How to sharpen knives on a 1x30 grinder

How to sharpen a knife using a 1x30 belt grinder and a buffer. This is the method I use to sharpen all of my knives and its fast and effective.
I bought this belt grinder from Harbor Freight over three years ago for $30 and it is still running like a champ.
The belts are $4 a piece and I buy all of my grinder belts from Supergrits, here is a link
www.supergrit.com/products/pro...
Customfileknives.com
Jakescustomknives.com
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Please watch: "How To Make A Custom Kitchen Knife from Old Saw Blade"
• How To Make A Knife Fr...
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[@kd6tas]

Interesting technique. I too use a Harbor Freight 1" x 30" belt sander for everyday, ham and egger sharpening. I run off the blade rather than onto the blade. Running off the blade makes it easy to see the burr form (which is 90% of sharpening in my opinion). Further it prevents cut belts (easier for noobs). I tilt the machine using a block under the front feet to create the desired angle. I find it's easier to maintain a consistent angle by holding the blade straight up and down against an angled belt rather than the other way around. I sit while sharpening and do not look down on the blade as so many others do as they are concerned with maintaining the desired angle. I prefer to have my eyes level with the edge so I can focus on forming a burr over the entire length of the blade while removing as little material as possible. I can also see the burr get finer with increasing grits and finally disappear with the leather strop belt. I feel the focus of basic, everyday sharpening is to minimize material removal, belt wear and time spent (cost) I feel these things are important when sharpening knives in quantity for individuals and businesses like restaurants, butchers, etc. Although I've never done it, I feel oiling inexpensive 1" x 30" belts leads to more mess than benefit. For belt life extension I sometimes use a cleaning stick, although I feel the belts last quite a while and don't really load up all that much. Finally, I feel belts create a convex edge while wheels create a concave (hollow ground) edge. I feel a convex edge lasts longer due to there being more material behind the edge similar to the concept of employing a micro-bevel on a straight edge. With that in mind, I find it interesting that you finish with a wheel rather than a leather strop belt or a burnishing (Scotch Brite) belt. It would be interesting to look at one of your edges under a microscope. Does your technique result in a small concave micro-bevel, and how long does it last compared to an edge finished with a strop belt or burnishing belt? In theory, a concave micro-bevel might be sharper but also more susceptible to damage (folding and micro-chipping). Interesting.

[@freemarket913]

awful lot of "I"'s

[@kd6tas]

@@freemarket913 That's right. I made an effort specifically not to tell you or anyone else what to do. I was just saying what "I" do. It's been 3 years since I wrote that and I'm still doing it that way. Started taking my sharpening seriously in 2014, so it's been about 10 years of doing it that way. For day-to-day it's the belt sander, and for the careful stuff it's the KME. Also, I like the Work Sharp rod-guided sharpener (Precision Adjust). It's good value for money. I wish that was around back in 2014 when I bought the KME. I spent nearly four times what the Work Sharp cost when it was introduced (around $60) on my KME setup in 2014 dollars. I hope that what I've written helps somebody. Have a nice day.

[@M70ACARRY]

Eye eye

[@kd6tas]

@@M70ACARRY If that's all you got out of all of that, "eye" feel sorry for you.

[@Revenant483]

Thank you for sharing Bro!!!

[@paulhandley1467]

I agree with Gregory M. Put the grinder with the facing uo, get behind it and then the ibelt s moving away from you, the correct method of sharpening, if not sanding.

[@timcloonan]

Have same set up however, been cautioned about placing blade into oncoming grit, cut belt flip knife. Asked this question and received many replies; turn blade away from oncoming grit. AlsoI use small magnet in back corner behind belt gathers up metal debitage. You are First one to mention use of water or oil Thanks like the grit progression comment will use

[@juanblankevoort428]

Thank for the video these tools are awesome! WELL done!

[@n00baTr00pa]

You might want to grind the ricasso up, as when you were finished, the heel of the knife wasn't completely flat.

[@fslater102]

I don't know what your doing that I don't, but the sharpness I put on a blade would cut through the belt if I faced the blade into the rotation of the belt like it looks like your doing. Also..... Using a belt gives you a nice convex edge. Doesn't finishing on a wheel vs micron or leather belt damage that profile?

[@timcloonan]

I get my practice knives at Goodwill 1.00 to 0.50 each

[@robertcornelius3514]

Just to let you young guys know, a knife cuts meat better if you don't sharpen past 500 grit. The slightly rougher edge tears through meat better.

[@zeuso.1947]

Use a spray bottle to wet the belt. Works best to put "sacrificial" material against the belt and spray water, not oil, to wet the belt. Water boiling away is sign to add more water. If it's kept wet, the heat won't detemper the steel.

[@M70ACARRY]

I bought a 1x30 years ago and started to get somewhat decent. I lost interest. Recently, I grabbed another one. I can get stuff pretty sharp. Maybe in a few months I'll get the hang of it.

[@jackalhead1542]

I have broken three belts trying that before so I'll never do it again hell I've even broken belts trying to hollow grind up. I do everything blade down now. It's very dangerous to sharpen that way. Wait till you have the knife handle go through your hand like I did when I accidentally ran the tip of my blade into a belt. Good luck in the future....

[@ceenote100]

That's what I've always been curious about. On a wet stone people go one way but on these they face the blade down so I never know which way is correct. Now to confuse me more this guys using the belt but facing it the way people do who use wet stones which like you said seems dangerous. Idk 😐

[@colinquick8078]

View Herbts grinders in South Africa..and you'll get a handle on the Right method

[@vincentcocuzza8679]

What wheel do you use to buff? Is it leather or cloth ect?

[@larryfulton7619]

I just bought the Angle Guide from Amazon, I’ll get it in a couple of days. I cannot remove the tiny screw that holds the plastic guard from the top. So, I cannot change belts until I get that done..I might just cut it off.

[@mingonmongo1]

Thx, and as others have noted, oil is good for quenching, but dipping in water is better for grinding and polishing.... 'cuz it dissipates the temper-killing heat, via evaporation. And _oiling_ the belt is mostly gonna give 'ya a soggy belt!

[@guywhosleepallday8194]

What's that big white disc honing your using?

[@matthewtomes9396]

Youll.get a sharper edge using leather on the 1x30

[@timcloonan]

Nicely done. Using oil on belt AND dipping in water to cool? Eternal question: Edge of blade facing INTO or AWAY from direction of belt? Have identical set-up from HF. Was using 120-220320 maybe 400 on practice knives from Thrift Store. Have to use leather strop with green or white compound. Also I get HF Neodynium magnets from HF for metal filings. Thanx Tim

[@binnicksforge9359]

What did you do to that belt sander? I have one and mine does not boogie like that one.

[@gregorym9591]

I have watched a lot and I mean a lot of videos on knife sharpening. 1 no one puts oil or water on there belts. Companies that sell belts recommend belts be dry, sometimes some belts will take a little water. 2 almost all the people will sharpen there blades with the blade in the down position. You run the blade in the up position. the blade could catch the belt if the blade is facing into the turning belt, especially if the belt has a flaw or is worn. 3 everyone is looking for the bur, edge, wire. What ever you call it since it is different name for the same thing. 4 I suggest never sharpen like that with a strop belt, due to the edge will catch the belt and be thrown back at you. I'm just saying now........not to scold you. Be safe , a thousand at a boys is always erased with one OH SHIT!!!!!!!

[@droyce4596]

Gregory M Youre right, you should never strop into the leather. but with the sanding, the only way to get a good looking contrast between blade and bevel is to sharpen against the edge

[@keithdubose2150]

Right on all accounts .. I have this same belt sander, and leather strop. Belts dry, edge down, leather belt makes it shaving paper slicing sharp

[@paulhandley1467]

@Mario H boy! Aren't you and example of Maturity! Hope you don't have kids that would emulate you!

[@blwngt1598]

Expert because you've "watched a lot of videos"? Bwahahahahaha! Try shutting your computer down & getting out into the real world. Hell, maybe even try to get up enough courage to be able to say something more than just "hi" to some girls for once. But seriously, that is some funny shit right there! "Because I've watched a lot of videos, and I mean A LOT of videos." That's the best thing I've heard this decade!

[@B355Y]

@@blwngt1598 he's not wrong though

[@robertmunguia250]

Could you make a video on how to sharpen a shovel?

[@thomasdsmith7678]

I find that the oil makes a mess out of the sander and the work area. Metal filings stick to everything and the plastic pulleys do not like the oil. I guess it's just me.

[@Dailyartpallette]

I can see a very dangous accident acuring one day with your way of showing edge up maybe you did or not have something happen already but one would say hold with edge down it's a much safer .

[@j.k.roberts5288]

Just found your site. Where are you getting 400, 800, 1000, grit belts for that H.F. belt sanders.

[@dirkbaumann9398]

Running the belt sander wet with water, does the water ever get into the motor ?

[@voorheeslaz70voorhees12]

Wow my friend. That is a sharp 🔪 Michael Myers 🎃 would be proud to use ur 🔪 ha. I just subbed to ur channel. 👏🏻👌🏻from Denver Colorado

[@bobonysko3167]

Chef's knives are wide and easily follow an angle guide. How do you sharpen pocket knives on a 1x30 sander. Freehand?

[@Filipp81]

What oil is that?

[@WhichOrThat]

You sharpen with belt turning towards the edge, as opposed to the belt trailing the edge. What is the benefit of towards versus trailing? Thanks!

[@JakesCustomKnives]

In my experience when I sharpen the knives facing down it leaves burs on the edge VS a nice clean edge when facing up. both ways work

[@jarodmorris611]

The point of sharpening cutting edge down (belt NOT turning into the blade) is that a burr is formed. You keep working each side equally until finally the burr falls off and you have an insanely sharp edge.

[@legalsolutions07]

Jake, in your experience is the HF 1" belt sander a good tool to use when sharpening quality pocket knives? What grit belts would you recommend for a complete sharpening?

[@jgodiska]

You have to watch, very carefully if you are pointing the sharp point of the knife towards the cutter. SOmetimes the belts wear, can catch the blade, and throw it very quickly at you

[@kd6tas]

@@legalsolutions07 The Harbor Freight 1" x 30" belt sander is inexpensive; that is its biggest strength. The basic belts are inexpensive as well. The leather and/or burnishing (Scotch Brite) belts are more expensive but are nice for producing very sharp, polished edges. Using a belt sander for knife sharpening is very fast as well. Those are the pros. Cons include: The machine runs fast. It's easy to remove too much material, overheat the edge, burn tips, and round off tips. The machine is not what many would call high quality. The wheels that hold the belt are not perfectly round. The mechanism that tensions the belt and adjusts the belt positioning is a bit sketchy as well. That means the belts tend to flap a little bit. In a word, it's a cheap, fast way to sharpen knives, but it requires some experience and isn't extremely precise. Practice on cheap knives first. For keeping quality pocket knives that are not abused sharp, the belts I most often use are 400, 1000, sometimes 3000, and a leather strop belt with green compound. That results in a lightly polished edge--not a super mirror-polished Instagram boastful edge. For that I have a KME system. For correcting abuse or changing the edge angle, you'll want some lower grit belts although you can do a lot with 400 if you're patient and keep the blade cool. The main consideration here is speed. Is speed and economy what you're after? For some, part of the enjoyment that comes from owning quality pocket knives is in doing the cleaning, lubing, tuning and sharpening. In other words, why rush it? Speed is really all you get from using a machine.

[@williammack3018]

You'd be better off having a quench bucket next to you. Also it is not a good idea to sharpen on a belt with the sharp edge facing into the belt. Belt could easily grab blade and pitch it at you.

[@moofushu]

where did buy the different grit belts?

[@fslater102]

ebay has them I just bought a pack of 6 grits (2 each, 6 belts) 220 - 2000 for $20 and another pack (1 each) 1000, 1200, 1500, 5000 for $24. Nortons will be better quality at a higher price tag but last much longer. The 5000 may be over kill but it replaces stropping and literally puts a razor edge on the blade. This is OK for a lightly used knife, but be advise...… The finer the edge, the faster it will dull (depending on the metal hardness and quality) and also makes it more prone to chipping and damage

[@BarryGordon58]

Gomer Pyle sharpens knives. Golllllleeeeee.

[@johnkovalchick6218]

Were do you get these belts for the harbor frait

[@billmccafferty7816]

Harbor freight to my knowledge only carries 80 to 120 grit. Went online got 220 and 400.

[@yourface8698]

He's doing fine just stop with the lube. The oil is just fucking up the belt. And he didn't eat knife and it's really sharp. Great job!

[@aitf99]

Its very unsafe using the buffer like that. Loosen the base and flip it 180 degrees so the wheel direction is moving wway from you.

[@isaaclawson6483]

What did you use to sharpen it at the end?

[@garethbaus5471]

He used a buffer. It is generally agreed that the buffer is on of the more dangerous power tools, I advise using a leather belt on th 1 x 30 so you don't end up like Gordon Dempsey.

[@juanblankevoort428]

Where can I get a supply of these belts I ve got the same type of machine It’s called “Blade Buddy “ From B C Technologies Thank you

[@garethbaus5471]

Amazon sells some. They are not hard to find online, and often come with "free shipping".

[@DeeegerD]

eBay, Lee Valley, Harbor Freight, Princess Auto, Canadian Tire, and on and on and on ;)

[@gammon1183]

Go to Google search and type in 1 x30 belts , press shopping . The world is your oyster 😎

[@mcintyrefamily1]

What's the proper angle to use?

[@kd6tas]

20 degrees per side typically. Higher for things like axes and lower for things like a gentleman's pocket knife

[@beulah199]

I have seen some sharpen with the cutting edge pointing upwards to the belt and some pointing downwards ,, which is correct

[@artsmigiel3622]

eddie stump belt should always be going away from the honed edge of the knife you never want sharpen a knife with the belt coming into the sharp edge of the knife it will flip the knife and hurt you

[@jimdean294]

eddie stump for shaping against the edge, for finishing, with the edge and YES, WET.

[@jeffhanson2621]

Uh...that looks messy. And how often do you cut thru your belt?😁

[@beulah199]

sorry disregard ,, I just read the previous comments

[@BinhTran-ik8jm]

wherr can i buy the machine?

[@ureasmith3049]

@@BinhTran-ik8jm Harbor freight about 42 bucks if you use the 20 percent discount.

[@ox6942]

Mineral oil?

[@garethbaus5471]

The oil doesn't even stay on the belt, and it does not matter one way or the other unless it can dissolve the adhesive joining the ends of the belt in which case it should be avoided.

[@artsmigiel3622]

Ox drybell is better also you should never sharpen a knife with a belt sander with the knife going towards the belt the knife should be placed where it starts at the top of the knife going into the sharp edge this will stop it from flipping the knife and hurting you

[@fslater102]

Use extra virgin olive oil ……. Then when you turn it on and it fly's in your face when you turn it on you can just lick it off

[@foodpimpz9086]

Where did you get the belts from bruh?

[@JakesCustomKnives]

supergrits.com

[@michaelwolfe6597]

Jake's Custom Knives s

[@matthewtomes9396]

Amazon offers tons

[@harmanmultani8582]

I am planning to try making bows/sharpening the knifes I currently have. Can anyone tell me what kind of a machine (sander/grinder) will be a good option to buy? Also, is there any difference between the two?

[@garethbaus5471]

for sharpening knives and sanding objects a 1 x 30 will probably be perfectly adequate. So far as I can tell there is no distinguishing feature between a belt sander and a belt grinder.

[@harmanmultani8582]

Thanks

[@j.d.1488]

Sounds horrible. Lol Pretty cool. Heard so many people cooking their 1 x 30. Oil is key I see.

[@osbaldohernandez9174]

Can I sharpen a machete on it

[@JA-gx4hb]

Looks pretty scary to me. I don't care how many knives you've sharpened without incident, you'll never convince me it's safe to face your edge into the rotation of the belt. Probably OK if you're using some kind of a fixed edge guide, but I'll never do it. My experience is limited, but my results have been promising with belt rotation going away from me (sander on its side) and blade edge trailing. If I was going to face the edge into rotation of belt I would at least have the rotation going away from me.

[@norakat]

I just started but it feels pretty safe as long as you are using a low grit. Now if you’re using leather strop or felt belt that’s a no no.

[@Nazareth434]

need a way to make an angle guide-

[@garethbaus5471]

You can buy one on amazon for less then $30.

[@greer776611]

lansky all the way

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Six feet Under I’ve got one it’s ok but painfully slow.

[@lawman5511]

I’m no expert, but my Buddy the knife maker said never sharpen blade up. If it catches in the belt, good chance you’ll get stabbed good..

[@norakat]

I'm just starting out but the angle guides for these 1x30's are designed to be used edge up, going into the belt.

[@davemi3213]

Fix that fuckin thing!

[@minnesotamarine9861]

Please retitle the video "how not to sharpen a knife, with a chance of cutting your self real bad if your knife 'kicks back'."

[@TheBsavage]

That's not a "grinder." That's a belt sander. I sure am not going to take any advice on tool shsrpening from someone that doesn't know what their tools are called.

[@JuanCruz-lw1nv]

He put a great edge on that knife. You don't have to know terminology to perform a skilled trade.

[@ilijasmolic9046]

Gedao sa svoim ocima kad je na ovakav nacin ostrenja noz zavrsio u trbuhu sretno