If you own a Bowie knife, you'll certainly want to know how to sharpen that blade. While Bowie knives are certainly larger than most other types of knife, sharpening them is really not very different. In fact, you will be able to use the same whetstone as you use for many other types of blades.
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 a solid burr along the blade, you'll need to switch to a finer stone. You can even use a strop here. The purpose of the second grinding is just to remove the burr and polish the edges of the blade a bit. This will ensure a clean cut each time (as the burr will catch during the cutting process, leaving ragged cuts). When removing the burr, it's best to go heel to tip on the knife.
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 a solid burr along the blade, you'll need to switch to a finer stone. You can even use a strop here. The purpose of the second grinding is just to remove the burr and polish the edges of the blade a bit. This will ensure a clean cut each time (as the burr will catch during the cutting process, leaving ragged cuts). When removing the burr, it's best to go heel to tip on the knife.
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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