How To It's a good idea tosharpen a Swiss Army Knife.
The Swiss Army Knife has many different functions and is a great tool.The blade of the knife can become dull, which can make it more dangerous to use.It is relatively easy and inexpensive to sharpen a Swiss Army Knife or any pocket knife.The steps below will make your Swiss Army Knife blade new.
Step 1: Make sure the knife is clean.
It is possible for dirt or grease on the blade to result in an even sharpening of the knife.If you dip the blade into the boiling water before you start sharpening it, it will be easier.
Step 2: A sharpening tool is needed.
There are a lot of different types of files and sharpeners on the market.There are different tools that will give you different results.A basic, two-sided sharpening stone is $10 at most hardware stores.You can buy a knife sharpener for the purpose of sharpening Swiss Army Knives from the company's online store.
Step 3: If you wish, Lubricate your stone.
Some people disagree as to whether it is beneficial to lubricate your sharpening stone.There are a variety of lubricating options available.Some people believe that the lubricant should be used because it will help float away metal particles that can dull the blade during the sharpening process or cause it to warp.Some people think that lubricant is unnecessary, that the process may be slowed down by washing metal particles over the blade, and that it may actually dull it.If you choose to use a lubricant, you can use cutting oil, mineraloil, kerosene, orWD-40 on natural stones or water on diamond stones.Before applying oil, make sure you read the instructions on the sharpening stone.Oil can ruin some stones.
Step 4: The blade should be laid across the stone.
Keeping the angle consistent throughout the sharpening process is key to a good sharpening.If you want to approximate the correct angle, you can place the back edge of the knife on two pennies.You can buy a sharpening guide for $10 that will make it easier to keep the angle correct.
Step 5: The blade needs to besharpened one side.
If you were trying to carve a thin piece off the stone, run the knife along it, repeating the motion several times.Start this process on the rough side of the stone if your knife is dull.Don't apply too much pressure.The stone can do the work.If using lubricant, you should add more than a few dozen strokes.If the knife blade is longer than the stone, you need to sweep the blade sideways so that the entire edge is sharpened completely and evenly.The blade should be given six to twelve strokes across the stone.A burr that is formed on the other side of the edge is a more precise way to know when to switch sides.You can feel the burr with your thumb on the side of the edge.The burr is a sign that the steel is thin enough at the edge to fold over.To be razor-sharp, the steel must be very thin.
Step 6: Take care of the other side.
Turn the blade over and repeat the process on the other side.
Step 7: Go to a fine stone.
To get a razor-sharp edge, and to remove the burr on the knife, you'll now want to switch to fine grit.If you have a standard two-sided sharpener, it's the other side of your whetting stone.alternate which side of the blade is making contact with the stone with each strokeTo avoid raising another burr, apply even more gentle pressure on the last few strokes.
Step 8: The blade should be dry.
To remove metal fragments from the sharpening process, wipe the blade on a towel or rag.
Step 9: The blade should be moved.
A leather strap covered in an abrasive such as stropping paste or green chromium oxide has the blade edge running across it.It polishes your knife edge.The blade should be moved in the opposite direction.Run it over the leather with the "spine" of the blade at the front and the sharp edge behind.The blade should be stropped between sharpenings to keep it sharp.
Step 10: Check the sharpness.
When you're done sharpening the knife, check to see if the blade is sharp.There are many ways to do this.Cut some paper.A razor-sharp blade is easy to cut through.There is a bright light on the edge.A dull edge reflects light.You can lightly drag the edge across your thumbnail.The blade should not catch the nail.