Freehand sharpening - bevel alignment

This video addresses bevel alignment when sharpening freehand, both on stones and strops. It also poses an argument against the idea that convex bevels are inherent to sharpening freehand.

[cp]

Love revisiting these older videos. It seems like Michael Christy is a man who doesn't like repeating himself. Once a subject is covered in a video, it is covered. So if you're stumbling upon this comment because you ended up on this old video by chance, I urge you to rewatch the whole catalogue. A lot of hidden gems buried all throughout.

[anotherrandomtexan]

Hands down one of (if not THE) best video on sharpening everything you need to know explained and shown this is what I am going to show people who want to start free hand sharpening

[jpdel]

Man I simply love your lessons. Thank you

[jamesmiller]

Good advice, I always learn something from your videos.

[StaySharpFacas]

Great vídeo, very well put for beginners.

[CliffStamp]

On the weaker bond stones that wear fast and create hollows in the stone, this will add curvature to the bevel. The traditional Kings for example tend to do this readily, especially something like the 200 grit big brick as that has a really weak bond and large grit and thus the released grit causes the surface to go out of flat as you are sharpening.

It is pretty easy to notice if you grind on such a stone and then switch to a diamond plate and watch how the scratches don't go all the way to the apex.

[amghoon]

hey Michael really enjoy your videos! could you please post a list of your recommended stones, compounds, tools, etc that one would need to get started sharpening like this? thanks again for the awesome tutorials!!

[huahuar]

Michael, once the factory edge is gone and you want to reprofile to maybe 15 grades or whatever, you use stones with low grit or another system? thanks in advance!!

[volcanowb]

Hi Michael,

What's your most used liquid diamond and strop and why?

Thanks!

[fekdani]

Unfortunately I have managed to convex my PM2 while sharpening freehanded. I find it quite difficult to maintain a proper position on such a thin bevel, a scandi is much easier. BTW what do you think about convex grinds?

[tayloralbrecht]

When making your own strops, what adhesive are you using to attach the leather and wood?

[tayloralbrecht]

Do you switch hands for opposite side?

[ColdplayBush]

Hi Michael, nice vid, that's really helpful. I am thinking about learning sharpening freehand. What sort of sharpening stones would you recommend to a newbie?

Thanks

[aaronkahn-bork]

Here’s what I’m struggling with, I think: how would you check that the bevel is flat against the stone when you’re doing the other side of it and the edge is facing away from you?

[corismsyn]

Hi Michael, do you always have the blade towards you when sharpening? I've read articles that say to have the blade away from you and developing a burr when sharpening. Can you pls enlighten? Also, do you have a tutorial video on sharpening? If not, some resources I can check out? Thanks. Your vids are awesome keep up the good work!

[roughroosterknifesharpenin]

Very nice video. However I have to disagree with the convex thing. But at the same time I agree with you. It can become very slightly convexed. We as humans are not capable of holding a perfect angle. But we can get really Damn close. This is just my opinion. I think we get the most consistant bevels here on the tube. Always mention u on my channel. Once again nice work.

[Lars]

Michael Christy - 2:13 I'm sorry but I flat out disagree with you on that one. Humans are imperfect creatures and will never freehand a perfect V bevel as one would achieve from using jigs like edge pro, lansky, wicked edge, etc. humans are always going to exhibit wrist inflection to some degree throughout the entirety of the sharpening process. So you're always going to end up with a convexed bevel even if it's not visible to the naked eye. It may be a very slight convex, but it's going to be there nonetheless.

[EarthAlien]

Man more knowledge, cuz knowledge is powa