How to sharpen knives?

[kentvegplot]

I want to keep my garden knife and secateurs sharp, but I was talking to a very experienced nurseryman recently, and he said that you should only use a sharpening stone about once a season. He suggested that I use a strop to keep an edge on my knife.

So, here's the silly question. Can I use any piece of stiff leather as a strop, or is there something special I can buy/make?

And what do you do to keep the knife sharp?

[Victoria26]

I got a sharpening stone from the pound shop and i use that. I also bought one for the kitchen knives too. Dont use anything else.

[Hilary B]

I have a gadget called Acu-sharp. It keeps all my kitchen knives sharp, and the pocket knives I use for wood carving. Unlike most sharpening tools, it is all-but-impossible to use it badly and end up blunting the knife or wearing away the blade rapidly. I'm not sure about using it on secateurs. The 'edge' is a rather different shape....
Sharpening stones need skill to use them well, and a strop even more so.

[jackie j]

My dad always sharpened the kitchen knives on the back door step. I can picture him doing it now. lol

[allotmentlady]

i have always used a shaperning stone, not been a problem for me.

[smallblueplanet]

My dad always sharpened the kitchen knives on the back door step...

As did my grandma!

How do you sharpen secateurs (of the Felco persuasion)?

[Fluorescent green]

My dad always sharpened the kitchen knives on the back door step. I can picture him doing it now. lol

I still use the front door step to sharpen my knives, why use anything else?

FG

[geoff]

I always use an oilstone or a steel to sharpen knives. Most easy -use or automatic devices will ruin a knife fairly quickly, but it seems Hilary B has found one that doesn't.. A leather strop is used for the final extra sharp polishing on things like razors, and is a bit too fine and unecessary for everyday or gardening

Ask a butcher or carpenter nicely and they'll show you, or contact

Quality Field Accessories & Innovative Outdoor Equipment or it might be Attleborough Accessories Norfolk, UK - Hunting Supplies and Equipment

[Hilary B]

I always use an oilstone or a steel to sharpen knives. Most easy -use or automatic devices will ruin a knife fairly quickly, but it seems Hilary B has found one that doesn't.. A leather strop is used for the final extra sharp polishing on things like razors, and is a bit too fine and unecessary for everyday or gardening

Ask a butcher or carpenter nicely and they'll show you, or contact

Quality Field Accessories & Innovative Outdoor Equipment or it might be Attleborough Accessories Norfolk, UK - Hunting Supplies and Equipment

The one I've got works for my kitchen knives, and my pocket knives. It doesn't take off as much as most 'easy use' gadgets, and it works better (it also doesn't get things hot....) Oilstone and steel are very good, but you DO need a fair bit of skill to get the best out of them, or you end up blunting knives while learning....

[Glutton4...]

I know two guys who both trained as Chefs, and they both sharpen their own knives very effectively. Yet they both complain that each others' knives are blunt! I think you get to know your own blades.

[BrideXIII]

sharpening stone.
very theraputic stroking a long blade back and forth till it is sharp enough to cut...............anything?

[HeyWayne]

You can use the edge of your cars window.

Wind down the window a bit and use the top edge of the window - running the blade at 20 degrees or so.

I think.

[Alison]

You can use the edge of your cars window.

Wind down the window a bit and use the top edge of the window - running the blade at 20 degrees or so.

I think.

Although if your neighbours see you doing it then they may call the police........

[Gwyndy]

I have a gadget called Acu-sharp.

I have just found the Accusharp web site. They have a device for sharpening garden tools. Don't know anything about these but based on Hilary B's testimonial for the knife sharpener it might be worth a try. Web site at http://www.accusharp.com/

[ladylottie]

My dad always sharpened the kitchen knives on the back door step. I can picture him doing it now. lol

I always sharpened my knives on the doorstep, but then I moved house and I don't have one here. Now I can't find anything that sharpens as well as that old step!