About Pocket Knives

If the edge of your knife has become dull and is not the great tool it used to be, it may be time for you to learn the basics of sharpening your own knife. Sure, you could take it to the local shop and have them put the edge back on it for you, but it is a very basic process that everyone who carries a knife should learn. While this is a simple process, it is also very misunderstood.

First, you will need to get yourself a good-quality whetstone. Since the sharpening process is really composed of two separate procedures, you will need two different stones to accomplish the task. Some stones, however, have a combination of the two correct types and sizes of grits. Steer away from getting a cheap stone as it will be too soft and porous for the job. A high quality carborundum stone with a smooth and a coarse side (combination stone) is a good choice. Also, Arkansas stones come in a variety of grades and grits and are a good choice.

Keep your whetstone clean. Wash it with soap and water, or some solvent on a rag. The pores of the stone can become clogged and this would require a cleaning where you would soak the stone in kerosene, wrap it up in a towel, and then bake it in a 250°F oven.

If your knife is very dull begin with a clean, coarse stone. This is called the roughing process. A roughing stone will leave a coarse, ragged edge that will saw through fibrous material, but will not do fine cutting. You should use water or cutting oil with the stones to keep them from loading. The finish stone will smooth up the edge. You will want to use consistent strokes along the stone, keeping the angle of the blade to the stone constant. There are a few different angles that you can use effectively to get the best edge, according to what the knife is primarily used for

The harder that your Gerber pocket knives are used, the steeper the angle to the stone required. You will want to use full, even strokes going in just one direction, or both. Please don’t hold the stone in your hands while sharpening the blade. This is dangerous and can lead to your getting cut! Instead, lay the stone on a flat surface in front of you — one that won’t slip away. A rubberized mat, or even a piece of damp paper towel, should do the trick! Proceed to evenly “hone” all parts of the cutting edge. Avoid hitting the edge of the stone because even a small chip may dull your blade. Pressing hard on the knife—whilst maintaining the proper angle—will sharpen the knife faster. Use oil designed for honing or saliva if you are in the field, to keep the pores of the stone from becoming clogged. Wipe your stone frequently. You will want to start your sharpening using the coarser grit and progress to the finer grit for the finish work.

I know from experience that hunting knives can be extremely expensive, which is why I was so thrilled when I found a great deal on Old Timer pocket knives. The worst thing is when you spend hundreds on a quality knife and then lose it in the wilderness.  This can be a real frustration for anyone who hunts or spends any time outdoors. Granted, I still don’t want to lose my knife but if I do it isn’t going to set me back a week’s pay.

What’s more, I used to constantly discover a dulling blade at the worst possible moment - when I’m out in the middle of nowhere.  Everyone knows how heavy a sharpening stone can be and no one wants to lug that around with them.  So it’s critical that the knives can hold a blade, which, of course, Old Timers do.