Thread: Pocket Knife

Um, I honed my first pocket knife today. I think I did OK with it. I am sure it is not as sharp as it could be but what is a good benchmark? I am guessing as long as I get a good TPT that is fine. So I feel the 'teeth' along the edge. Heck I am not even sure if I got a good bevel with it. Btw, I used a Norton 220 and 1k. I had to redo the the bevel since I let someone use it. They destroyed the edge.

Pocket knives should be work sharp.. That is all when you over sharpen a work knife it becomes dangerous to use. I hate when people give me a apocket knife that is scalpel sharp..

I like mine just sharp enough to walk though a pencil sharpening
Mike

The test I always use is to hold up a piece of paper using two fingers. If the blade passes through the paper with little to no resistance, it is sharp enough and ready for stropping.

I like to be able to shave leg hair and to easily cut my fingernails with my pocket knife. Case XX 61048 with Rogers bone scales, circa 1950s or '60s.

It sliced through a sheet of copier paper with a little resistance. So it was a little jumpy on the way down but made it.

Interesting responses!

My feeling is that a sharp knife is a safe knife. Here is why...if you need to put a lot of force behind the handle, you may not have control when the blade breeches what you are cutting.

Opinions vary...What works for you is best. Additionally, I generally do not loan my knives to anyone for a host of reasons (having someone misuse the knife is right at the top of the list). I respect my knives like I respect my razors...I would only loan them to someone that has *really* demonstrated that they know proper use and care of the tool.

I don't loan my knife either, I will give you a knife if you need one, or buy one for you for an occassion like B-Day or Christmas.
It's just that as soon as I lone it, then I will need it & be pi$$ed at myself for not having one on me.

I have been making pocket knives for over thirty years now and when I sell them they have an almost razor edge but that is because it helps in selling them. I think a pocket knife should be sharp enough to catch on the thumb nail. I have seen too many of them with no blade left from over sharpening.

I would love to see some pics of your knives!!

To me pocket knife sharp is a sharp that wants to bite into my thumb pad and not let go. It will cut paper easily as well as arm hairs. Tis the basis for my bevels when I hone.

Have fun.

Originally Posted by mackie

I have been making pocket knives for over thirty years now and when I sell them they have an almost razor edge but that is because it helps in selling them. I think a pocket knife should be sharp enough to catch on the thumb nail. I have seen too many of them with no blade left from over sharpening.