Using a pocket knife is a must for life. It is loaded with many different features and is easy to carry. Its blade can be used to cut, slice, or even make an improvised spear.
The critical component to the functionality of a pocket knife is the sharpness of the blade. It’s not always easy to maintain the sensitivity of a pocket knife, but it is essential to its functionality.
This blog will give you all the information you need to maintain the sharpness of your pocket knife.
What is a Pocket Knife?
According to dictionary, pocket knife is a small knife with a folding blade or blades, suitable for carrying in a pocket.
It can be used as a simple tool or as a self-defense tool, and it can also be used for other purposes such as cutting rope, opening packages, making kindling, and more.
Many companies produce pocket knives with different blades so that these items can be used in various situations.
A good pocket knife may be convenient in various scenarios, and it’s standard equipment for campers, farmers, and emergency responders, among others.
Pocket knives have been a popular item for a long time, with many design refinements offered over time.
A simple pocket knife might only have one blade, which is usually straight and extended to be used for a range of tasks.
But there are also some additional features within the pocket knife. Some optional features are a knife for drilling through leather, an edge with a hook or smooth outside and sharp inside, or corkscrews for opening wine.
And so are tweezers, toothpicks, small scissors, screwdrivers, and other standard tools, which are usually compact in a single pocket knife.
Why Do You need to Sharpen Your Pocket Knife?
Sharpening your knife can be a tedious process, but keeping your blade in good condition is necessary.
You need to sharpen your knife because it will become dull and ineffective if you don’t do it regularly. If left untreated, a dull blade can cause safety issues and accidents.
A sharp pocketknife is essential in various situations, whether for self-defense or just for everyday tasks like cutting fruits or vegetables.
Tools to be used for Sharpening
Sharpening tools come in a variety of sizes and designs.
To choose the proper type of sharpening equipment for your pocket knife, think about the material and quality of the blade.
Sharpeners come in various styles, from electric to manual, all capable of honing your blade.
There will be a learning curve to achieve a razor-sharp blade, regardless of the instrument you use.
Handheld Sharpener
Sometimes you might want to use natural methods instead of relying on electricity. You don’t have the budget to invest in, but you want to feel the tool and be able to maneuver it slightly.
There are a variety of handheld knife sharpeners available today.
Many are economical, making it an appealing option for both experienced and inexperienced knife sharpeners. Look at those and choose the right tool for you to try.
To sharpen the blades, you must rely on your strength and force.
Electric Sharpener
Electric sharpeners are favored by persons who have a lot of equipment to sharpen because they are quick and easy to use.
Pre-programmed control guides, non-slip grips, and a retractable power cord are all choices for electric solutions.
When using an electric sharpener, you usually slide the knife in, and it does the rest, giving you a nice sharp edge.
Sharpening Stone
Sharpening your knife blade using a sharpening stone is a distinct handheld method. Sharpening stones, often known as whetstones, are a common and long-established method of sharpening knives and steel tool edges.
Depending on the material, pricing, and maintenance requirements, there are many different sharpening stones to choose from. Various sharpening stone materials like diamond and ceramic are the most common.
Some sharpening stones will also require lubrication, such as mineral oil or water. Keep in mind that the lubricant you choose must not harden or deteriorate.
Knife Sharpener
On the other hand, the knife sharpener is a relatively recent tool. These are ideal for sharpening pocket knives and other blades that aren’t serrated.
To revive your dull knives, place the side of the blade of your pocket knife in the slot.
Gently pull the knife through a few times. It usually comes with a grip to make it easier to hold, as well as a slip-resistant base to keep it in place while you move the blade across.
Steps to Sharpen Your Pocket Knife
There are many ways to keep your pocket knife in good condition and ready for use at any time. You can sharpen your pocket knife with these steps:
1. Use lubricant to your sharpening stone.
Lubricating the sharpening stone is an easy way to make it work better and avoid damage to your knife.
It also prevents rust from forming on the blade, which can cause it to get stuck in the material you’ll use by the knife and ruin it.
It is best to recommend applying a thin lubricant layer to both sides of the sharpening stone before use.
2. The blade must sharpen using rough grit.
Make a 15-degree angle between the knife blade and the rough grit side of the sharpening stone.
Note that the recommended angle changes are based on the sort of knife you’re sharpening and how sharp you want it, but for an essential pocket knife, you may go anywhere from 10-15 degrees.
The narrower the angle, the sharper the blade, but the edge retention will degrade. In short, a larger angle will be less acute but will endure longer.
Keeping the same angle when sharpening is critical challenging to do.
Usually, practice makes perfect, so don’t expect to be an expert right away when you do this if you are also a first-timer to sharpen your pocket knife.
Start stroking the blade against the sharpening stone when you’re comfortable with your angle.
You can bring it closer to you or further away from you, depending on your preference.
You don’t need a lot of pressure here; a light-moderate weight will be enough, and you should attempt to maintain the pressure consistent across strokes.
As if you’re trying to shave a thin layer of stone off the sharpening block, move the blade.
Continue this procedure for a total of 10 strokes.
3. Repeat the process.
On the opposite side, repeat the previous step. You should keep sharpening until you have raised a burr, which happens when one bevel is honed until it contacts another.
4. Focus on the alternate sides.
After you’ve focused on each side, go back and do another ten or so strokes, this time switching sides per stroke.
5. Repeat the process with the use of fine grit.
When you’ve finished with the rough grit, switch to the more delicate grit side of the sharpening stone and repeat the process. It will eliminate the burr you got from the coarse grit phase.
EndNote
Knowing how to sharpen your pocket knife is a valuable skill. It can help you keep your knife in good condition and extend its life. By following the steps in this guide, you can learn how to sharpen your pocket knife like a pro.
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Reference:
Handheld sharpener image from www.thegrommet.com
Electric sharpener image from www.bobvila.com
Sharpening Stone image from www.allrecipes.com
Knife sharpener image from www.bobvila.com