STAY SHARP a little woodscraft how to

in this video i answer a question from a subscriber on how to keep a knife sharp in the field. like most questions this can be simple or complex depending on how much detail you go into. For this video we will deal with the basic questions of what is a sharp knife /hatchet /axe /kukri /tool and how to test a edge. then we will talk on how the edge can get out of sorts in the use of the tool. and finally we will talk on ways to sharpen and keep the edge while you are out camping hiking or spending time in the wild wilderness..hope you find this video useful .
knives, # knives, how to sharpen, bushcraft, woodscraft skills , bushcraft skills, axes, hatchets, machettes,stay dirty,my time in the woods,

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

hey guys hope you find this video useful safe journeys and have a good 4th

[@zulvalor7266]

We love you blackie hope you have a great weekend

[@badoldbiker368]

"Typing on phones does not develop hand strength" Crickey Blackie, I nearly split my gut laughing at that statement. I keep a small 4" ruby stone and leather strop with my kit to keep blades sharp. I find it is better to keep the edge keen rather than let it get really blunt when it needs a lot more work to get it sharp again.

[@forestgnome55]

Hey Blackie! Thanks again for another great video! In my humble opinion sharpening is a vital skill. Often misunderstood and often misapplied, Thanks again for SHARPENING my understanding. (insert smiley face here). As always, kindest regards to you and yours, Pink.

[@thethan302]

Yeah. The thumbnail thing makes my skin crawl too. Hand strength is a great point. I've been doing alot of leathercraft all week, and it’s been kinda destroying my hands a bit here. For field sharpening I keep a puck type sharpening stone in my bushcraft kit and I just got a brand new medium and fine grit pocket sharpening stone to throw in my kit. Plus I keep a set of ceramic rods in my pack for honing, as well as a piece of leather glued to a wood board that's about a foot long and 3 or so inches wide to use as a strop. This reminds me, I have two camping trips this month. I need to sharpen up the knives and probably my hawk too.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i carried a puck for many yrs they are good gear

[@teampunisher7407]

I always carry a leather strap and ceramic in my bag in the field. But I’m digging that Viking stone… That takes up no room, I’d say it’s a must... I find myself sharpening knives more than a few times a week, at home and at work… Great video brother woodsman...

[@johandebruto9264]

Good vid Blackie ! You seem nicely relaxed and unstressed and enjoying the chat ! All the best !!

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@adrianjagmag]

I carry a small high grit ceramic stone for field honing when I'm out doing field work. If I'm in the bush for many days at a time I'll combine that with a diamond stone to sharpen and then I'll hone with the ceramic stone.

[@erikjensen6503]

The edge frosted part of a car window can home as well. A little polishing compound on the inside of your leather belt will be there when you need it. I also was taught the two knives one for hard dirt possibly abusing tasks the other precision don't touch my knife tasks! Thanks for sharing. That is what i love about the woodcraft community it's all about sharing how do do different things better! Enjoy the woods!

[@terrancecoard388]

It never occurred to me to use the sheath as a strop! All my WC knives have sheaths that would do the job. Thanks!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie, Great information as always in your videos. You are the Master Woodsman and Bushcrafter out there Thank You for all the knowledge that you pass on. Tim L.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@dinoatlas]

I really appreciate your teaching!!

[@caseysr.sectionhiker8372]

I've had a love/hate relationship with sharpening knives most of my life. Some of them I can get reasonably sharp, some I just make worse. I've invested in a number of sharpening stones of different materials, crock sticks, desk clamp mounted Lansky types & sharpening steels, but I don't think any one of them gets all the knives I own sharp as I'd like. The knives are of all ranges from cheap China-made which often don't sharpen at all, to some $200+ models that come sharp & stay that way... for a while. The crock sticks with coarse & fine grits get the greatest number of knives back to 'usable' but I think I sometimes dull a knife on a leather strop with red jeweler's compound. Knife steel & tempering is a big part of it, as is muscle memory, patience & a God-given knack for doing it right. My Dad had the knack for it, the guy at the saw shop has it, but I have to admit, I don't. My best luck with field touch-ups is one of the all-in-one shirt pocket models. 1 or 2 hits with the carbide notch then 4-6 strokes in the ceramic notch & then an optional hone with the Tungsten encrusted mini-steel gets at least a working edge for me (usually).

[@Curtislow2]

I used to extract the ceramic element out of dead sodium vapor lamps and use it as a hone.

[@Curtislow2]

Speaking of muscle memory, I have over the years had a habit of ending up with my blades having two different pitch angles . one was always longer than the other. Just a bad habit I rarely ever got corrected. I later started marking the blade edge with sharpie as to correct my pitch for both sides.

[@Hoonozit]

Thanks for the video. Good stuff.

[@davesanders9203]

Just wanted to post that I got my Haversack in the mail today. First order of lot #5. Thanks Blackie. Thanks for the very educational "sharpening" video. I've personally believe TWO knives are the minimum. A "working" knife, usually fixed blade and a "fillet" knife for preparing food.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good to hear hope you enjoy it

[@bushcrfter7917]

Nice video happy fourth of july blackie

[@jerrystark3587]

Good advice. as always. Thanks!

[@toddnewsom8129]

Perfect sharpening lesson 101. Great job Blackie!

[@TerryC69]

Happy 4th, Blackie!

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks Blackie

[@dennislindenpellinge]

Thank you for good and important information, regarding sharpening of knives.

[@earldeen9943]

Great information presented in a real world example. Loved how information and the tools he used were used and their purpose. Phenomenal video!!

[@krisaguilar7106]

Awesome video! Keep up the good work...yep I always carry 3 knives , the heirloom, the working, and the one for food!

[@hammerhound168]

Good seeing you Blackie. Nice to hear you was not down from something. Dang computers are handy, just not reliable when you turn your back !

[@peterkinberger9741]

Blackie, I like that knife you have ! Seems versatile. Who made it ? Can I get one ? How much ? Blade length, material ? Thanks for any info you can give on it .

[@Upper_Moon_3_Lord_Akaza]

Hey blackie I know this isn’t about this video but about your pocket knife . I just ordered a TBS wildcat it’s a two bladed folding knife 1 full flat and 1 true scandi - if you want I could send it out to ya if you wanted to do a review. Cool knife and hope it’s great!!! Thanks for the video

[@james_lessick892]

I always learn something's from you Mr Blackie. Thank you so much. Happy Independence Day 🎊 Ps. The last minute or so of your video is nothing but silent darkness. I'm not sure if you meant for that to happen or if it was a problem with the upload. Just wanted to tell you.

[@joewalker1654]

Great video! 👍 Is that the Gunsite logo on your shirt?

[@Edward2092009]

Thanks

[@troymorris4590]

I enjoy your videos, watch almost all of them. I like your bush hat, but it could use an oil change, just kidding, it has character. Need to lower your logo on your jungle shirt. I like the logo.

[@Drpermer]

No need to apologize, we're patient for your thoughts. More great ideas here!

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thank you Blackie, that answered some burning questions for me. I've never been too good at sharpening knives. I was wondering where you got your Viking honing stone and diamond sharpening rod? Thanks. Have a great 4th of July! 👍🔪

[@jamesparker6383]

I enjoy your videos at lot of great content , but I'd like to ask, where did you get that honing stone?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

wazoosurvivalgear.com/products/viking-whetstone

[@patrickrobinson2520]

Blackie, you know I live in KY. Stop by next time you're out this way. 😂 How'd you like it up here? And what part did you visit? Thanks

[@patrickrobinson2520]

Oh and the end of the video was 100% Blackie...... For an ironic plot twist right? Lol 🤣 I'm just having fun with you. Later on man.

[@1969jmac]

Id just throw a speedysharp in my bag and have it covered. Thats all ive every used and gives me sharp edges easily and fast

[@TonyTooTuff]

This guy has forgotten more about Bushcraft than I have learned in my whole life.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

And then, ..... there was 6 minutes of midnight!!!

[@jeffmccausland3569]

First ^^

[@jack_batterson]

I disagree. A polished edge will last longer than a rough or toothy edge. Those rough spots are just waiting to roll over and wear out. Woodworking chisels are a great example: a polished chisel will cleanly cut wood longer. By definition, a polished edge has more edge than a rough edge. Not only does this mean the edge is better supported, but there is more edge to cut and wear. You overlook edge geometry. A more obtuse edge, e.g. 20º, is more durable than and acute edge, e.g. 10º. Many a savvy old-timer, would keep a fine (acute) edge on one blade, and a 'working' (obtuse) edge on another blade of a Jack knife. Same with double bit axes: an obtuse edge for rough work, an acute edge for carving. Both edges benefit from being stropped.