Sharpening a blade with sandpaper is a common technique using abrasive sheets to refine the edge. This method requires careful control over angle and motion to achieve a keen edge.
Here are the steps involved in sharpening a blade using sandpaper, based on the provided reference:
Steps to Sharpening Your Blade with Sandpaper
Sharpening with sandpaper can restore a dull edge by gradually removing material along the bevel. The process involves using increasingly finer grits to refine the edge.
1. Gather Your Materials
The first step is to prepare your workspace and gather what you'll need. While the reference doesn't list specifics, you'll typically require:
- Various grits of sandpaper, starting from coarse (e.g., 400-600 grit) and progressing to fine or super fine (e.g., 1000+ grit).
- A stable surface to place the sandpaper on (like a block of wood or a specialized sharpening base).
- Your blade or knife.
- A honing steel for finishing.
2. Set the Angle
Hold the knife at approximately a 22-degree angle against the sandpaper. Maintaining a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process is crucial for developing a sharp edge. Imagine the angle needed to match the existing bevel of your blade; 22 degrees is a common angle for many knife edges, balancing sharpness and durability.
3. Execute the Stroke
Holding the knife flush with the sandpaper, drag it on a diagonal across the abrasive surface. The motion should be from the heel (closest to the handle) to the tip of the blade in a single, sweeping stroke. Apply moderate, consistent pressure. This action removes material along the edge bevel.
4. Repeat and Refine
After completing strokes on one side, flip over to sharpen the other side of the blade. Repeat the diagonal dragging process, matching the angle and pressure used on the first side. Continue alternating sides, performing several strokes on each. As the edge begins to form and feel slightly rough (creating a "burr"), switch to progressively super fine sandpaper grits. Repeat the diagonal dragging process with each finer grit to polish the edge and remove the burr.
5. Finish with a Honing Steel
Once you have sharpened both sides using the super fine sandpaper and achieved the desired level of sharpness and edge polish, use a honing steel to finish. A honing steel doesn't remove much material; instead, it realigns the microscopic edge particles that may have bent during sharpening. Hold the blade at the same sharpening angle (around 22 degrees) against the steel and lightly stroke it down, alternating sides. This final step helps maintain the edge's keenness.
By following these steps, you can effectively sharpen a blade using sandpaper, progressing from material removal to edge refinement and alignment.
