Most people aren't interested in the level of perfection at sharpening some people try to attain. Sharpening a knife can be a necessary evil just to have a sharp knife or it can become a hobby or obsession. Personally, it's a hobby for me. I don't have enough money to jump into the obsession category. lol

I copied and pasted this from the Spyderco forum. This type of discussion occurs there frequently as well as also on the Chefs Knives To Go (CKTG) forum (chefsknivestogo.com). If you want to get into serious sharpening dedication (addiction lol) go to the CKTG site forum. If you want to do more than read bring your credit card. LOLOL Not kidding. They have the best, most extensive selection of high quality knife sharpening supplies I've seen. Some of them are not cheap but are competitive with other places. Very knowledgeable "willing to share" people also. I thoroughly enjoy this type of post and also the quest.  The author of the notes showed pictures of his sharpening tools (stones, strops, systems, etc.) once. Picture an auto mechanic's huge tool selection in a couple of those Craftsman roll around tool cabinets with drawers and such. That's how he stores the stuff he has accumulated over the years. Anyway I thought some here might enjoy this read.

NOTE: In the notes he is using and referring to the Edge Pro Professional model sharpening system. Some of the comments are only applicable if using an Edge Pro of either model but a lot of it can be applied to any method of sharpening. Another system or free hand. However, the "flat" bevel can only be achieved by using some sort of system or device to control the angle of the stone/blade contact. A human being can not produce a FLAT bevel free hand. The experienced sharpeners can get very close, but not completely flat. An example of a FLAT bevel is I have used the Edge Pro Apex model to produce a mirror finish on an edge bevel that I can see a perfect reflection of the limbs and leaves in the trees above my head when standing outdoors. That's even a better depiction of a mirror finish on a flat bevel than reading a print reflection with the edge resting on a piece of paper.  The tool (Edge Pro) gets the credit for this, not me.

HERE ARE THE NOTES:
Just a very short description of how I go about attempting a mirror finish.

I have been chasing the "liquid mercury" edge for a long time.

The fundamental secret is your very first stone.

Here you need to make damn sure that the bevel has been perfectly set/profiled in all aspects.

Also your final couple of strokes on your first stone must get progressively lighter & lighter until just the weight of the stone arm is working.

The above is very important - because as you move up with the finer grits, you loose "grinding" performance with each finer stone you use.

After your first stone, all subsequent stones are just "polishing" out the scratch pattern, NOT performing any real profiling/grinding, therefore many strokes at extreme light pressure is the way forward.

It is purely a time/patience based exercise.

The first most common mistake was trying to grind out spots on the blade with finer stones, because my first stone was not perfectly finished.

Second most common error relates to stone flatness (especially when spritzing with poly diamond) - the stone wears very much faster and the resultant stone dishing presents a problem for the next "flat" stone in relation to consistent 100% full bevel contact - do not get carried away on one side of the blade every time you start a fresh stone - do like 2 passes & flip the blade (repeat) - this way you ensure more even contact between stone & bevel before the stone dishes on just one blade side.
I sometimes lap my stones twice during a "mirror" session for one knife.

Third common mistake - maintain & repeat EXACT blade position on the blade table - not doing this results in different contact areas on the blade which puts you back to common mistake one.

Fourth common mistake is tolerance levels/play/precision in the actual equipment - eliminate it if at all possible - use the drill stop collar/angle cube & angle degree upgrade arm.

Lastly, take your time - put your heart in it - CONCENTRATE ON EACH stroke!

I am still practicing to achieve that ultimate, perfect mirror bevel - it is a slow process though......

Enjoy.

Rookie.
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