..I agree with you.

    • @archetypalviking
      @archetypalviking Před 6 lety +17

      Morris Getman You cannot cold harden (work harden) a blade by merely sharpening it by hand. There is not enough force needed to achieve that desired effect. You could harden the blade with a belt sander, but not by hand. Therefore, the gentleman in this video is not incorrect. I personally use the Japanese method of sharpening, but a knife CAN be made razor sharp by going backwards only, and that method is certainly easier for beginners.

    • @MegaTreblinka
      @MegaTreblinka Před 6 lety +2

      Morris Getman thats true ,sharping forward make strong teeth on micro saw than backward sharping...and in this case your cutting edge is sharp for longer...

  • @AGC828
    @AGC828 Před 4 lety +1

    Great tips. Not mentioned elsewhere. :) Will keep them in mind when I do start sharpening my own blades...

  • @rusavolk
    @rusavolk Před 5 lety

    Very useful tips! Short and precise. Thank you.

  • @nineinchrails3361
    @nineinchrails3361 Před 5 lety +17

    I fully apexed my pants twice watching this. Good stuff!

  • @nathany6244
    @nathany6244 Před 6 lety +17

    Going backwards on the stone is the best way to get a burr on the edge. Go forward. Lightly. It's like shaving, not slicing a block of cheese.

    • @ostmen_draugr
      @ostmen_draugr Před 5 lety

      Thats how ive always been taught to sharpen. Hold the angle & draw the edge along the stone. Ive never seen someone sharpen spine first like this

    • @doznt12
      @doznt12 Před 5 lety +4

      Great comment. Stroking backwards will cause the burr to roll from one side to the other while stroking forward will pull the material away from the apex. 20+ years on a burr bench in a precision machine shop taught me this.

    • @jasonrogers803
      @jasonrogers803 Před 5 lety +7

      Yea it is but you missed the point of why he said that. When you do that it's easy for a beginner to move the angle and mess it up and have to start over.

    • @AlainNaigeon
      @AlainNaigeon Před 5 lety +5

      @@jasonrogers803 But doing it the bad way means being a forever beginner.

    • @krustysurfer
      @krustysurfer Před 5 lety

      I was told it redeposit's metal where its not needed going backwards, I was taught edge control low angle 22 degree apex going forward on a diamond rod or stone....... But that's me and I am 52 now, we will try this on a axe and see where it ends up. Aloha

  • @kassandraalbano7230
    @kassandraalbano7230 Před 4 lety

    Best teaching video out here !! U simplified it beautifully !!thank u !!

  • @maxi88654
    @maxi88654 Před 3 lety

    Finally someone that helped me sharpening my knife
    Big THANK YOU

  • @jeffreytilton4253
    @jeffreytilton4253 Před 4 lety +3

    Is it just me or do you hope this guy doesn’t watch “Dexter”?

  • @toby1conoby1
    @toby1conoby1 Před 5 lety +4

    We call the Burr a feather where I'm from mate

  • @slimchance7748
    @slimchance7748 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks! My sharpening over the years has been a little ‘hit & miss’ - that’s not acceptable! I love being able to get schooled privately, rather than get laughed at! Priceless.

  • @travisj.1938
    @travisj.1938 Před 2 lety

    This was an excellent video for beginners like myself! Thank you so much for the tutelage it is greatly appreciated!

  • @sergeantdef.3572
    @sergeantdef.3572 Před 5 lety +3

    Sharpen backwards??
    Then you go against the edge..
    I learned..never sharpen backwards.
    There are different methods to sharpen..but backwards??
    Alone go backwards when stropping..
    But..so I have learned it.
    Maybe your method works..it's only strange that after the sharping the knife still struggling to cut that paper.
    I never seen this before..a knife that can shave..always can cut paper easily..

    • @lamprosmellis5634
      @lamprosmellis5634 Před 5 lety

      Exactly!,,and this is better if cut hard materials,just like heavy used
      ropes, ,,,in my work in the sea we have to do with coarse nailon nets and full of mud ropes.
      Only a buckwards sharpening on a medium stone have effect.
      Shave sharpening in a fishing trawler ia absolutely useless .

    • @lamprosmellis5634
      @lamprosmellis5634 Před 5 lety

      you are wrong,,,,

    • @bluehornet197
      @bluehornet197 Před 5 lety

      Your wrong that a knife that can cut paper can shave hair 😂😂😂 my Bowie knife can slice through paper with ease but it struggles to shave arm hair and my other knife can shave arm hair but it can't slice a newspaper or any paper with ease it just tears the paper

    • @sergeantdef.3572
      @sergeantdef.3572 Před 4 lety

      @@bluehornet197
      No..
      I said..a knife that can shave hair...can cut paper easy.

    • @bluehornet197
      @bluehornet197 Před 4 lety

      @@sergeantdef.3572 yes I know what you said and I said a knife that can cut paper can't always shave arm hair I am being trained in knife sharpeming from a man who has been doing sharpening of all kinds of blades for over 50yrs I have seen knives that can shave your arm actually struggle to slice through paper its the other way around if you can slice paper like butter you can shave your arm hairs and he also repeated back to me what I just told you so I am repeating back to you what a master knife sharpener once told me