FREEHAND SHARPENING FOR BEGINNERS (Everything you need to start!)

For the products mentioned in this video, please go to
www.sharpening...
Thanks!

[@catchofthedave8681]

Hey Erica, I love your vids, and love your knowledge on steels and I agree with a lot of your knife tests and opinions and I appreciate this vid and everything you do with the knife community. I do want to clarify something just let people know the difference in VENEV RESIN BONDED stones and DIASHARP PLATE BONDED stones because there is an important difference, they are NOT THE SAME. The dia-sharp stones are PLATE bonded continuous diamonds. The diamonds are bonded to the metal plate and there are no gaps or holes or honey-combs where there is space between the diamond surface. These are considered better than the diamond plates with holes or gaps on them because more diamond surface area means faster cutting on blade edge. The only disadvantage is that they sometimes get clogged with metal shavings and clog faster than the gapped diamond stones. The venev stones and naniwa diamond resin stones and gritomatic diamond resin stones and edge pro diamond matrix stones..... All of these type of diamond stones have a layer of resin or matrix usaully 1-3mm in depth and the whole depth is filled and bonded with diamond grit. What that means is that unlike diamond plate bonds that are only bonded to the surface, these are bonded into the whole depth of resin or matrix so as the matrix wears down it exposes new diamond grit. On the plate bonded like diasharp, as the diamonds and surface wears away, its just metal underneath with no grit. Now I'm not saying one is better than the other-- A GOOD STONE IS A GOOD STONE IF IT WORKS FOR THE USER!! I just think it is important to explain why diamond resin stones are often over $100 while cheap diamond plates can be $15 and well made ones can be closer to $100. Well made diamond plate stones like the diasharp can last years with proper care, but if your sharpening maxamet on it everyday and being rough with it, and reprofiling blades with it-- it will wear out. The cheaper diamond plates like generic amazon ones, they are not bonded to the surface nearly as well and not continuous so if you use it a lot, it wears away quick. The resin bonded and diamond matrix stones, they can last a lifetime. Even 1mm of resin like the naniwa or some of the venevs..... its very hard resin and does not wear away quick-- and even when you eventually wear away some diamond, theres new diamond exposed. People who sharpen all the time with the hardest steels.... it's probably worth it to get a resin bonded or matrix stone.

[@ericasedc]

Thank you so much for this comment! I will pin it. What I should have said, was for the average beginner of freehand sharpening, these plates will do you just as well as Venev- and save you money. For people NOT sharpening knives 24/7 or doing it professionally. Thank you so much for touching on the difference as I did not have time in this particular video!❤

[@catchofthedave8681]

@@ericasedcno your good, i figured as much, i figured you didn’t mean they were “the same” but more like “they sharpened the same. All good. Thanks for your vids and hard work!! Keep doing what you are doing. Sorry for the rambling posts 😂

[@ericasedc]

@@catchofthedave8681 I appreciate the commentary for sure! Thank you!!!🥰💫

[@Kens_knives]

Good teacher Erica you may have missed your calling, I really enjoyed your class all kidding aside I think you was spot on thanks for letting everyone in on some very impressive sharpening ideas

[@ericasedc]

I went to college for ECE! I was a teacher for 6 years!😂❤

[@MrBowser2012]

I remember the first time I did a screaming sharp, mirror polish freehand. It was an awesome feeling. I now own a KME, a sharpmaker, and a belt sharpener and still get the most satisfaction doing freehand.

[@ericasedc]

I do too!

[@MASHEDMallow11]

oh baby, i just started this a few months ago, only doing kitchen knives at the moment, will watch this multiple times!!

[@ericasedc]

This is just the supplies video- I’ll upload the actual sharpening soon!

[@nicoledodge7240]

This is an amazing idea, I know I’m not the only one who wants to learn all the tips and tricks to freehand sharpening!!!

[@ericasedc]

Haha I bet!

[@gregwilson3395]

Hope you are doing well Nicole. Come back and visit the channel again sometime soon. We miss you.

[@ericasedc]

@@gregwilson3395 she will be back!

[@catchofthedave8681]

awesome vid, thanks for doing that. I just got into sharpening. I wasted money on junk amazon whetstones before i fell in love with shapton kuromaku splash n go stones for my regular steels and high carbon and some most stainless. I own 5 of them now in different grits. Then for my first diamond stones I bought a diamond plate set off amazon, with 5 dif diamond plates for my super steels. They work pretty ok, they are the honeycomb pattern ones you see all over amazon, and I'm not sure how accurate the grits are, but they do sharpen super steels. Then after some research and a new paycheck, I purchased the naniwa diamond resin stones, that have 1mm of resin full of diamond. They are splash n go stones, I bought the half size ones at $80 a piece, I bought 3 of them. They are really good and a joy to sharpen on, I only wish I bought the full size stone to have the full 8 inches of area instead of 5, but 5 is still fine. The resin doesnt wear very quickly at all, but it does clog up so you need nagura stones or a silicon carbide stone to clean up the surface from time to time. Then I got into a good little conversation with Jef Jewell after extensively watching his youtube sharpening vids. He was one of the few sharpening channels that regularly did spyderco steels and benchmade steels and tested hundreds of dif diamond stones and resin stones and water stones on super steels.. He told me that the diamond resin stones were definately must-haves for maxamet and the highest hardness super steels. But he suggested I get the gritomatic silicon carbide bench stones in a few grits (about 35-$50 a piece) to sharpen almost all my super steels that are rockwell 65 and less. We had a discussion about carbide pull out in super steels and the silicon carbide stones don't do it (that he has experienced or me) except on the most crazy steels (maxamet, rex 121, zmax, etc) He said they will often still sharpen those well. These silicon carbide bench stones were designed by gritomatic specifically for doing super steels like m4 and k390 and m390 and rex 45, and all those type steels. So I just got them, and wow.... I wish I had bought those before the diamond resin stones and just used the diamond plates for maxamet. So now 2 months and about $500 later, I have an amazing collection of sharpening stones, and it's something I find I really love to do.

[@ericasedc]

What an awesome journey!

[@gregwilson3395]

As always, great video Erica. We love your content that you put on your channel. This series will help so many of us, and we do trust your opinion on so many products. We know that if a recommendation comes from you, we can't go wrong. Thanks so much!

[@ericasedc]

Omg you are a love! This made me smile!!!!

[@gregwilson3395]

@ericasedc well, it's all true, and I'm glad I was able to put a smile on your face! 😄

[@SharpeningSupplies]

We do know who you are! Keep up the great work!

[@ericasedc]

Woah! Hey guys!🥰

[@billnemec]

I'm so glad this video popped up in my notifications!! I'm basically going to be starting over with everything including knives. Thinking my knives will be very limited, but I'll still need something for kitchen knives too. - - I had a sharpening "kit" and it wasn't terrible but also wasn't great. Did the job adequately. Couldn't give it any better review than that. The strop I had was "old school" as you said - with the "crayon". So, that being said, I'm looking forward to your next video on how this all works. I've seen how it works before but didn't think I would be able to hold the angle correctly throughout the process so I went with a kit instead. I'm holding off purchasing anything for now and am anxiously awaiting the next video to see if I think I could make it work. Great video!!! Very informative!!!

[@ericasedc]

BILLLLLLL!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤ I bet you’ll be able to do it! I’m going to make it super simple and easy to follow!!!! All my love to you!!!!

[@billnemec]

I'll def give it a good shot!!! Really looking forward to the next video!! I hope you're doing well - at least as well as you can!!

[@Stans_Cutlery_Universe]

Great information. I free hand sharpen and also use a WorkSharp system sometimes. I really did not know much about stones other than Arkansas whet stones. Thanks for sharing, Live Long Prosper and Collect Your Own Way!

[@ericasedc]

Cheers! Thanks for watching!!!!

[@snowtiger44]

I bought a clumsy stoneholder it is not grippy enough sometime i place it in my vice , i also was not happy with my wax based strop polishing blocks i need to upgrade my gear someday thank you for your info always learning something new from you

[@ericasedc]

So happy to help!!!

[@R.H.bladeNshade]

Just started a channel Erica!! I know you dont know me but you are definitely one of my strongest influences along with Richter and Doody. You are awesome Erica thank you for the awesome video!! I was just looking at getting my first whetstone.

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for the kind words! Love being up there with Richter!!!❤

[@davidkurle5418]

This was great to listen to while on my lunch break👍👍Awesome video, E!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@thorarthur66ddz]

Great that you are doing a sharpening series! Thanks

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@madtownangler]

At work we used diamond powder with a little bit of oil and that got stuff pretty sharp. At home since I can never seem to get the angle the same I have stones with angle pieces on either end for keeping the angle the same every time I sharpen. I used to be dumb and had a machine. .that was good for grinding down metal on the blade really fast. .I gave that to my neighbor to use at work on knives. He works at a kitchen and they turn in knives when they get worn down to knubs.

[@ericasedc]

Practice makes perfect- I promise!

[@Knife_guy]

Great video and I think it’s a great idea for a series. All of us would love to freehand sharpen but some of us need to learn the basics with systems. That said this will be so helpful to any of us ready to learn freehand. You experience with teaching as well as passion for sharpening really shine through when you do videos like this. Keep it up sis👍

[@ericasedc]

Awh! Thanks J! You’re the sweetest. 🥰

[@j.l.327]

This is gonna be good Erica, looking forward to your thoughts on sharpening. It can be a dicey conversation with folks who wont agree, but i enjoy other peoples ideas and experience on this subject. Great video and hopefully there is more to come. I started wrecking knives with stones in the 70's and didn't really catch on until the 80's, but information on sharpening correctly was scarce. Lots of old folks had a sharp knife, but the blade would be half gone or have a rainbow removed from center. I found some people could make a blade sharper than it was, but very few really knew the mechanics of sharpening and getting the desired edge without mauling the rest of the blade. Today, info is everywhere and more people are accomplished sharpeners, but there are still lots who dont have clue. Sometimes a good cup of coffee and an old traditional pattern playing a solo on an old silicone carbide or Arkansas stone is like a therapuetic trip to a simpler time and place. Take care

[@ericasedc]

Cheers!!!!

[@terrillschneider3778]

Very good explanation of purpose process and products E Love you to bits

[@ericasedc]

Love you mostest!

[@avdmustang]

Cool video. I think more info should be covered, such as how to find and KEEP the correct angle. As a noob, this is what I worry about and struggle with.

[@ericasedc]

Yes so like I said that will be in part 2 when we actually do the sharpening. This is the supplies video!

[@avdmustang]

@@ericasedc I was the kid who always got comments on my report card that said "needs to listen better".

[@clintstinkeye5607]

When I started my boatbuilding apprenticeship it was freakin rough. It took quite a few years to get decent freehand skills and a few more years to get solid. My boss never gave me an inch of slack and it sucked. He was a damn good teacher.

[@ericasedc]

Love it!

[@tommyboy8341]

Always good to see you and thx for the lesson

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@broncodude6299]

FINALLY! I kind of suck at sharpening and am a Case fan so this skill is something I need to hone.

[@ericasedc]

Yay!!!

[@bearlynormalwetshaver1894]

If I may suggest, would you go over why & how you initially breakin a new DMT plate. I did mine with a well worn beater knife but some I know used sic powder. I think this is sometimes a forgotten step.

[@ericasedc]

You just explained what you have to do- perfect!❤😂

[@achimgeist5185]

I use a 400 grit Naniwa diamond plate for reprofiling or edge damage, for sharpening a Shapton 1000 grit and 2000 grit ceramic stone, polishing with a Shapton 5000 grit ceramic stone and the end finish with a leather strop with 1.0 micron and 0.25 micron diamond compound. I own also some water stones (400, 800, 1000 and 3000 grit), they are really good for sharpening carbon steels. Freehand sharpening is somehow meditative, it has a learning curve but in my opinion it's a lot of fun.

[@ericasedc]

Yes. Therapeutic!

[@theprestriedge4657]

Great review Erica…..Have you sharpened many scandi blades? I’m a mora knife freak….I have been watching a channel call Vituovice for years he is a Japanese doctor he begins videos with “harro knife people’s” ….He dives deep on the sharping even puts the edge under a microscope….I learned a lot from watching his videos.

[@ericasedc]

I have seen his videos yes!

[@kathleensmith370]

I am going to rewatch this great info

[@ericasedc]

Thanks so much!

[@waynebean1521]

That was brilliant and very astute... including the nod to "What do you need?" I'll agree with you most heartedly about the DMT set. They are the most consistent. I've got both the 8"X3" and 11 1/2" sets (with the "extra-long" holders that SharpenSupplies used to sell😢). They would be my best recommendation to most people. Now, I'm an old fart...I deal mostly in carbon and I also love Nortons...for some steels. I think I only have two knives that are stainless. Anyway, I fell in love with D2. If you have D2 and DMT coarse and fine, you have a marriage made in heaven! Same for ESEE's. ..and KaBars. DMT is the shit! I'm so looking forward to your series. You can teach this old dog (I'm almost 72) new tricks! Keep truckin'!

[@ericasedc]

So nice to see you here!!!!

[@mr.delacruz559]

Good job Erica!

[@ericasedc]

Thank you!!

[@Aaaaggg300]

That’s a nice beanie !

[@ericasedc]

Thanks!

[@richardvirchow3390]

Great video, Erica. I am gonna have to buy a Diamond stone. I have a 600/1000 grit whetstone with which I’ve had good results, but I’m waiting on a delivery of a Spyderco with a REX45 steel blade and don’t think a traditional whetstone will work on that blade.

[@ericasedc]

Ooooh! YAY! The 600 grit DIASHARP will work wonders on that REX45!

[@KnivesAndPizza]

Ok erica awesome video, the hard part is keeping a steady hand after drinking a gross amount of coffee

[@ericasedc]

Oh trust me. I KNOW😂

[@floydmorrison2025]

What a fantastic video! So much great information. I really loved your "tiny little teeth on a saw" analogy for a knife edge. Your visual example/explanation of "bending the teeth flat" that you demonstrated with your fingers was an 'AHA!' moment for me...I'd never thought of it like that before. I really do want to learn how to freehand sharpen, so videos like this are super helpful for me! My New Year's resolution this year was a simple mantra that I repeat to myself ad infinitum: "Drink Less, More Moms, Learn how to Freehand Sharpen" 🤣 I think I'm gonna get one of those 600 dia-sharp plates from SS, cause the plates on that Worksharp thingy I just got are too damn small for me. That DLT strop is like four Erica peanut heads long!!! 😂 I'm stoked for the follow up sharpening video!! Thanks Erica!!! ❤

[@ericasedc]

Ok this comment was hilarious! More moms😂

[@EastCoastEDC]

Thank you Erica!! Looking forward to the next sharpening video. I might just have the motivation and confidence to give sharpening a try thanks to your videos!!! Off topic, but are you close to Attitash by chance?

[@ericasedc]

Nope not close! Hahaha and yay!

[@EastCoastEDC]

@@ericasedc kk, Might be going on a Ski Trip down there on our March Break!!

[@ericasedc]

@@EastCoastEDC oh awesome!!!!

[@marcelpfeiffer6587]

Hi Erica, so cool!!!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks M!

[@franka9760]

In place of a stone holder, could you just put the diamond stone on top of a folded-up towel lying flat on a table?

[@ericasedc]

Yes- but you run the risk of it being uneven/flexible and it could easily mess your bevel up!

[@franka9760]

@@ericasedc Thanks, Erica. Just trying to save money!

[@bodythetan]

This is super helpful. Thank you

[@ericasedc]

Sure thing🥰

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you!

[@ericasedc]

Thanks for watching!

[@wayanbarre]

Very good 1o1! I learned a lot. Would you apply the same method to sharpen MagnaCut? Thanks!

[@ericasedc]

This is to sharpen knives! Any steel. Thanks!

[@Theknifenutbige]

Good stuff 👏

[@ericasedc]

Thanks!

[@troyh6680]

When you get a new set of diamond stones or a new strop, is there anything that you recommend to prepare them for first use or are they just ready to go as is? I recall in the past hearing tips to use a junk piece of steel to run on a new stone to remove extra grit, etc. Is this a thing for the newer diamond plates? Thanks for these tutorials.

[@ericasedc]

@@troyh6680 yes break the stone in with a crap knife a few times haha

[@Sommertime22292]

Do you have a opinion on the buck 112 trx. Thinking about getting one.

[@ericasedc]

Not a fan of Buck anymore!

[@Sommertime22292]

Any suggestions for good all around folder for around 100 dollars.

[@ericasedc]

@@Sommertime22292 I have heard great things about WE/Civivi!

[@mikehopper1674]

Do you have to break in a diamond stone?

[@ericasedc]

A little on the coarser grits!

[@mikehopper1674]

@@ericasedc do you have a video on how to do that?

[@ericasedc]

@@mikehopper1674 just use it haha

[@EastCoastEDC]

Hey Erica, Do you prefer the 3”x8” Diasharp stones or the 4”x10” ?

[@ericasedc]

The larger

[@EastCoastEDC]

@@ericasedc Thanks!! Looking for them online now. Diasharp 4”x10” fine In Canada $159

[@kuldar.]

Oh boy, I ❤ diamond plates! And your cool videos. 🎉 How much time it takes to get maxamet sharp on DMT?

[@ericasedc]

Thank you❤

[@cwrowe]

What do you think of Lanskey sharpening system?

[@ericasedc]

@@cwrowe No clue- I don’t own one haha

[@justified_edc]

Alright you sold me, guess I’m going to go buy more sharpening supplies 😅

[@ericasedc]

Do it!!!

[@GlennInLaguna]

Are those the 8x3 or 10x4 Dia-Sharp stones?

[@ericasedc]

@@GlennInLaguna 8x3

[@GlennInLaguna]

@@ericasedc Got it. They just look bigger, they look like the 10x4. But you did say you "bought the set" and the set only come in 8x3. Thanks!

[@dualsportoutdoors]

I could definitely do with practice in the freehand sharpening skill. I can do it but most of the time, my lazy ass grabs my Worksharp pocket field sharpener that is a guided system and does 20DPS

[@ericasedc]

Love that though!

[@nealhamamura4263]

Do you need 8” stones or will 6” stones be ok?

[@ericasedc]

@@nealhamamura4263 that is for you to decide

[@RyanHamley-cl6en]

Interesting 🤔🧐

[@ericasedc]

What’s interesting..?!

[@RyanHamley-cl6en]

The way an edge dulls and how to bring it back That's knowledge I didn't know

[@ericasedc]

@@RyanHamley-cl6en happy you learned something!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@RyanHamley-cl6en]

Also the recommended stones you showed look choice

[@THUF007]

Great video, I noticed a few things while watching your video….are you experiencing unexplained or weird things going on? Check out 18:49 and tell me that’s not an orb…. lol Have you had any weird things going on at your house lately?

[@ericasedc]

Is that a fluff?!😂❤

[@Painterrap]

That’s actually the spirit of my mom!!

[@ericasedc]

@@Painterrap YESSS

[@Painterrap]

@@ericasedc It’s ok, I knew that you already knew what was going on. I just figured you were trying to keep from scaring treyh0079.

[@Painterrap]

In addition, I literally got on sharpening supplies and bought your recommended set up. I have been freehand sharpening for about a year now and I was ready for a quality upgrade. I had been using Shapton Kuromaku Ceramic stones, and they are good stones but you have to to maintenance them.

[@EDCMECH]

The KA-Bar Snody Big Boss is on sale for $55. Love to get your thoughts on it @ericasedc

[@ericasedc]

I don’t have that one. I’m sorry!

[@EDCMECH]

@@ericasedc I can donate mine for review.