How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife with a Stone-With Techniques

As we all know, pocket knives are essential tools in our daily life. Hunters, scout persons, and mountaineers really need pocket knives. The knife without a sharp blade is like a gun that has no bullets in it. So, It is essential to learn How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife With a Stone?

There are many techniques used to sharpen pocket knives. One of the techniques is to sharpen pocket knives with a stone. But the question is, How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife With a Stone?

However, it is really to understand first that a dull knife is like poison, and it also harms. Your pocket knives don’t work effectively without a sharp blade. By using stones, you easily sharpen the blade without putting too much effort.

In this article, we’re going to explain to you How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife With a Stone? After reading this guide, you easily get the perfect edge of your knife. So, let’s get started without wasting time!

Which stone is perfect for sharpening the knife?

Natural stones, ceramic stones, and oil stones are used for sharpening knives for many decades. Among all these stones, ceramic stones are still used for sharpening knives. One issue is you have to soak these stones in water for 10 minutes before using them.

As well as, diamond-coated stones and plates are used nowadays for sharpening knives, The main issue is these stones become the cause of damaging the knives. So, if you need to sharpen your knife at an extreme level, only then used these stones.

However, another stone called synthetic stone is also useable for sharpening knives and anyone easily uses this stone. Even more, to prevent damage, they require a little source of water and oil for lubrication. These stones provide long-lasting results.

Comparison between rough and fine grit

For showing the fitness of the grit of the sharpening stone, they assigned a specific number like sandpaper. But, the scale used in sharpening stone is not the same as sandpaper. 

The grit o sharpening stone is in the range of 120 grit and 3,000 grit. However, the advantage of using higher grit is it’s very fine and helps to sharp slow.

Moreover, the sharpening stones have two surfaces, both contain different abilities. One side of the stone is rough, and the other side is grit. 

The rough side of the stone is used to grind the metal down very instantly because it has a coarser ability in it. However, to get the razor-sharp edge, a fine grit surface is used.

Use of lubricants in the sharpening of a pocket knife

Heat is created continuously because when you Sharpe pocket knife it generates friction.  It is very essential to reduce heat by using oil or lubricants because heat becomes the cause of wrapping your blade.

The main advantage of using lubricants in the sharpening of a pocket knife is they wash the grainy debris which is produced when you sharpen your pocket knife. The grainy debris is also called Swarf.

Your pocket knife blade must be affected by Swarf if you don’t remove it while sharpening a pocket knife.

Process of Sharpening a pocket knife

To complete the process of sharpening a pocket, you have to follow some steps mentioned below. 

  1. When you start to sharpen your pocket knife, starts with the rough grit side of the stone. If you face difficulty to detect the rough and smooth side, then over the surface drag your thumbnail, and then you easily detect the rough surface. For the coating of the entire surface, apply enough lubricant on it but wisely.
  2. Now, on the rough grit stone, pull your knife edge backward, and then in a sweeping motion move from the heel to the tip. Set your knife angle at 20- degrees to the stone surface. It sharps the edge of your knife easily.
  3. After doing this, repeat this process at least five times on every side of the blade with the help of light. By using pressure, use your knife against the stone.
  4. You have to repeat this process for a few minutes, but first, your grit stone must be switched. You feel a burn which is coming out of the metal if the stone works properly. 
  5. When you’re sure your knife sharps well, then wipe the lubricants carefully.
  6. To avoid risks, store the knife very carefully.

For what time does a pocket knife stay sharp

If the pocket knives are made up of steel, then sharpen them after 3 to 4 times use. However, sharpen them after every use if they’re made up of carbon steel. 

Pocket knives are used to cut ropes, wood, and other hard objects. That’s why they tend to require more sharpness as compared to kitchen knives. Additionally, two different tasks are used in sharpening a pocket knife one is honing and the other is sharpening

Honing is a task that is used to straighten a blade and removes the dent from the blade. Custom knives are very strong, so mostly they require sharpening.

Must ensure to sharpen your pocket knife after every use if you want to keep your knife in better condition.

Final Verdict

This article is for those who face a problem while sharpening a pocket knife. In this guide, we deeply explain How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife With a Stone? As well as, the process is very easy and simple, sharpen a pocket knife with a stone.

All the steps which are necessary for sharpening a pocket knife are explained very well n this guide. The overall conclusion of this article is, if you follow all the steps mentioned in this guide, you sharpen your pocket knife without facing any problems. 

Hope you like our article and enjoy it a lot!

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