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Sharpening stockman blades

There is a doubt I have about sharpening stockman blades.

Each blade have its use, but all factoriee sharpen blades in the same angle, what I thing to be a big mistake. I was reading about the uses of clip, sheepfoot and spey blade and there is an use for each:

Sheepfoot: strong and hadr cuts
Clip: daily and common use
Spey: detailed and light cuts

So, wich way you keep your stockman sharpen? All blades same angle or different angles for each blade and why?

Thank you?

4 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on January 12, 2014 at 19:29

You are quite right Cesar. Each blade has it uses and each requires a different bevel. When I get a new Stockman I get out my Edge Pro sharpening system and give each blade what I personally feel is the optimum bevel for that blade.

The best thing about the Stockman pattern is that we really have three knives in one. The main Clip blade for big jobs that require a larger blade. The Sheepfoot for work requiring a strong blade, such as trimming a hoof or cutting a rope. And the Spey blade for cutting flesh as in castrating, or anything that requires a razor sharp blade. Three knives in one pocket size pattern, but each requiring a different sharpening bevel for optimum performance.

It will be interesting to see how many others use different blade bevels in sharpening the Stockman.

Permalink Reply by Cesar Scavone on January 13, 2014 at 6:11

I also think the same way Dave, thank you for reply. But in my case, the stronger blade is the sheepfoot, where I place a 45 sharpening angle. For the clip point blade, I give it 40 degree sharpening and for the spey blade I use 30 degree sharpening angle.

Yet another controversy, some like you and me prefer to left spey blade razor sharp, while others prefer to left it almost dull for use like butter knife or nail cleaner. Is another good question for our friends here in group!

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 13, 2014 at 9:02

As a lover of those stockman patterns, I do hand sharpen each. To me the sheepsfoot must be very sharp as I use it for lots of cutting and trimming chores. The clip I need very sharp at the point and the spey I probably use the least, but keep it sharp for small jobs.

Permalink Reply by Cesar Scavone on January 13, 2014 at 9:13

Thank you Hog for your answer! Please detail to us your sharpening method of Stockman knife! What you use to sharpening and what angles for each blade.

I became Stockman addicted because your advice in chat when I was looking for my 1st traditional pocket knife!

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 13, 2014 at 13:02

As you know when hand sharpening its almost impossible to hold and maintain the exact same angle. Here is some discussion along those lines: http://www.iknifecollector.com/group/knifesharpeners/forum/topics/t...

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on January 13, 2014 at 13:05

I would say that I try to maintain what amounts to about a 40 degree bevel on all blades. Again I may not hit that exactly because I use no machine but it see,s to work for me in chores around the farm

Permalink Reply by Howard P Reynolds on January 13, 2014 at 13:47

Thanks for the link, Steve. It is always helpful to add this. It would probably takes weeks to search everything here on iKC, and I know I am missing stuff that is interesting. Links to other discussions are a big help.

Holding an angle: Hard to do as others have said, but as a shade-tree sharpener, I have had some success with a Johnson Angle Finder.

It is BIG (4"+), and I need to find a smaller one, but the little electronic ones for changing the angle on a table saw blade are too sensitive for hand work to sharpen knives on a stone. I try to train my hands to sight the angle I want, and check it with the angle finder. I also switch hands for the other side of the blade so that the draw across the stone has the same hand/arm profile. This angle finder doesn't work well for tiny blades found on "gentlemen's" pocket knives - little knives like the SAK Classic. I have gotten pretty close eying up the angle, but depending on the day, weather, cosmic Karma, or something, I always have to check my hand-set with the angle finder. Am trying to come up with a better system, like two hinged platforms with small "hobby" sized screw jacks to set the angle, on either side of the stone and just lay the blade on the angled platform, but haven't worked out all the bugs.

Steve Hanner said:

As you know when hand sharpening its almost impossible to hold and maintain the exact same angle. Here is some discussion along those lines: http://www.iknifecollector.com/group/knifesharpeners/forum/topics/t...

Permalink Reply by Cesar Scavone on January 13, 2014 at 13:47

I am really interested in advanced sharpening techniques. Stockman knives are, as said before, 3 knives in one and a small catalog of sharpening skills in one single piece. Nothing better than reach the best sharpening for the knife you love to carry.

Thank you for your answers!

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Dave Taylor on January 13, 2014 at 13:56

Another angle gauge is the 2" square Wikey Digital Angle Gauge. A bit smaller but designed for the same application.

I don't recall where I got mine but I'm sure an internet search would produce some information.

Permalink Reply by Howard P Reynolds on January 13, 2014 at 14:09

Tried it Dave. Too sensitive. Extremely small muscle movements affect the measured angle, and as I recall, it only works on the magnetic side - could be wrong though. Gave up on it. As I mentioned, those little electronic angle finders are for setting table saw blades, where you set the magnetic device on the blade, and are not trying to hold something steady with the other hand. Kinda like watching game 50 yards away through an adjustable rifle scope set at the highest magnification. A little movement by the animal and it is out of the sight picture quickly. Or, maybe I am too old to hold that Wikey Digital Angle Guage steady enough.

Dave Taylor said:

Another angle gauge is the 2" square Wikey Digital Angle Gauge. A bit smaller but designed for the same application.

I don't recall where I got mine but I'm sure an internet search would produce some information.

Permalink Reply by Brad T. on January 13, 2014 at 14:17

Cesar,

It is wonderful that you have broadened your collection to include a very loved pattern such as the Stockman. It is in my top 5 of favorite patterns to collect.

Good luck with you collecting. Stay sharp.

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Terry Ray on January 13, 2014 at 14:56