FAQs

Q: How do you sharpen serrations?
A: The proper way to sharpen serrations is to use a tapered round or triangular shaped abrasive rod or stones. These unique shapes allow you to sharpen the whole cutting edge of the serration as well as the tips while giving you the most consistent results. If you use a flat stone you can only sharpen the tips of the serration.  
 
Q: What is the best Sharpener?
A: The best sharpener is the one that does what you want it to do. You should choose your sharpener based on your sharpening needs, your sharpening expertise, and type of sharpening material needed to achieve the edge sharpness required. You should consider the following when choosing your sharpener.

1. In sharpening you need to be able to set your edge (Coarse) and then finish (Fine) your edge.

2. Consistency of the sharpening angle is the key to getting the sharpest possible edge. Sharpeners with pre-set cutting heads or Precision Sharpeners work great and insure the proper sharpening angle every time.

3. Portability. For field or shop use.

4. Choose the sharpening material based on your application:
a. Arkansas Stone – Finishing stone that polishes your edge to razor sharpness while removing very little metal.
b. Diamond – Removes metal quickly on very hard steel and leaves a sharp edge.
c. Carbide – Very aggressive edge setting capabilities and leaves a good working edge.
d. Ceramic – Faster sharpening than an Arkansas stone and leaves a very sharp finished edge.
e. Bonded Abrasive – Removes metal quickly and leaves a sharp edge and is the most affordable.

5. Pick the sharpener that you fill most comfortable using based on your sharpening expertise. Guided sharpeners work great because they ensure guaranteed results, while flat stones provide the sharpening enthusiasts the opportunity to hand hone the edge based on their individual requirements.

If you evaluate your sharpening needs you will be able to come up with the sharpener that works best for you. No matter what sharpener you choose they all will work, but in their own unique way.

Q: What are the plastic dots on the diamond stone for?
A: Use the information from the catalog and the picture of the cross section of the diamond stone. 

Q: What is the best angle to sharpen your knife?
A: The consistency of your angle is more important than the degree of the angle that you use. Keeping a consistent sharpening angle on both sides gives you the sharpest possible edge.  We recommend a 23-degree angle as the best general purpose-sharpening angle for the best overall results on most knives. You can use whatever angle you wish or fill comfortable using, but remember to use the same angle on both sides in order to achieve the sharpest possible edge.

Q: How do I clean my stone when it gets dirty?
A: We recommend that you clean your stone with warm, soapy water and a nylon bristle brush.

Q: How do I know when my knife is sharp?
A: You can test you knife by cutting a piece of paper or you cut food with it to see if it is sharp. Some people think shaving hair from your arm indicates your knife is sharp, but we do not recommend this method. Over sharpening your knife can be just as bad as not sharpening your knife. Once you obtain a sharp edge, stop sharpening.

Q: How often should I sharpen my knife or tool?
A: The only way to keep a sharp knife or tool is never let it get dull. We recommend that you touch up your knife or tool after every use, which makes it quick and easy to re-establish a sharp edge. If you let your knife or tool edge get dull, it is harder and takes more time to re-establish the edge to the desired sharpness.

Q: What type of sharpening abrasive is the best to use on my knife or tool?
A: There are five major sharpening product categories: Arkansas Stones, Carbides, Ceramics, Diamonds, and Synthetics. Each of these product categories offers its own unique characteristics and sharpening capabilities. Arkansas Stones are the “World's Finest Finishing Stone” and are known for polishing your edge while removing very little metal. Carbides are very aggressive. These remove more metal while putting a good working edge back on your knife or tool in just three of four quick stokes. Ceramics are a vitrified product that put- a fine finished edge back on your knife or tool. Diamonds are aggressive and remove metal from your knife and tool very quickly and come in multiple grits. Synthetics are a man-made stone that come in multiple grits and provide edge setting as well as finishing capabilities. No matter what your product preference, all of these products will produce results. The choice really comes down to your sharpening skill and level of comfort.

Q: What type or style of sharpener is the best to use on my knife or tool?
A: A single type of sharpener might do a broad range of knives and tools. Others are designed to sharpen specific types of edges. For example, a sharpening stone can be used with knives and a great variety of tools, such as woodworker’s planes and chisels. But a flat stone cannot be used to sharpen a serrated knife blade, or a pair of scissors. Likewise, a sharpening steel or other round or tapered rod sharpeners will sharpen some serrated edges, but cannot be used to sharpen the woodworker’s tools. A precision guided system will help the unskilled user to hold a constant angle while sharpening a knife, but a skilled user of a flat bench stone can achieve the same results sharpening free-hand. Study the range of sharpener types, consider your skill level and select the style that most suits your needs and applications.