Daves Fast And Easy Sharpening Methods For Bushcraft And Survival Knives

Several have asked how I keep my blades sharp. Generally I dont let them get extremely dull because I'll strop them after every trip. Mine usually just need touching up so I show my two favorite methods I use. I show my Worksharp station, my Japanese waterstones and my strops.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

You're a very nice man to be thinking about what kind of content viewers have been asking for, and then film it when you get the chance.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Doug! I figure if folks ask, they'll be more likely to watch! Lol.

[@genemyersmyers6710]

Where to get the compound?

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@genemyersmyers6710 Amazon is the easiest place

[@ONThree]

Hey there Dave! Another excellent video. This man is genuinely a kind individual. I hope all is well.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Jason! Man its great to hear from you and Im glad you liked it! I havent been to the blade show in about 8 years but Im going to try to go this next time.

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Dave, greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome my friend and thanks for watching!

[@beerhunter272]

Hey Dave. I like your 4x4 strop. Great idea. One of my favorite things about your videos is that you never beg for likes and subscriptions with those annoying pop-ups. Nothing ruins an enjoyable video quite like those. You do these videos for fun and learning/sharing. So thank you for keeping things simple. I look forward to your next one. :)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it and you know me well! I never beg for subs of likes. I figure if folks like what I do theyll come back for more fun with Dave! Thanks for the comments and Thanks for watching

[@brianlykins6663]

Hello, Dave. Cold rainy day, only thing better than a nap, is to sit down and sharpen knives. A guy I used to work with said his grandad called his stones "worry stones" if you got troubles, just sit down and sharpen a knife and after a bit your worries are gone. Never thought about it till he said it, but it's true. It's like praying, when your done, your problems aren't near as big. Love ya'lls videos. Doesn't matter if it's in the gear room or out in the woods. God bless ya'll and ya'll stay safe out there in this crazy world.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brian and I'm glad you liked it! You have a very good point there. Often times if there's anything bugging me the solitude of the gear room and sharpening makes it all better! Thanks for watching and may God bless you too

[@gunterbecker8528]

Hi Dave, it's always nice to have a refresher ! Since it's summer here I go a lot camping and sharpening is high on the agenda . Thanks for another tutorial 😊. Regards to Nick,stay well u 2!

[@Davidautofull]

hey friend, my uncle, married to my dads sister was a life long barber. our family would drive to the town about 20 miles over every Saturday to have our hair cut. he gave me my first shave when i was less than 10. barbers have a strop hanging off their chair and they hone their straight razors on them. i thought that was amazing. except for having black hair he was a Santa looking ol guy and you know the barber wit. every time i got up there he would put a hand on my shoulder and lean over close and with the smokers voice say, "hows your wife". i would blush and giggle. sorry, i went on a time travel there.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Man that is so cool! thanks for sharing that David!

[@alancope1094]

Thanks Dave great video. Love the vacuuming in the background 😂😂😂

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it. Lol, man you have good ears! Thanks for watching Alan

[@mjhill72]

I _really_ liked your technique and those extra long strops. I've seen a lot of knife sharpening videos and yours is the most instructional for me.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that man!

[@maryfrederickson9400]

Thanks so much. I have a machete that belonged to my Dad that needs sharpening and now I know exactly how I am going to improve its edge. That large 4 X 4 is a great idea too.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that! Thanks for watching

[@OregonMikeH]

i'VE NEVER BEEN SO WELL TAKEN THROUGH THE AT HOME PROCESS, DAVE. THANK YOU MY MAN, IT WAS SO EFFECTIVE, SIMPLE AND REPRODUCIBLE. JUST A SUPPER FINE JOB DAVE AT HELPING US NOT ONLY TO LEARN IT, BUT UNDERSTAND THE REASONING BEHIND A PROCESS METHOD EASY TO REMEMBER AND IMPLEMENT. I'LL BE COMING BACK TO THIS VIDEO AGAIN OF COURSE, SO THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH DEAR FRIEND. HAVE A GRAND DAY. MIKE.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Brother Mike! Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@sharzadgabbai4408]

We’re late to the party after TGIF naps. Amanda curled up with me , Coffee and a new episode. I think I reversed the order of her enthusiasm there. Amanda said ‘ We need a basement like Dave!’ I remind her, We’re on the second floor of our apt building. Then, she wanted see all your different knives and thinks we need more. But, you have two and I’ve the one for camping. She replied SEE! Sorry, no single sisters. Chris and Amanda

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! Man I think every camper needs a gear room. What else is there to do during horrible weather? Stay inside and maintain/drool over gear! Yall have a great weekend and thanks for watching!

[@IntenseAngler]

Excellent video Dave! By far one of the best knife sharpening vids that I've ever seen... bar none! 👍 Really love how you emphasized (and demonstrated) stropping. Always better to keep 'em sharp than to have to completely resharpen 'em, eh 👍 Hope all's well over your way my Brother!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it brother John! Yep, that is my main thought. Keep em stropped as long as possible to keep em off the stones. All is well here, I'm ready for winter to be over! Take care and thanks for watching

[@IntenseAngler]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 Always a pleasure buddy! Oh man, I definitely hear you there... I'm sooo ready for springtime myself! Take good care my Brother!

[@jenky1044]

Another great show. Thank you, Dave. This is very useful for people with many different types of hobbies that need sharp knives and tools and how to keep them that way.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it

[@LaoSoftware]

Thank you, Dave. This is very helpful. I've learned so much from you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and that's fantastic to hear that!

[@michael-outdoors]

Hi Dave, thank you for showing this detailled information. All the best, enjoy live and outdoors as well as equipment maintenance, Michael

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Michael! I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to share. Thanks for watching brother

[@bosweg10]

Thank you Dave. I like your calm no nonsense approach: Just you sharing your knowledge. the different strop ideas you are using are great. Greating from the Netherlands

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@twenchtowers3894]

Thanks Dave. I just got back from the woods with a blunt knife so this was a very timely video. Sharpening my kitchen knives on a whetstone is something I do with complete confidence but doing the bushcraft knives always seems too complicated and mysterious. My little Svord pocket knife is now in tip-top condition ready for the next trip out.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that my friend!

[@peterappleton5213]

Nice one Dave, lots of good tips in this video,thanks all the best from South East England 😊

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[@barrybaldwin5535]

Nice job with the explanations. I'm liking the features, expecially the clamp of the "Worksharp" fixture over the one that I own. You have me convinced.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Barry, Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@TerryC69]

Hi Dave! This was helpful to me, particularly the stroping. Thank you for demystifying the process.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello Terry and Im glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching

[@silaslongshot941]

Hey, Dave, thanks for another sharp and to the point video!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome my friend and Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Excellent tips for basic sharpening Dave! Of course everyone has a million different techniques they swear by, but the basics remain the same. Thanks for sharing with us and always #keepitsharp 🔪

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I agree. Everyone has their own way but the end results are all that matters! Take care and thanks for watching

[@cordellkent4790]

Thanks David. This video was highly educational, and encouraging. Well discussed topics. Thank you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and I'm happy you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@scottmccafferysr.9902]

Love to see how you sharpen your knives and giving us a new perspective of doing it a different way or what we may be doing it wrong Thank you brother

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it Scott and thanks for watching brother!

[@troybranaman316]

Awesome informative video as always Dave!! I've always had problems sharpening my.knives . My.dad would get them super sharp . So many things I wish i.could have learned from him before he got to sick . Take care and stay safe my friend!!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Troy, Im glad you liked it. Often times we just dont think we need to learn certain things from parents. As we age, theres always that " I wished I would have asked" syndrome. Take care and Thanks for watching

[@paulbeck71]

OMG, the gear room! Im giving it a like before I've even started watching!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Paul!

[@paulbeck71]

Knife sharpening as mindfulness! Stropping is particularly hypnotic, what with the repetitive motion and being at one with the knife and strop both. It's my 'go to' for a mental break (used to be polishing my boots). Thanks for this great change of pace, Dave. I really appreciated the whole video.

[@nickmartino2839]

I keep a empty spray bottle with my stones that way when I need to add water to my stones having a spray bottle makes it so convenient and if you knock it over it doesn't spill and bring able to control the water coming out is nice to

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Good thinking Nick

[@victorchinchillvas]

Thank's for sharing the knowledge, Dave!🙏🏽🗡️👍🏽

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome and thanks for watching

[@jeffrichards5106]

Great video, Dave. I've always had trouble sharpening my knives. What a great idea having those big strops on a 4x4 and bigger pieces of wood. I made my own strop on a small piece of wood. I'll have to try that, seem like it would be so much easier with the big strop boards. I'd like to get one of those Japanese water stones and that Work Sharp sharpener too. Thanks much, brother. Take care. 👍🏻👍🏻🔪

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Jeff, Im glad you liked it. That big 4 x 4 strop has made life much much easier! Thanks for watching

[@raymondmorehead9650]

Love your down to earth attitude, I have picked up many great ideas from you over the years. I like your experimental ideas that you share. If you ever make it out to the Pacific North West please Let me know. Love to meet up with you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Raymond! So far I've never made it out of the South but I'd love to visit the mountains of Washington and Oregon. Thanks for watching brother

[@simonbaptiste344]

Glad I'm not the only one who saves the wood shavings . I fill small bags with them they make great fire starters

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

We think alike! Why let them go to waste?

[@MikeD-ne6ie]

Thank you for this video Dave! I’ve always been afraid I’ll ruin a knife if I try to sharpen it! Your video makes it look manageable lol!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Mike and I'm glad you found it helpful! Good luck and thanks for watching

[@Richard-y7q]

Excellent video bud,especially on different blades.thanks very much. 😊

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@stuartmarkman769]

I just ordered the upgraded model with the 3 different sharpening rods. I have so many knives that need help. I like the many different stone choices in this model and it costs 119.00 on Amazon. 3 year warrenty too.Great video . Thanks.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good to me Stuart! After you've used it for awhile just let me know how well you like it. I'm glad you liked the video and thanks for watching

[@brendawood8611]

Fascinating gear room and thanks for the great videos, I'm really crappy at sharpening knives!❤

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. That gear room is my man cave safe space. Lol. Thanks for watching

[@brendawood8611]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 🥰

[@9957nite]

Good all around sharpening vid after about 50 years of sharpening I've just settled on simple use dmt diamond plates only coarse fine and x fine 3 × 8 plates and a homemade strop with green compound that seems to work for my wood planes knives and axes and anything else never use oil anymore too messy and as someone once said if your in the woods water is much easier too come by than oil do have one of the little worksharp field sharpeners that I like alot small light weight and does the job thanks

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Pretty much the only time I ever use oil is on my Arkansas stones. Water works on everything but those. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@BarKingWuffSpider]

Very informative, Thank You. Learned to free hand sharpen at an early age.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Learning young is the best way to go! Thanks for watching

[@BarKingWuffSpider]

The first thing I sharpened was a lawnmower blade that was round as a finger. My dad handed me a Bastard file and the blade and showed me how to sharpen one and turned me loose. I had to meet his standards before I was done. Hard Man, Good Man, that taught his children how to think and do for themselves.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@BarKingWuffSpider The world needs more Dads like that teaching kids

[@BarKingWuffSpider]

My Father was a WW2 Veteran, Combat, Born in 1925. I was raised very Old School. My Father taught me how to think, critically, by showing me what he wanted done and let me beat myself into getting it done.🤣🤣🤣😜 Seriously though, he would make me think my way through something before I acted. Horse Sense as he called it.

[@ianmickelwright4136]

Thanks for the video Dave. 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for watching Ian

[@OnTheRiver66]

Well done, Dave! I like that WorkShop system. I put a micro bevel on all my scandi grinds. I cannot see taking the time to remove all the metal on a scandi bevel just to touch up the edge. My Moras still cut as well with a micro bevel as they did out of the box. I have had a couple of knives that were so hard nothing worked in a reasonable amount of time except diamond. It took a lot of patience with those blades and seemed impossible but I finally got a great edge on them by keeping the right angle and working them over the sharpener until I finally had the edge I wanted. I had a very old stainless kitchen knife (when stainless first came out) that was impossible to get a real edge because the steel was so soft.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Yep, I agree. Why remove all that metal? Not to mention as that micro bevel grows over sharpenings it just turns into a sabre grind. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@kennethwalker4701]

As always Dave,thanks for a nice. Video...just bought a mora heavy duty companion.....😊

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Kenneth and I'm glad you liked it. You're gonna love that Mora!

[@Cochise231]

Excellent video I truly appreciate your sharing a visual lesson on your way of how you do it correctly Thank you Sir God Bless you and yours 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome my friend and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too!

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Dave, Great Video 📹 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@stephenzevetchin]

Thanks for anothet excellent video from The Gear Room!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it Stephen! Thanks for watching

[@neva.]

Excellent information. Knife people always like listening to other peoples tips and techniques. Knife sharpening is like sharing our love for the tools, that we hold dear to our hearts. Less time on the stone and using bluejeans is great advice. Your workshop station is a big time saver. Is there a compound that you could recommend for polishing the wooden handles to shine like a mirror? Thank you, Dave. Enjoy your weeks end.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. My best guess for polishing up handles to a mirror like finish would be to use a buffing wheel on a bench grinder with some white compound. Thatll really slicken them up! Thanks for watching

[@neva.]

Yes, a slick handle is dangerous! @@Reallybigmonkey1 Thank you, Dave.

[@suzy9342]

SuzyAnn.. Hey Dave, from Yuma AZ. Friday 4:00 A.M🚐🇺🇲🌵

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello from Georgia! Thanks for watching SuzyAnn

[@deanoboland]

Dave outstanding video 👍👍👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dean! I'm glad you liked it

[@TressaZimmerman]

Another great video. Thank you for this. I want to sharpen my own knives. I mean, I have been getting by. But I want to do better. Thanks again 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Tressa and I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@DeliaHolland]

Very interesting video. Thank you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Delia! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks Dave. 😁👍🏼

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching

[@edwardvillate2112]

Excellent & precise & technical 👏 VIDEO 😊, very INFORMATIVE !!! THANKS !!! 😅......

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Edward! I'm glad you liked it

[@Traderjoe]

A few years ago I saw someone was throwing out an old leather couch and I had my knife and I cut sections of the leather off and made a pile of strips of it and have been using it for years to make strops. I’ll make them with the rough side out for abrasive strips with the compound. But I have a few with the smooth side out for just refining the edge. That one couch has come in so handy. I would suggest not making a huge mess if you do this, the people won’t appreciate it.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Now that sounds like a great cheap idea!

[@andrewkrol1680]

Dave... like your salute

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Andrew!

[@MAJMAJESTIC]

I use several different grits of polishing compound...starting with brown emery, then to Rouge, then just plain leather...also attached leather to board same as you ! If it slices a thin zig-zag cigarette rolling paper, I consider it good to go.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good! So far I'm using black red then green. I have Brown rouge for my power buffing wheel for axes

[@danhandke5012]

👍 Thanks Dave good video 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Dan, I'm glad you liked it

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I actually purchased the $80 Workshop and it's okay but from watching your videos in the past and a couple of others I'm still thinking of getting some paint stir sticks and some old boars or old tiles and using sandpaper because it's just so easy to get it how many people say it's inexpensive way to sharpen knives

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sandpaper on a board definitely works. My only issue is sandpaper doesn't last very long and the abrasive breaks down.

[@3riverblades]

Morning Dave

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Good morning Brother! Im still loving that Rancher knife!

[@silverbobcat1855]

Good camera angles, I can really see what you are doing.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the way I did it!

[@nickmartino2839]

The new worksharp system professional i guess is supposed to be REALLY awesome.....and i still sometimes use my norton stones but i don't use oil as i find everything gets binded up to fast...so from the beginning I've always used just soap and water on my stones..dawn specifically... it lubricates while cleaning the stones....a win win

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Soap? Never heard that. Oil will definitely clog up a stone!

[@nevisstkitts8264]

Morakniv blades thicker than 2.5 mm have a 27 degree bevel or 13.5 degrees per side. Scandi grind from the factory includes 35 degree microbevel, or 17.5 deg per side.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the info

[@redsorgum]

In my absolutely ignorant opinion, unless you’ve rolled or chipped your blade, or you have a blade steel that’s tuff to sharpen, then stropping or using a ceramic rod works fine. Of course if it’s really dull, then you might need to use other methods. I like to use a ceramic rod, and I carry a small one with me every day in my pack. As always, great information, Dave. Have an awesome weekend. ✌️🇺🇸

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Makes perfect sense to me! Often times after a trip my knives or machetes aren't dull enough for sharpening so they get stropped. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching

[@bobjones9727]

Nice video

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Bob!

[@dustydav9816]

So I'm learning on a lot of new things. So a strop? How would you make one? Just leather on a block & did you say denim? Maybe a video on making the strop & about buying the compounds. Thanks for the videos.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yes and yes. Just stretch either leather or denim over a reasonably flat piece of wood and staple it on and you're good to go. Leather is good for some blades and denim is good for others

[@RickKepple]

Amazon sells that Work Sharp precision system for $250! Sure can tell that Dave's a machinist - precision work.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

$250? Must be a different system. Mine was only 50 bucks

[@RickKepple]

@@Reallybigmonkey1Yeah, I didn't figure you'd suggest that we spend that kind of money. Well I looked again and the PROFESSIONAL model is $249 while the standard model is $59!

[@jeffhanson2621]

Cool video👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Jeff!

[@philipfreeman72]

Have you ever thought about connecting a neck knife to your hat ? I dug a Australian leather hat out of the snow at Fairbanks AK. I put nylon cord for a neck knife & chin strap. I was told sharpening a knife on one side was better , is that an old wifes tale .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Never thought of that. Nope, I haven't heard of sharpening one side only. May as well sharpen both sides to keep it even

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

Love sharpening videos

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that!

[@nickglass12]

Excellent! One question, what’s the approximate grit size of the green, red, & black compounds that you rub onto the strops? Thanks much!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Thats hard to say, it depends on the manufacturer. Green compounds are sold with a rating of between 3,000 grit an 12,000 grit! I wished there was a standard but there isnt. You just have to use a compound and see how aggressive it is.

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I've stopped doing all this stuff. I use a speedy sharp on a consistent basis on my edge. Plus, they through one heck of a spark off of a fero rod.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I use these methods because one system will not cover all my knives, machetes, axes and the different steels and blade geometries. They are all different.

[@peterh600]

so impressed i subscribed

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Peter!

[@johngoodin3445]

Dave I see some KZbinrs have Playlists that group similar videos together. How about creating a playlist "From the Gear Room" for tips and tricks such as knife sharpening.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That's a good idea John

[@WarrenRCG]

Would you suggest doing a micro bevel on an Opinel type blade? I've been using the bottom of a ceramic mug. 😅

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

After stone sharpening I'd just strop that micro bevel on it with leather

[@herbertgearing1702]

I don't know what knives you have but most hunting and bushcraft knives are not too hard to grind for various but primarily because very hard steel is more prone to breaking and chipping, and the ability to sharpen in the field is considered desirable. The reason I say that is that for older steel, simple steels, and easy to grind steels natural oil stones (Arkansas stones and old washita stones) do a really good job, last a very long time compared to water stones, and they can produce some amazing edges.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I have some Arkansas stones, oil stones, Japanese water stones, diamonds, ceramics and Cratex. Different knives, axes and machetes react different to the various sharpening systems

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

What do you think about the Rolling Sharpeners for knives? I would like your opinion.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I've never used one but I've seen them and they look like they would work. Thanks for watching Jerome

[@polishpicl]

You don't say,,but do you lay the blade FLAT on the strop??...or tilt it?....

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I always tilt it on a strop. Thanks for watching brother

[@kenbennett9681]

What would be your suggestion on 22" or longer machete. I'm looking for something long and light weight for cutting trails through briars.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Definitely a Tramontina.

[@kenbennett9681]

Thanks, I'll definitely look into it.

[@miguelboricuapatientlongsu1855]

Good morning.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Good morning Miguel!

[@nickmartino2839]

hey Dave... have you ever used the tormek sharpening system??man I would absolutely LOVE to one day have it... but it's very expensive and honestly probably more for ppl sharpening as a business or doing it every day..while I have alot of knives I still use free hand methods

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Nope, I don't have that system. I'm so cheap I doubt I ever will! Lol.

[@adventurersclub1]

I always say, if a knife isn't sharp then it's not a knife but a piece of metal 🙂

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That's a good way of looking at it!

[@user-cr3vw7gj2i]

How do you sharp an old razor shave?

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

With the absolute highest grit Japanese water stones you can find.

[@CrunkyOMan83]

hello dave!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hello my friend!

[@JimKernix]

You rock the knife back and forth on the stone. I thought when you use a stone you push the knife in the direction of cutting and you strop the opposite way - pulling the cutting edge towards you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Stone only = you can push the cutting edge. Stone and strop = drag the cutting edge, create a micro burr them remove that burr with a strop.

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

If you can ever find an old leather white belt from Goodwill if some other second hand store pick it up because they make great strops

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Why white? Is that a particular kind of leather?

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 oops, weight lifting, auto fill put white in for some odd reason. Yeah weightlifting belts got a nice wide area so if you want to do bigger blades like a machete or even a sword probably. I think it's no problem but there is a chance of using more compound than normal because of the bigger surface area other than that I can't see any negatives.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@adcaptandumvulgus4252 Oh now that makes sense! I had an old Joe Weider belt and I know exactly what you mean now!

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 & harder to find these days unfortunately, since a lot of lifting belts I've seen are synthetics.

[@kekipark77]

if you havent already, you should definitely try out some diamond wet stones. basically a piece of metal with diamond dust stuck on it

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive had several DMT and Shapton sharpeners and I hate them. I traded them off to friends. Im a water stone strop guy

[@kekipark77]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 oh god lol i love them! agree do disagree and enjoy cutting stuff

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@kekipark77 They were ok for my machetes but not my knives. I know a lot of people love them. I say use whatever works

[@jasonjohnson6344]

If you had just one more knife, it may be the perfect amount, but then again, I could be wrong. 😉

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! Man thats what I say each time I order a new one! Thanks for watching Jason

[@idhatemet00]

at 24:47 you put the knife in your left hand to sharpen the other side of the blade because you are right handed? it doesn't matter if you're right handed or left handed, a tip to you is to just turn the blade over and keep the knife in your right hand since that is your dominant hand. you will sharpen by pushing the apex of the blade away from you. it will be much easier and you will get a much sharper, cleaner, and consistent looking edge. you should never have to switch hands when you are sharpening.👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for watching

[@drewrinker2071]

For microbeveling and homing, a steel rod sucks, a ceramic rod is definitely better, but you know what i like even better then ceramic? Synthetic ruby rod. Very few ppl realize how effective runy really is, they see that it is 3000 grit and think that it isn't aggressive enough, but honestly it removes a lot of steel very quickly. I love ruby and the feedback is amazing.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive never heard of that Ruby rod but sounds good. I'll look that one up. Thanks for watching

[@drewrinker2071]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 subscribed brother. All things knives. Happy sharpening

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@drewrinker2071 Thanks

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

How do you sharpen knives in the field? I'm not gonna lug a workshop with me. Or big stones or strops.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I carry a Cratex stick and use it in the field

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 Is Cratex similar to ceramic? I carry a small ceramic rod and a Smith's diamond rod. I do have strops and stones at home though. But I do think the Worksharp is overkill and complicated. I respect your patience with your various sharpening tools, but I've gone very simple with sharpening. Been sharpening since I was a kid.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@@fullmoonprepping4024 Cratex is a flexible rubber stick impregnated with diamond abrasives.

[@fullmoonprepping4024]

@@Reallybigmonkey1 That sounds exactly what I would roll with! I hope it's not too expensive, I'll have to check Amazon. Thaqnks for the info brother.

[@knifelore1647]

Brother thats not a gear room! Thats And Army Navy store! I wouldn't be surprised at all if John Wick hasn't stopped bye there!😎

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! Yeah but ain't it cool? Thanks for watching brother

[@MrAjusog]

I like your explanations of multiple different sharpening methods, not only the "how" but the "why"

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the way I did it

[@steveturner3999]

Thanks for the tips Dave! I have never been good at knife sharpening. 50+ years ago when I used to deer hunt with my dad my grandfather always checked our knives after lunch between hunts. He would use a stone and a strop that was just a piece of leather tacked on an old wire brush handle. When he was done with our pocket knives you were scared to open them! Razor sharp! I’d gladly ship all my blades to you to sharpen! That old saying about "teach a man to fish" comes to mind. You sharing the technique with us is "teaching us to fish". I love your dedication to understanding why things work and how to maintain them. No better way to spend a cold rainy day than in the gear room!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Steve and I'm glad you liked it! Man all our old school granddads were magically more skilled with simple items than we ever will be with fancy modern systems. I do believe tho, the more you sharpen the better you get at it. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother Steve!

[@blademan175]

In 1985, Guinness record holder, John Juranich, wrote a book. The razor edge book of sharpening. I had made a few knives at that point and had quite a few knives. I was a full time maker for 6 years…hundreds. I thought I was a decent sharpener but had knife about 65+rockwell c, took forever to get an edge but held it long. I read his book cover to cover, open minded, grabbed that hard knife, used his technique and in a minute I was shaving my arm! Nobody has microscope eyes so you have to understand what edges look like microscopically. I always enjoy your videos, thanks for another great one Dave!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks for the comments and I really need to read Johns book! Take care and thanks for watching

[@mjhill72]

Good info! I'm looking that book up now.

[@tikkidaddy]

I have that book. I think its the one with him shaving his face with a double bit axe on the cover!😂 Great book

[@unchained20000000]

Keep yer blades sharp, boyz! Ya never know when a yeti's gonna take you hostage to cook him a gourmet meal.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol! Always be prepared

[@charliemcelwain8874]

You make my day every day thank you and God bless you

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that Charlie! And may God bless you too my friend

[@nickmartino2839]

I've ALWAYS loved your gear room.... thanks for the content.....and i love sharpening and stropping my knives and other cutting tools... the more you do it the better you get at it...say hello to nick for me Dave!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you Nick! Yep, the more you do it the easier it gets. Nick say hello and thanks for watching!

[@MrDkgio]

So glad you brought up stropping, most just go straight to sharpening when all that was really needed was a good strop.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Exactly!

[@GutiTheJ]

hope you never stop uploading dave

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ill do it as long as I can, making videos is the most fun Ive ever had! Thanks for watching

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Good morning, Dave. Let's sharpen up those knives

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Good morning Doug and sounds good to me!

[@adamstevenson2485]

I’ve been sharpening knives for 40years the wrong way 🤷. Mostly. Dave I love your videos for many reasons but finally figured out another one. When you talk it relaxes people. You should have been a Chiropractor. You could teach your patients how to build an outdoor kitchen in the woods and then pop their necks while their still relaxed 😂👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, maybe I should be a life coach for anger management? I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching Adam!

[@flashgordon2816]

Bushcraft style chiropractor treatment table made from tree branches & rope...🤣

[@maryusa8526]

Dear Mr Dave, thank you for all your videos. You have a healing voice, and your friendly presentation makes for a pleasurable learning experience. Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2024!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! And you have a happy 2024 too!

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Tack you ! Nice video ! Never get upp ! 😄Sun rice every day ! Gretings from south of Finnland ! Snow about ,,, you need boots that cover the knees. The temps , well we talking about celsius . 0 c ( zero ) so we are blessed😀. Have a nice weekend ! Sorry my poor english...All the best !

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Dennis and I'm glad you liked it! Have a great weekend and thanks for watching