Sharpening pocket knives is similar to sharpening other types of knives, but due to its size, the method is a little different. Typical electric sharpeners don’t always work because the blade is smaller than standard knives. Read the manuals for any electric sharpener to see if a smaller knife can be placed in the machine. Also, as the handle is on. The best way to sharpen a pocket knife is with a stone and steel.
1. Open the knife and lubricate it
You will want to start with a good lubricant on the knife edge. Open the knife and lock it in the open position. Use a manufactured recommended lubricant on the knife edge by applying with a cotton ball. The knife needs to be moist but not dripping. If you do not have this kind of access, use a 17 degree angle, as this is a nice, safe average. Grasp the handle tightly before placing the blade to the stone.
3. Begin sharpening
Drag the blade across the stone in the opposite direction that you would use the blade. Typically, this means you are pushing the blade away from you. Sharpen only one side at a time.
4. Check for burrs
After the first side is done, check for burrs by pushing your thumb on the blade. If there are no burrs, the knife needs to be sharpened again. The burrs are supposed to be there. You will get rid of them later, during the polishing process.
5. Sharpen the other side
Flip the blade over and drag it across the stone in the same manner. You are trying to sharpen each side independently. Don’t worry about the point of the blade; if you sharpen both sides at the same angle the point will come about naturally. Again, check for burrs to make sure you are truly cutting into the blade and creating a sharper edge.
6. Use a steel
Finally pass the pocket knife along a steel. This polishes the blade and pulls off all those burrs. This final step is important for the blade because the burrs will catch on the casing of the pocket knife, effectively dulling the blade faster than usual.
As with every knife sharpening process, practice makes perfect. Practice, practice, practice and ask for help if you need it. You can create a sharp, professional edge on your knives if you work diligently and practice on some knives that are less important to you before moving on to your best pocket knives.
