Using an angle sharpener provides a consistent method for achieving a sharp edge on your knives and tools. These sharpeners guide your stone or abrasive at a specific angle, removing the guesswork and helping you maintain the desired bevel angle across the entire blade. While specific models may vary, the general process involves securing the blade, setting the angle, and sharpening with guided strokes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Angle Sharpener
Mastering your angle sharpener involves a few key stages, from initial setup to final cleaning.
1. Preparation and Setup
Before you begin sharpening, ensure your workspace is clean and stable.
- Gather Your Supplies: You'll need the angle sharpener kit (usually including clamps, angle guides, and various grit stones or rods), your knife or blade, and cleaning materials.
- Secure the Sharpener Base: Place the sharpener base on a stable surface. Some models have non-slip feet or can be clamped to a workbench.
- Clean the Blade: Wipe down your blade to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Securing the Blade and Setting the Angle
Properly securing the blade is crucial for a consistent edge.
- Clamp the Blade: Open the sharpener's clamp(s) and carefully position the blade. Ensure the section of the edge you are working on is exposed and held firmly without damaging the blade or clamp. Tighten the clamps securely.
- Set the Angle: Most angle sharpeners allow you to select from a range of common sharpening angles (e.g., 15, 20, 25 degrees). Consult your knife's manufacturer recommendations or choose an angle suitable for your intended use. Set the angle guide or rod holder to the desired setting.
3. Sharpening the Blade
This is where you apply the abrasive to the edge. Start with a coarse grit and work your way to finer grits.
- Attach the Stone/Rod: Insert the sharpening stone or rod into the guide rod holder.
- Apply Lubricant (if needed): Some stones work best with water or oil. Check your sharpener's instructions.
- Begin Stroking: Place the stone/rod against the blade edge near the handle. Maintain light, consistent pressure and slide the stone along the edge towards the tip, keeping the guide rod within the set angle. Repeat this motion several times.
- Flip and Repeat: Release the blade from the clamp, flip it over, and reclamp it. Repeat the stroking process on the other side of the blade.
- Progress Through Grits: Once you have sharpened sufficiently with the coarse stone (until you feel a burr along the opposite side of the edge), move to the next finer grit stone. Repeat the stroking process on both sides until a burr forms again, or the edge feels sharp. Continue this process with progressively finer grits until you reach the desired level of sharpness.
4. Finishing and Cleaning
After sharpening, finishing the edge and cleaning up are important steps.
- Stropping (Optional but Recommended): Some kits include a stropping leather or material. This helps refine and polish the edge, removing the final burr. Strop the blade away from the edge on both sides.
- Clean the Blade: Wipe down the blade to remove any metal dust or abrasive particles. As noted in the reference, it's not a major issue if residue gets off the edge and onto the surface of your blade. You can easily clean this off by using an alcohol swab.
- Clean the Sharpener: Clean the sharpening stones, rods, and the sharpener unit according to the manufacturer's instructions to prepare it for future use.
Tips for Best Results
- Consistency is Key: Maintain consistent pressure and speed during your strokes.
- Let the Abrasive Do the Work: You don't need excessive force. Light, controlled strokes are more effective.
- Check for Burrs: Learning to feel for the burr helps you know when you've removed enough material with each grit.
- Practice: Sharpening is a skill that improves with practice. Start with less expensive knives if you're a beginner.
By following these steps and incorporating good practice, you can effectively use an angle sharpener to keep your blades reliably sharp.
