Sharpening Business 101: Essential Tools to Get Started

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

To be 100% fair I realized that I didnt cover 1x42 belt options and other versions of the 2" belt machines. Bottom line is there are many machine choices. I hoped to highlight an affordable path forward without excluding other peoples methods or choices. Many roads to the finish line.....

[@robfahey1349]

I think you did a great job covering the essentials and as you mentioned there are so many options out there the length of the video and funds for all the other tools would be too much. You definetely know what works for you and what would work for the majority of us. I think this was a great introductory video highlighting the basics and accomplished exactly that any of the other tools say as you mentioned 1x42 etc if others want to experiment thats up to them sometimes the KISS principle is best and you nailed it.

[@briantrenholm9884]

Cliff, I really want to personally thank you for your unbiased and well thought oiut videos. This one in particular might be saving me a good amount of money and stress.

[@Wilmingtonsharpening]

Thanks Cliff! You are a blessing to the sharpeners in the world!

[@worldeater3357]

Ive been searching for this video! Thanks for making it:) I would love to see a video on what you’ve struggled with while thinning knives. I could use some tips on what not to do.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I will try to get something out on thinning soon. It's a huge topic, though!

[@axion8788]

I have and use most of this equipment. My experience aligns 100% with Cliff's.

[@philipchaput8377]

Thanks so much for doing this Cliff. I really appreciate all your help. You are the G. O. A. T. Of the business. Phil Chaput- Lowell, MA

[@michaelbailey4442]

Thank you for your for all the free advice. It is very generous of you. You are a class act sir

[@jab0321]

Always appreciate your thoughts and I've learned an incredible amount from you. Thanks Cliff! I started with the Ken Onion and it was an excellent choice for me to see if sharpening was something I wanted to get into. I bought it for myself to use and then realized I could start a sharpening business with it, so it worked out great. I then bought the 1x30 Toolcker and have been extremely impressed. The ability to slow that belt down to 1000 or 1200 rpm for delicate work is fantastic. As you mentioned (1750), I also prefer sharpening at 1600 rpm and have the ability to slow it down or speed it up depending on the situation. I like that the Toolcker is a one stop shop and will run scothbrights, leather, and anything else. I also feel strongly that you don't need more than one machine, at least at first. It takes me less than 10 seconds to switch belts on the Toolcker and I know that the angle is exactly the same, vs. having multiple machines and trying to match the angle. The Toolcker also does a fantastic job at edge trailing convex edges like axes and machetes using the rubber wheel. The tool rest can be used as an angle guide to help learn edge trailing when appropriate and it is the most versatile machine I've seen.

[@gstevens62]

Thanks! This is exactly the information I’ve been wanting! I’ve been using a Ken Onion and I just got my first 1x30 and I wasn’t sure where to go from here. You just answered all of my questions!

[@swingbelly]

Perhaps the most important advice given in this video is "PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE" So true! 🇨🇦🍻

[@Aviation_Professional]

When will the NEW Curry 1x30 system be made for purchase for knife sharpeners? It's time Cliff!

[@j.d.1488]

Over a year ago purchased Rikon. Just a home sharpener. So far so good. Great video. Thank you.

[@kensmith2878]

Been watching all your recent videos and had come to the exact same conclusion. It sounds like the perfect setup, thanks for your teachings and the confirmation.

[@NicholasSigalas]

Thanks Cliff, a great video.

[@LegendaryMike]

Just want to add a couple things that I would do if I were to start over. 1. A microscope will be helpful, if not essential, when sharpening edge trailing. Deburring after sharpening edge trailing is not as simple as edge leading. With edge leading sharpening, you can apex, refine, and deburr on one belt! 2. Also, make your own diamond emulsions. It'll save you a bunch of money. I use diamond powder from Amazon, 2oz spray bottles from Dollar Tree and purified water (distilled was not available at the time). I've had less problems with Dollar Tree's bottles than from a premade emulsion I bought. (I can't speak on the quality of Cliff's emulsions because I haven't used them) I use 1 gram per 1 oz of water. This is a true heavy concentration and will last a while.Spray the emulsions on the felt or leather belt or wheel and let it dry! The diamonds adhere better, thus lasting longer if you let it dry. Do you have to let it dry? No, but you'll end up using more than necessary. 3. If you're out in a space that's not insulated and experience drastic weather changes (like here in Michigan) skip the leather belts. They are gonna stretch and bounce soon. I've never had one that ran as smooth as a felt belt. I can't speak on the quality of Cliff's leather belts because I haven't used them. Also, I've only owned 2 leather belts and 1 felt belt so my experience could differ from yours.

[@robbabcock_]

What a timely video! Thanks, Cliff!🙌

[@markthomasson2115]

Excellent video, loaded with information.. Thank you!!!!!!

[@Tackleb3rry]

Great info as always, Cliff!

[@lukaszj1213]

Thanks a lot! Everyone is eagerly awaiting the return of the Bucktool 1x30 low-speed in stock ;)

[@daniel.rosina]

Thanks a lot Cliff! Very much appreciated. I do my hobby sharpening (plus some sharpening for a small business) on Worksharp Ken Onion machine, plus on Tormek (just freehanding the plain kitchen knives on Tormek). I definitely see, I would need the 2 x 42 machine for large material removal...

[@chuckpen29]

thx for sharing all your knowledge

[@DJOmega80]

Thank you for giving us a road map to get started.

[@robertmunguia250]

Yup that consew motor works wonders! Have that set up. Did you retire that PSI motor?

[@donaldnewhouse3816]

Perfect video, great information

[@ia6980]

OBM, KALAMAZOO, grizzly, or bucktook which one would you recommend? And do you think 2inch is better than 1 inch belt for knife sharpening?

[@PeterWoolworth]

Well done Mr. Curry!

[@jimedwards1367]

Loved this video. Only thing needs to be added is link in the equipment you sell. Deburing wheel Polisher Serations wheels etc Being in Australia we dont have the range and id love to study what uou use. My own meyhods are working but the skills and hits you provide are all inspiring. Thankyou.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Its funny for a guy that sells products that I use and think are the best I still feel weird self promoting sometimes. I try to downplay it so people wont accuse me of being a "sandpaper saleman" Having said that....please goto shop.currycustomcutlery.com :)

[@jerrywiese9722]

You're always an inspiration

[@jamesbevis7033]

Love these videos, thought I knew alot, but always seem to learn something.

[@mowermanone1621]

Excellent advice, thanks for sharing and thank you for your work.

[@bobdetweiler1120]

Thanks for sharing your tips, "keep it simple".

[@tomnieman6459]

First thank you for all your advice for us newbies. I was wondering if the half speed bucktool was on a 180 degree lasy susan you could turn it around and your wheel would be spinning away. Yes? And since you are so good at creating could you design one for us?

[@tomvanosdel8454]

Hey Cliff, can you do a video on mobile sharpening, specifically the power source, do I choose gas powered generator or electric? Thanks,

[@trainwon5699]

Good info Cliff…thanks

[@BermPeakClips]

Where is your business located

[@chrisb.4496]

Great advice, great video. Thanks Cliff.