To sharpen a pocket knife:
- Mark the edge of the blade with a marker to see where material is removed.
- Hold the knife at a consistent angle, typically around 15 to 20 degrees.
- Use a sharpening stone or guided sharpening system. Make back-and-forth strokes on the stone while keeping the angle steady.
- Regularly check the edge, ensuring you remove all marker marks and form a burr (a slight raised edge) on one side.
- Flip to the other side and repeat the process to profile the edge evenly.
- Progress through finer grit stones or use a leather strop to refine and polish the edge for a mirror finish.
- Test for sharpness by carefully feeling for burr removal and smoothness.
It's important not to apply too much pressure and to keep a steady angle throughout sharpening for the best results. Honing regularly can keep your pocket knife sharp longer, and proper storage helps maintain the edge. This method works for beginners and more experienced sharpeners alike, using stones, guided systems, or even handheld sharpeners with angle guides.
