How to Sharpen a Pocket Knife

A pocket knife must stay sharp, or when you use them they can harm you. Depending on how often you use the pocket knife, sharpen it to keep it in pristine condition. You can prevent having to sharpen the knife if you keep it stored in a leather pouch when not in use. Cheap pocket knives may be more difficult to sharpen, as the blade may not be thick enough.

Instructions

1. Utilize a sharpening stone, available through any outlet selling pocket knives and carving knives to do the sharpening work. The best options are ceramic stones since they do not use any type of lubricant to work well, and they are conveniently sized.

2. Use the same method to sharpen your knife every time. There are several ways you can sharpen the knife, but it is essential to use the first method you used every time, otherwise the blade of the knife's angle will not be correct.

3. Place the stone in one hand, and then put the blade of the knife on the flat edge of the stone. Angle the knife about ten degrees off the stone and pull back the knife. When you keep the angle tight like this, you increase the ability of the knife to work against wood.

4. Sharpen the knife by pulling the knife back, away from the stone. Flip the knife over and repeat the same steps. Do this at least two to three times to sharpen the blade evenly. Repeating the process evenly on both sides of the pocket knife will increase the sharpness and it keeps the blade even.

5. Keep doing this as often as needed, usually at least once a week if you use the pocket knife daily, especially for carving wood. Sharpening the knife regularly will prolong the blade's lifespan and will keep your hands safe as you use the knife. Finally, if there are any chips and scratches to the knife blade, have these repaired professionally.