MinoSharp Sharpening Guide Rails

[CAL]

Does anybody use one of these? Its the clip on the back of the knife in the picture

http://www.globalknives.uk.com/sharpening.htm

Although I've been sharpening for years on oilstones I got a waterstone at the weekend and a friend to show me how to use it properly. He recomended one of these to keep the angle of the blade consistant whilst I get enough experience to keep the same angle each time I sharpen the blade (something I have always struggled with). I can keep the angle on my Mora easy enough without a support but I was thinking of using it on blades with small bevels, like my SAK and Opinell.

As far as I know Debenhams are selling that at £5 for a pair, one for knives <6" and one for above 6".

The only issue I can see is that the angle you get on the blade is determined by the width of the blade as the support is a fixed size, but does that matter too much if the blade is much sharper becuase you have a consistant bevel along the length of it.

Craig.

 

[sam_acw]

You could probably knock up a DIY version with a strip of wood without too much hassle. My Dad brought a set of these and doesn't use them - he gets better edges freehand, they also scratched the blade where they griped it.

 

[CAL]

The one I used on saturday was plastic lined so it didn't scratch the blade but I suppose you only need to slip putting it on and it would.

I think your right about knocking one up though.

 

[Native Justice]

How about trying one of those paper binder clips?

I've been teaching people to freehand sharpen for years with these inexpensive guides.

Put a small piece of inner tube cut to size to fit the inner throat of the clip so that there is no chance of scratching the knife surface. Use the mediums for utility knives and choppers; the small size for blades you want a very low sharpening angle on for skinners and slicers. Use 2-3 spaced at intervals across the spine of the blade. Replace them as they wear out for next to nothing.

Hope this helps.

NJ

 

[C_Claycomb]

I have tended to view all guides used for knife sharpening as a bit of a gimmick, particularly those that are meant to be used with flat bench stones. Do they actually speed up the learning process for holding a consistent angle free-hand?

On wide scandi type single bevels maintaining the angle is important, but you have the whole width of the bevel to guide you. On narrow bevels, so what if you don't hit the same angle with every pass? All that happens is that you get a slightly convex edge, which will, assuming that you have not made it a lot steeper than the original, cut more efficiently.

 

[CAL]

It probably is a bit of a gimmick as there would be no substitute for a good free hand technique. However, I think I'll give them a try becuase it will be interesting to see if the consistent edge it gives me will make my SAK noticeably sharper than the freehand poor technique I have been using before. Also, I can use this to give me a sharp edge and then I know what kind of 'feel' that gives me and then see if I can replicate it free hand.

 

[brancho]

If you want to make a guide look HERE for a tutorial. Never made one so I dont know how well it works but at least it will be cheap and you can selevt the angle.

 

[Draven]

I have tended to view all guides used for knife sharpening as a bit of a gimmick, particularly those that are meant to be used with flat bench stones. Do they actually speed up the learning process for holding a consistent angle free-hand?

On wide scandi type single bevels maintaining the angle is important, but you have the whole width of the bevel to guide you. On narrow bevels, so what if you don't hit the same angle with every pass? All that happens is that you get a slightly convex edge, which will, assuming that you have not made it a lot steeper than the original, cut more efficiently.

I agree completely. There is no "set angle" to sharpen a knife at anyway. The Clipper has a relatively narrow bevel but due to its thin-ness, an excellent cutting edge, whereas one of my home-made knives has a wider angle because it's not the best steel and I want it to last. Then again, the kitchen knive I made has a ridiculously wide bevel and very acute cutting angle - then, all that its for is food prep. I wouldn't dream of carving with it. Different knife materials, purposes (and obviously, users) decide the angle of the edge, not someone who wants to make a sharpening guide.

It's also worth noting that depending on the width of the blade, the angle will be different when the guide is clipped on.

 

[NatG]

i wouldn't bother with it, if you really want to use a guide to maintain consistent edge andgles try a lansky, gatco, spyderco sharpmaker or edge pro apex.