Sharpening Bowie knives need not be a frustrating procedure. In fact, while these are certainly larger than many other types of knives, you'll find that you sharpen the blades in much the same way. How should you go about doing this? What should you do or not do in order to ensure that you are able to achieve a clean, sharp, straight edge on that knife? Here, you'll learn a bit more about the knife sharpening process, as well as what not to do when sharpening Bowie knives (or any other knife for that matter).
However, because Bowie knives are quite large, you might find that many of the all-in-one sharpening systems are not ideal for use. In fact, your knife might not even fit the slots of these gadgets. That said, you can find all-in-one solutions for larger blades, you just have to look a little harder.
How do you sharpen Bowie knives? First, you'll need to purchase a whetstone (or the aforementioned all-in-one system). The size of the stone is actually up to you. However, you will need to make sure that it is comfortable in your hand. You will also need to determine what sort of lubricant to use. Some knife owners prefer to use oil, while others prefer water only. Some knife owners actually don't use any type of lubricant, but clean the stone between each sharpening with either an abrasive cleaner or a strong chemical cleanser (this will depend on whether you choose a synthetic whetstone or one made of real stone).
Using an all-in-one system, all you really have to do is position the angle guide, and then pull the knife through the device. Some of these systems rely on grinding your knife in circles, with an upright supporting the knife at the proper angle, though.
Once you have ground down one side of the blade and raised a burr, you will need to flip the knife over and grind the other side. This will raise a burr all the way down the blade (including the tip of the blade). Once the burr has been raised, you should use a fine whetstone or a strop to remove the burr and reveal the true edge of the blade. Further stropping or honing will polish the edges, as well.
However, because Bowie knives are quite large, you might find that many of the all-in-one sharpening systems are not ideal for use. In fact, your knife might not even fit the slots of these gadgets. That said, you can find all-in-one solutions for larger blades, you just have to look a little harder.
How do you sharpen Bowie knives? First, you'll need to purchase a whetstone (or the aforementioned all-in-one system). The size of the stone is actually up to you. However, you will need to make sure that it is comfortable in your hand. You will also need to determine what sort of lubricant to use. Some knife owners prefer to use oil, while others prefer water only. Some knife owners actually don't use any type of lubricant, but clean the stone between each sharpening with either an abrasive cleaner or a strong chemical cleanser (this will depend on whether you choose a synthetic whetstone or one made of real stone).
Using an all-in-one system, all you really have to do is position the angle guide, and then pull the knife through the device. Some of these systems rely on grinding your knife in circles, with an upright supporting the knife at the proper angle, though.
Once you have ground down one side of the blade and raised a burr, you will need to flip the knife over and grind the other side. This will raise a burr all the way down the blade (including the tip of the blade). Once the burr has been raised, you should use a fine whetstone or a strop to remove the burr and reveal the true edge of the blade. Further stropping or honing will polish the edges, as well.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knife store featuring sog bowie knives. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of a specialty butane lighters store.
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