Knife sharpening tips revealed

In outdoor adventures and camping, a sharp knife is an indispensable tool.  Whether it is cutting rope, processing wood, or preparing food, the sharpness of the knife directly determines the efficiency and safety of use.  Koroboshi outdoor knives are crafted from high-quality Sandvik and AUS-10 steel for exceptional durability and sharpness.  However, even the best knives require maintenance and sharpening after long-term use.  This article will explain in detail how to use different sharpening tools to keep your outdoor knives as sharp as new.

 

1. Basic knowledge before sharpening the knife

·Properties of Sandvik Steel and AUS-10 Steel

Sandvik Steel: Known for its high hardness and corrosion resistance, it stays sharp longer but is slightly more difficult to sharpen.
AUS-10 steel: High hardness and toughness, easy to polish, suitable for users who pursue high performance and convenience.
The grinding angle of the blade: The best sharpening angle for outdoor knives is usually 20°-25°. This angle provides a balance between sharpness and durability and is the universal standard for fixed-edge knives.

·Know the condition of your blade

Slight dulling: restore sharpness by fine grinding.
Severely curled or chipped edges: rough grinding is required first, and then fine grinding is required.

 

2.  Common knife sharpening tools and their specific usage

·The Whetstone: The Classic All-Round Tool

The whetstone is divided into a coarse grinding surface and a fine grinding surface. It is suitable for repairing and finely sharpening straight-edge knives. It is the first choice for outdoor knife sharpening.

Usage steps:

Lubricate the whetstone: Lubricate it with water or sharpening oil to reduce friction and heat accumulation and protect the blade.
Keep the angle: Keep the blade of the knife at an angle of about 20° to the whetstone.
Grinding direction: From the base of the knife to the tip, push and pull the blade with even force, always in the direction of the blade.
Switch between coarse and fine grinding surfaces: Use the roughened surface to repair curled edges or remove chips. Polish the blade with a fine grinding surface to enhance sharpness.
Check the sharpness: Test with paper to make sure the blade is smooth and sharp.
Applicable scenarios: Comprehensive blade repair at home or in the camp.

·Sharpening stick: a handy quick tool

Sharpening rods (ceramic or steel) are suitable for quickly repairing minor dullness of the blade, especially for outdoor scenes.

Usage steps:

Secure the sharpening stick: Support the end of the stick on a stable surface or hold it in your hand.
Maintain angle: Hold the blade at a 20° angle to the sharpening rod.
Sliding blade:
Gently slide the knife in the direction of the sharpening rod from the base to the tip.
Repeat 5-10 times on each side to make sure the blade is evenly ground.
Check the condition of the blade: Observe whether the blade is smooth and make sure it has returned to sharpness.
Applicable scenarios: Quickly restore blade performance in outdoor environments.

·Portable knife sharpener: an outdoor emergency tool
Portable knife sharpeners are usually designed with V-shaped notches, making them easy to operate and suitable for quick sharpening in an emergency.

Usage steps:

Place the sharpener: Make sure the sharpener is on a stable surface to prevent it from slipping during operation.
Insert the blade: Place the blade into the V-shaped notch, keeping it perpendicular to the sharpener.
Pull the blade: Pull the blade with even force from base to tip, repeat 5-10 times on each side.
Repeat operation: adjust the number of times according to the degree of dullness of the blade until satisfactory sharpness is achieved.
Applicable scenes: Convenient tool maintenance in hiking, camping and other scenes.

 

3. Knife sharpening skills and precautions

·Maintain a stable angle: Unstable angles will result in uneven grinding of the blade and affect performance. Using angle aids or working slowly can help keep things consistent.

·Avoid using too much force: Excessive force can damage the blade or even cause it to break. Correct sharpening should be done gently and evenly.

·Maintain tools regularly: Outdoor knives should be cleaned and polished in time after use to prevent rust and passivation. Sandvik steel in particular needs extra attention in humid environments.

·Anti-slip operation: Keep your hands dry when sharpening, and ensure that the sharpening tool and cutter are securely fixed to avoid injuries caused by slipping during operation.

 

4. Sharp blades make your adventure easier

Mastering knife sharpening skills will not only keep your Koroboshi outdoor knives as sharp as ever during your adventures, but it will also extend the life of the knife and improve your experience. Whether it’s a classic sharpening stone, a portable sharpening rod, or an emergency portable sharpener, using it correctly can make it easy for you to handle various sharpening needs.