How to Sharpen Buck Knives

A sharp knife can be a hunter's best friend.

The Buck Knives company opened in 1902, and since then has produced reliable blades for hunters, campers and other outdoorsmen. These knives can be important tools to such outdoorsmen, but use causes the blade to become dull over time. Proper sharpening techniques are important when it comes to a Buck knife; improper sharpening can lead to dull or damaged blades, or uneven edges that will not cut consistently. Follow Buck's suggestions for sharpening the knives to achieve the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Water-based honing oil
• Sharpening stones
• Rag

Instructions

1. Pour water-based honing oil onto your sharpening stone. Use enough oil that it forms a visible pool on the stone; as you sharpen, the pool will get murky. Wipe up the old oil and add new, keeping a visible pool at all times during sharpening.

2. Inspect the blade of your Buck knife. If your blade is extremely dull, proceed to Step 3. If the blade only needs a slight touch-up, move to Step 5.

3. Use a coarse-grit sharpening stone (generally 325-grit) for very dull blades. Hold the blade between 13 and 16 degrees to the flat of the stone; Buck Knives advises that there should be about a blade's width of space between the stone and the back of the blade.

4. Stroke the blade straight across the sharpening stone with even pressure; do not allow your pressure to vary as you sharpen, you will create an uneven blade. Stroke consistently in the same direction, maintaining constant contact with the stone. Perform the same number of strokes on each side; for instance, perform 15 on one side, and then switch to the other. Wipe the blade clean and replace oil if necessary before continuing.

5. Use a fine-grit sharpening stone (generally 750-grit) for finishing edges. Hold the blade between 13 and 16 degrees to the flat of the stone; Buck Knives advises that there should be about a blade's width of space between the stone and the back of the blade.

6. Stroke the blade straight across the sharpening stone with even pressure; do not allow your pressure to vary as you sharpen, you will create an uneven blade. Stroke consistently in the same direction, maintaining constant contact with the stone. Perform the same number of strokes on each side; for instance, perform 15 on one side, and then switch to the other.

7. Change to a 600-grit stone. Use side-to-side light strokes to finish the sharpened edge. Wipe the blade clean; add a little extra fluid to the stone and wipe it clean and dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice sharpening on old or inexpensive Buck knives. Inexperienced sharpeners can cause scratches along the blade. If in doubt, you can ship your knife to Buck Knives for professional sharpening.

• Buck Knives sells all equipment needed to sharpen a knife. If you are sharpening a serrated blade, use a tapered stone.

• Do not sharpen your Buck knife with a power-driven grinding wheel; these wheels will make the edge brittle, causing chips or cracks. This will also void any warranty you have on your Buck knife.

• Do not switch sides of the blade after each stroke in the initial sharpening, or the edge will not be effectively sharpened.

References

• Buck Knives: Knife Sharpening
• Bandit's Buck Knives: Knife Sharpening