Thread: Knife sharpener

If I sat you down with a Linsky, sand paper and a water stone you would go home with the sandpaper system.
The key with the sandpaper is the foam you put under the paper. I use a 10mm black packing foam. It's stiffer than neoprene but still spongy enough to create the convex edge. When the blade is dragged over the paper, the paper deforms to the convex shape. As you drag the blade, changing the angle will change the 'resistance' you feel. Adjust the angle to get the lowest felt drag and that is the angle to use. Because it is a convex edge, changes in angle do little to the shape of the edge - its very angle tolerant.
I have blocks made up with different grades of paper. Use 400 to reshape the edge from micro bevel to convex, working up to 1000, then strop with 800 compound on leather.

When you use a water stone, you are deliberately trying to create a convex grind, so you have to rock the blade back and forth as you sharpen, therefore, again, the angle is not so critical as you will be constantly working between a max and min angle to create the convex profile.

Low cost suggestion for you. Go to Bunnings and look for a wall sanding block - one that has a bow handle in it, foam on the paper face and some metal paper retaining clamps.
https://www.bunnings.co.nz/paint-par...ndle_p01210186
Buy a couple of different grades if paper, cut to shape and fit to the sanding block. Turn the block upside down and hold the block in a vice using the handle. Play.