How to Build a Precision Blade Sharpener

Homemade sharpening tools will save a ton on commercial sharpeners like this one.

Although the saying goes that the artisan is not made by the tools, blunt tools will make success less likely. Sharp knives are a true asset to chefs and crafters, while blunt knives will make appealing work difficult. Sharpen your own knives to keep them in optimum condition and to save on sharpening costs. Create simple, but effective sharpening tools with household items. The key to successfully sharpening your knife is the angle at which you hold it during the sharpening process. Knives should be sharpened at a 15- to 20-degree angle. Does this Spark an idea?

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12-by-12-inch block of wood, 3 to 4 inches thick
Pencil
Protractor
Hand saw
Piece of diamond-coated nickel about 8 by 4 inches
Leather belt

Instructions

- 1
  
  Measure a 75 degree angle on the side of the block of wood with the protractor. Mark it with the pencil. Use the handsaw to saw into the block at a 75 degree angle. The cut should be 5 inches into the block.
- 2
  
  Take the diamond-coated nickel plate and stick it into the cut you just made in the block. The plate will have a rough surface on one side and a smoother surface on the other.
- 3
  
  Insert the plate with the side you wish to use facing up. Hold the knife with the sharp edge pointing directly down and run it along the surface of the plate. The angle of the plate will sharpen the knife perfectly.
- 4
  
  Sharpen the other side of the knife by removing the diamond-coated nickel plate, turning the block of wood over, inserting the plate into the cut on the other side and running the other side of the blade on the surface.
- 5
  
  Loop the buckle of a leather belt onto a door handle, over a table leg or onto a window crank for stability. Stretch the leather belt. Run both sides of the blade over the leather to smooth it.

Tips & Warnings

Run craft and small paring knives over the unglazed edge of a porcelain coffee mug to sharpen.
You can buy the diamond-coated nickel on the Internet or at your hardware store.
Any damage done while sharpening can by undone by a professional, so don't worry about trying to sharpen your knives by yourself.
Clip a binder clip to the back edge of your knife to help you maintain the right angle for sharpening.
Sharpen knives with care to avoid injury.