Sharpening Wheel For Razor Sharp Blades! MDF

Sharpening has never been so easy! Stones are great but also very expensive and time consuming. With this MDF wheel it takes a matter of minutes and the material is extremely cheap. I saw many using and making wheels like this one, too many to name them all, if you want to make it and you are looking for more information a quick search here on youtube will give you plenty options :)
Rate, share and all that good stuff guys :)
Thanks!
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[@mikewasowski1411]

Now, I'm a lazy prick, so if I can get max results with min effort, i'll try it. I needed something, since I suck on a whetstone. So I bought a Lansky. That was good. Finally, I could get a shaving sharp edge, but I wasn't consistent and still needed to spend considerable time doing it. Anyways, found a 20 mm thick piece of plywood today and gave this a go. Holy crap! I shit you not.....3 kitchen knives to scary sharp in 90 seconds. On my Lansky, that would have taken 30 mins and not as sharp.....not even close. I love trying lots of youtube tips and tricks and some are ok, some suck, but this has got to be up there with the best I've ever come across. Thanks for sharing.....made my day!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha!! So glad to hear that Mike! :) Thank you a lot :)

[@billt7283]

Mike Wasowski haha mike wasowski.... isn’t that the guy from monsters inc?

[@BJ-uncensored]

I use the lanky system, and it's amazing. However, you're right about the time it takes. I'd say 30 minutes is generous! I'd recommend getting the sapphire lanky stone. I've never had a sharper knife, but it takes me about 2 hours. Nonetheless, this rouge method is fantastic. A video describing angle, pressure, and what you're actually doing would be a good idea, too. Possibly build a jig for us idiots. B

[@supergeek1418]

@ The edge of either MDF or plywood will have lots of end-grain wood fibers - which is what carries the buffing compound, and rubs on the metal of the knife blade edge. There's really not too much difference in the amount, nor angle of the edge's wood fibers between the two.

[@miguelangelgomez6798]

L

[@Codename-B]

A sharp edge is often described as "Two perfect surfaces meeting together" and polishing them is a very good way to get close to that concept. Great project!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you sir :)

[@dalehammond1704]

Back when this process was new, the wheel was made of plywood and the compound was Silverline Fine White. I ordered the compound about a decade ago and plan to actually make this wheel someday. It's amazing how time passes.

[@spendtimesavemoneydiy]

I can't believe that worked! I will do a mdf wheel on the lathe and give it a try! Thanks for the idea 👍🏼

[@apeanders]

How'd it go?

[@BrothersMake]

This is incredible dude! Totally gonna go find some old motor to strap some MDF to now!

[@paulmartinez9908]

Amazing! Bro…you successfully just brought every stone and sharpening system down single handedly! I so wish I could have this, and because of how easy it is to make, I CAN! Thank you!

[@ronaldsanpedro1976]

Your MDF wheel is a marvelous idea. It works well and gives a perfect burr to my knives. What i did in my setup is i use a grinder with variable speed to make it more precise. Also i polish on the back so the wheel spins upward. In case my knife is caught in the wheel, it just fly upwards and away from me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@davidrhodes6577]

Knife building friend of mine showed me how to do that with a wheel made out of chip board a long time ago. Never considered MDF . Thanks for sharing.

[@aitf99]

Absolutely one of the best videos ive seen demonstrating this. Great work !

[@LetsPrepTogether]

Damn yet another of your projects going straight onto my to do list! Well done as always!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha! :D Great man :) Thank you a lot :)

[@rafamosso]

Hi, I really liked your video, help me. I sharpen hairdressing scissors, would you have to use stone first to make a perfect edge? If so, would emery stone have to be used?

[@slowboat6021]

that's a great idea thanks for sharing. I found that a buffing wheel is brilliant for restoring or finishing a cutting edge.

[@jackrichards1863]

Yep! What Mike said! I'm building one soon. I spend an hour on wood chisels and blades for planes and they're sharp but poor. Wit the help of a hammer I can get a jagged cut through paper(LOL). This will put me back on the job where the tools are 90% of the craft . Cheers Mr.. Top effort thanks.

[@flashgordon6238]

Been using the compressed cardboard wheels similar to this for years. I run them backwards on a grinder motor so the rotation is moving away from the edge just as you do. There may be a bit more heat with MDF due to a higher friction coefficient, so a lighter touch may be required. The system comes with two wheels, one for sharpening with 300 grit powdered carbide glued on the wheel face. The other is plain for stropping with compound. I now wear a faceshield due to having a 14" Khukuri thrown into my face just below my nose. Luckily it was the spine that stuck me and not the edge. Still had to get stitches and clean underwear. I also run a foot pedal switch.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Damn! :( I'm sorry for you bro... I hope you recovered fast!

[@flashgordon6238]

Yeah, just a few stitches at the ER that left a non-noticeable scar under a nostril. But the mental aspect of it still haunts me every time I fire up that motor. I now make sure my better half checks in on me in the shop. Been working with machines for 45 years and that was the first injury. Could have been my last....

[@placitas52]

You say 300 grit. Is that close to jewelry Sam or rouse, polishing compound? It looked like the sharp edge was facing rotation? Is that correct?

[@joewaldrep7896]

@@placitas52 milk ml? NJ omni hi by by DJ no 9

[@nicstr28]

@@placitas52 no ...away from edge

[@garyhenderson6504]

I'm curious about the useful life of this type of wheel. What has been your experience? And an unrelated question: how do you think the Maguire's buffing and polishing compounds would work to produce a dazzling mirror finish?

[@ParaGIexpert1911]

I am in need of this. I will be making one of these this week. Great vid. I cannot wait to try this out.

[@tristonr6562]

quick simple and obviously effective, amazing job

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks man :) :)

[@1ronhall]

I’m always impressed at peoples building abilities ...... thanks for encouraging me to try something new for myself!

[@thunderlord2200]

I'm more shocked howmuch effort and time he put into it. Way to much for me lol

[@fishing_with_chaz]

i've seen several knife sharpening builds this is by far the simplest i will have to try thankyou for sharing

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks man :) You won't regret :)

[@HillBilly-1]

The top edge of a car door window works also

[@SLAND-mf7rn]

Hey. Thank you for the video. please tell me what you rubbed the disk for sharpening knives

[@georgepeel7469]

I like your idea, the way you used a pre drilled peace to make a perfectly vertical hole on the disc

[@paulkelly8882]

That's the idea I'm taking first out of this video. Gonna make a set of pre-drilled holes of my commonly used drill bits on a bench press, to use with a regular drill.

[@gazzafloyd8220]

can't believe how well this works!!!😃😃👍👍

[@BlackBeardProjects]

You made this man? :)

[@gazzafloyd8220]

yes i did almost as per video (a little smaller) I now have a 4" square of bare skin on my arm from the newly share carving knife

[@RoomiesGarage]

Garry Topley outch

[@melvinshaffer9187]

Garry Topley ``

[@olechuga2]

Sir, EXCELLENT and simple. Thank you Sir, for sharing this idea with us. Oscar

[@JamesCouch777]

One of the most helpful videos I've seen and no talking 👍👍 awesome 👌👌

[@jasonngviva]

what a useful, helpful, valuable, practical tip!

[@ramztrl]

I was considering buying a set of expensive Japanese whetstones but now I you came up with this.... Wow!

[@moodyjeep]

Awesome Truly Awesome, Cant wait to set this up in my shed, Thanks for sharing. Baz (uk).

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you man! :)

[@esterpiccinelli3621]

can you tell me where to buy your "fine polishing compound"? I only found compound for plastic or acrylic not for steel! Thanks

[@JuanEnriqueSerra]

Hello Black Beard! I have a few cuestions on same thing... At what RPM has to go the motor? Is that a very important thing? I mean, i have a electric grass cutter motor (a small one) but it has high revolutions... more power instead speed or a mix of power with speed? (like 1hp motor) THANKS!!! GREAT GREAT VIDEO!

[@modeldaughters]

This is brilliant. I use plywood wheels to polish jade and other stone - pulled fibers kill them after awhile. Next time I'm trying MDF - the stuff is hard and UNIFORM - what a great idea!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yeah! :) Thanks man, the idea is not mine anyway ;) Have fun!

[@limplin7]

This is it! Old idea that works better than All the fancy sharpeners and beats them in speed and price.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yeah! :) Agree

[@tonylwright]

It won't establish angles on a badly worn blade, but it will hone an edge pretty well.

[@jetskidude78]

Great idea I have a spare 6 in grinder I will convert over to this now.

[@T_B]

This video was posted 4 years ago. How long does this wheel last and with how much use? Is there anything to the blue colored layer?

[@krankengineering]

Cool man, never seen the details of this before, add that to the project list. You fucking rock bro!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha!!! Thanks Matt!!! xD

[@jatpack3]

Does this method simply polish and deburr the existing bevel,edge or is it making a new edge? I'd try it because I dont buy expensive cutlery.

[@TristanDare]

Great video! I'm going to have to make one of these!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you brother :) super useful!

[@opasworkshop8373]

great project my friend I like that second knife the best though it's a classic. By the way I still haven't got a sticker from you just to update you.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you mate! :) I'm gonna send them to you again monday ;)

[@johnhermansen2407]

Is it as good as a belt grinder? Does the edge get dull fast?

[@oddball0022]

How well would it work if you wrapped a strip of leather around a wheel like that? Would that maybe hold the compound better?

[@lilkanethebig]

this video is so damn satisfying! I'm a huge knife freak, and.. yo! this video put me in a good ass mood!! great video

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you a lot mate :) I'm glad!

[@johnbravo7542]

Great job,and you are very skillfull in holding the knife at the correct angle :-) liked!

[@RobinCoomans]

YES! Those wheels work so great!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yeah!!! :) :)

[@itsmomoz]

First Because of the bell button man AWESOME AS ALWAYS

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks bro

[@francorome9525]

The best so far, Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks man! :D You too

[@deltajohnny]

Awesome... it works like magic,. and after watching this video I have to make one to sharpen my knives ;-) I have just subscribed!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Grat!! :) Thank you a lot man :) :)

[@SharpWorks]

Beautiful man do you think a semi perfect circle is achievable without a router? I pretty much only have hand saws at my disposal. I've been wanting to make one of these for a while but didn't feel like it was doable with my tools.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Hey man! Hard to tell :'D Maybe if you take your time you can do it, I didn't had a perfect circle either and a bit of turning on the shaft is probably always needed! Maybe you can do a test piece with a thin material :)

[@SharpWorks]

That's a good idea, I'll try that. Thanks!

[@Bfs831]

How to make supper fine compond

[@_HENRY_S]

I did it by printing out a piece of paper with a circle on it, and then gluing it the the wood and just following the lines. Worked pretty well for me

[@eyeofbass]

Use a compass to draw a circle of a preferred diameter. Follow the lines with a jigsaw. Sand down any great deviations before using a wood chisel on the spinning disk to avoid possible jamming or chipping. Rough sandpaper can also initially be used on the spinning disk. Good luck.

[@jamescain7242]

In my feed had to watch I think I'm hooked I think it's the music are you doing subliminal, LOL good vid

[@chuckfinly9559]

So, you've got the polishing compound directly on the mdf?

[@DuralMetalurg]

That's interesting! High speed can polish and sharp even using such soft materials :)

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yeah! :D Thanks man :)

[@boostedbadboyzx12r31]

Dural Metalurg just think of what a leather strap does

[@user-bt9my1lf4e]

Great idea 👍 I didn't expect wood to make so good job

[@dimitristripakis7364]

Thanks for a great video idea. Do you think it would work with plywood instead of MDF ?

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you for watching Dimitris! Yeah I've seen some use plywood too, but it's not as consistent as mdf and the edge migh be harder. Never tried myself anyway :)

[@mauriciofranchi3374]

Great Vídeo. What kind of compound is that you are using? Thanks

[@shaikhamiruddin5848]

What substance have you applied over the wheel ? Please let me know the chemical name of that. On screen it shows as"Fine polishing compound".

[@christocroukamp263]

That is the name of it

[@1959Berre]

Walter Sorrel did the same thing. Just wonder if the blade should be sharpened on a stone prior to the MDF-wheel. Which paste do you apply?

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yep! I use fine polishiong compound. if the edge isn't busted no other sharpening is needed :)

[@mikebe9919]

I absolutely LOVE this. I'm a fish cutter. I wish I could get my knives that sharp.

[@chrisbarkley3435]

Great video,I have also seen sharping wheel's made from dance cardboard, or laminated leather!

[@HeathKnuckles_Tasty_Timber]

Sweet! That was great! 👌👍 Thanks for sharing!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you my friend :)

[@Cactusworkshopchannel]

im totally doing this!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Great!!! :) Thank you for watching my friend

[@BruceBoschek]

I found a guy on e-bay (in Germany) selling 22mm x 13 cm (about 5" dia) disks for peanuts so I bought a couple. Do you think they will be too small (fast)? I will have to figure out how to drill the hole exactly in the middle, but that isn't rocket science. I also ordered a green fine polishing compound stick. Is there any disadvantage of working with the wheel turning toward one rather than turning the motor around? I would work from the side anyway, not from the front. Thanks for the useful idea.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you for watching! First off, don't use it the other way around, the blade can catch in the wood and it would be pretty damn bad. I've seen others using a wheel spinning thorwards themself and sharpening with the edge facing down but I never tried! Be extra careful anyway :) If the disk have no hole in the middle I think you will have to turn them a bit on the motor, getting the precise center is hard and even a bit off will make the wheel wobble too bad for sharpening! Good luck Bruce, and have fun :)

[@BruceBoschek]

Thanks! I'm sorry, I guess I didn't make it clear that I would never try to sharpen against the rotation of the disk. I'm old, but not tired of living. I thought I would just drill the center hole and then do as you did, using an old chisel or the sharpened end of an old file to turn the disk true. I'll let you know how I do.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process. Thank you for sharing.

[@heyimamaker]

Cool, I made a video about this for the wood lathe and it works awesome. Lots of knife nerd criticism though!

[@vensti4771]

Hey, do you think it would work for gouges? i'm looking for a cheap and easy solution.. Thanks

[@RomanovDA]

What do you apply onto the wheel before sharpening?

[@dropbearknives4831]

Thats on my to do list. You made it look too easy. Well done.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks man! :)

[@doteman92]

That looks like a concave grind. I do convex on my blades. I did like the trick on the drilling the holes with a hand drill.

[@matthewjames7394]

Can you use and polish compound? Like jewelers rouge compound? Is it better to use a liquid form? Thanks and really cool video! I have an extra bench grinder laying around.. I’m going to build one today!

[@brucetaylor9335]

Nice! I've tried truing my mdf wheels with old chisels, #5 rebar, etc. but can never get it cleaned up and perfectly round. Any ideas what I might be doing wrong?

[@EpicWorkshop]

Awesome project Brother I need that! haha

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha! :D Thank you my friend!

[@albertstien8138]

@@BlackBeardProjects does motor rpm matter?

[@robertpearson8798]

One thing confuses me. You must have a drill press to have made the straight holes in the drilling jig (unless someone else made it for you). If so, why didn’t you use it for the centre hole?

[@lml03647]

Wow that's awesome! I'm going to try and make this too.

[@isidu4244]

With what did you rub in the surface of the wheel before sharpening the knife?

[@bludolfin705]

Simply explained and simple to do. Thanks

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks!

[@bucktaylor4960]

What kind of polishing compound is that,does it have name?And where can be bought,please posted.

[@hiddeland8244]

simple but super effective and cheap!👍🏻

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you sir :)

[@archbishop8719]

That's freakin genius!!!!!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha! Thanks bro :)

[@mikeobarr8589]

I've seen good MDF sharpener builds but that portable lathe/tool rest device is brilliant! Please make a video of that!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Hehe... I made that for a very different purpose xD Here is where I built it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4faf2Z4qbx5a5I

[@robertpowell2608]

Black Beard Projects .

[@draganpastrovic2157]

Is that wheel spinning too fast? In order to remove metal on really blunt knives I assume moderate pressure would need to be applied, would that over heat the cutting edge and make it brittle?

[@keiserkoba9532]

Yes. That's a serious issue.

[@yoannthomann]

Hello, I don't see anymore this tool in your videos what do you use now and why ? Thanks !!

[@matthewgrajeda9217]

this is great man thanks for sharing

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you! :)

[@SD_Alias]

Does the high speed of the wheel not induce too much heat?

[@707SonomaComa]

That looks like Melzmine Shelving Material and not plain MDF Board. Have you tried plain MDF for a sharpening wheel? Or does the melamine on each side to hold the wheel together? Wouldn't it sharpen different without the melamine?

[@smartypants5036]

I am a printer by trade and cutting and folding paper is my gig. I can attest to wood fibers ability to wear away steel. Even tungsten and hard chrome surrender over time with just paper and a little moisture and a gentle rubbing action. Using a compound to assist, no contest.

[@rkna1]

Very cool! Will have to try that myself. Any issues with burr you have to deal with? Did you do any stropping afterwards? I use a lot of different ways to sharpen knives but im always looking for a better or faster way.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

I don't find the edge to be any better if I strop afterwards :) To take care of the burr I do one last pass on each side without pushing the blade at all, very lightly, takes off the burr easily :)

[@christopherdean1326]

I was trying to do something similar a while ago with a plywood wheel. During the turning phase, I forgot which way the wheel was going, and brought the chisel to it from the wrong side. Long story short, I now have a scar just below my eye from where the chisel hit, and am lucky to be alive!!! If you do this, my advice to you is: PAY F*CKING ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!!!

[@Shroommduke]

NO DOUBT!

[@MicskiDK]

So what rotation is correct?

[@christopherdean1326]

@@MicskiDK Turning AWAY from you (watch at 0.25 speed from 2:00) so the tool can't dig into the wheel and get thrown into your face...

[@boatboy222]

Common sense is no longer common?

[@christopherdean1326]

@@boatboy222 Was it ever????

[@MarkMcCluney]

very instructive and nicely made vid mate. thanks for sharing.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thanks Mark!

[@jaredrobbins2120]

I thought you were gonna use the melamine side like a sanding wheel. That makes sense though! MDF is like an extremely fine polisher. Cool idea

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Nice work!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you!! :)

[@stevencouncil2424]

better half very engine

[@emilie1977]

Ciao, ottimo video. Non ho capito cosa usi da mettere sul disco prima della molatura

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Ciao, grazie! Applico pasta lucidante fine, quella per lucidare i metalli che trovi al brico :)

[@mustafadiwan10]

What is that lubricant you're putting on the wheel?

[@MATT-ut4ds]

I jurst made one,and it works wonderful!!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Glad to hear that man :) Thank you!

[@p4inkiller437]

Just mdf nothing else?

[@patricknovakdepaula889]

Ideia grandiosa parabéns amigo valeu por compartilhar.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you :)

[@strandymusic]

Any danger of messing up the temper along the edge due to heat? That's why I always thought using a wet/ or oil stone was best... Or a slow turning wet wheel...

[@BlackBeardProjects]

This is used very gently :) No much pressure, the edge doesn't get hot at all :)

[@TheGreatConstantini]

Mine does heat a bit but Black beard is right, very light touch is all that's needed and make sure you have enough compound on the wheel. I just sharpen a few passes each side and then let the knife sit for a minute and repeat the process.

[@TheFroztv]

Do you put the polishing compound directly on the wood? Or did you put a strip of leather?

[@jamesrobinson5672]

I made this, works great.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Yeah!! :D

[@TristanDare]

This is so darn cool! I never thought something like this could get it sharper than just stropping! I definitely gonna see how i can make one of these. Great work, that next video looks so cool! I almost don't wanna ask because it'll spoil the supprise! lol Cheers! :)

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha!!! :'D Thank you my friend :) Coming soon!!

[@mihaipopa9414]

Excellent video and tutorial, thanks!

[@harismpalatsoukas2777]

love you and your ideas

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Haha thank you my friend :)

[@andreabianchi835]

Molto interessante, la prima volta non avevo ben realizzato quanto utile fosse. Solo una domanda (davvero molesta invero), quanti giri e che potenza la mola? PS: Complimenti davvero.

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Grazie!! :) La mola gira a 2800rpm e dovrebbe avere 1/4 (o 1/6) di cv! Basta poco xD

[@andreabianchi835]

Vedo che anche a te piacciono i rottami pre industriali! Saprò far valere anche i miei allora! Complimenti, continua così ;)

[@marcelorocha6788]

Nice project, thanks for sharing, but I have a doubt, what is this that you put on the edge of the MDF?

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Fine polishing compound

[@zipshed]

Great idea...looks like it works fantastic and I need this! Can you tell me what exactly is MDF ? I take its just a 3/4 in piece pf plywood or? Thanks alot man...appreciate it!

[@JI-ev9pp]

Wally Weener medium density fiberboard. It is a little different from plywood

[@longbow6416]

Micro Density FiberBoard. That dust is mighty fine

[@zakaryaali]

Where your ideas come from, wonderful

[@BlackBeardProjects]

I've seen these wheels many times here on youtube :)