How to Sharpen Pocket Knives

A sharp pocket knife is a safe pocket knife. You are more likely to cut yourself on a dull knife than a sharp one, because it will be imprecise and more likely to slip. Sharpening a pocket knife can be like taking care of an old friend. It can renew a tired blade and bring new vitality to your work. You'll likely be pleasantly surprised what a difference a good sharpening can make.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Sharpening stone Mineral oil
Sharpening stone
Mineral oil

Step 1

Select a sharpening stone. They come in a wide variety of weights, sizes and materials. For your pocket knife, you'll need something basic--preferably with two surfaces, one rougher than the other.

Step 2

Wet the stone. Pour some mineral oil onto a rag and rub it over the surface of your stone, turning it dark with the oil.

Step 3

Place the blade flat against the rough grit side of the stone, then turn it up at a 15 degree angle. Knife blades have different angles, depending upon their intended function. Most pocket knives are somewhere around 15 degrees, an angle that provides a sharp, but not too precise, blade.

Step 4

Drag the knife across the rough grit in the opposite direction from how you would whittle, scraping the grit against the back of the knife's edge. Press down as you drag, then repeat the full drag approximately 10 times on each side of the knife blade.

Step 5

Repeat the process on the side of the sharpening stone with the finer grit. Finish with a handful of alternating strokes to even out both sides of the blade.

Step 6

Wash your stone and leave it out to dry. Sharpening stones tend to absorb moisture, so leave it out in the open to allow the moisture to escape over a day or so.

Resources

Article Written By Louie Doverspike

Based in Seattle, Louie Doverspike has been a professional writer since 2004. His work has appeared in various publications, including "AntiqueWeek" magazine, the "Prague Post" and "Seattle Represent!" Doverspike holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamilton College.

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