ponypeddler87
Active Member
What grit do you guys use on your hunting knives. I know it's just flesh and you don't need to take it up to 50-60k grit. 1000? Higher or lower?
Grit? I use a steel to keep my knives sharp. Unless you are hacking bone or cutting on a hard surface a good steel, used regularly, will keep your knife razor sharp. The Key is to use the steel while you butcher the animal. If you ever watch a butcher work they always have a steel nearby and use it constantly to keep the edge sharp. If it does get dull I found this tool works very well http://www.selectool.net/ . It takes a little practice to learn how to use it but it works great, way better than other pocket sharpeners.
I should have mentioned I'm a bit of a knife snob and sharpening snob. I have a Wicked Edge and can go up to 50,000 grit. I'm not a fan of steels I normally bring 4 or 5 knives to butcher 1 animal. I cut right through the rib cage of deer.
Ok, nothing wrong with being a knife/ sharpening snob on purpose, and more interesting than many othet hobbies. Heck, 40yr ago I was really into ultimate sharpening.
Nowdays I am mostly more pragmatic. Assuming reasonably appropriate geometry, 1000 will get you 98% of maximum " cuttingness", and even 600 will give decent service.
I understand the theorys behind the steel, diamond, etc sticks. I just prefer the greater tactile feedback from stones or other flat surface sharpening media.