What are the biggest mistakes made while sharpening?
1. Many people try too hard. Bearing down too hard (through frustration) will remove too much metal and weaken the head. Using a grinding wheel or belt sander is risky. It’s very easy to overheat the steel and ruin the temper. Hard-pressed power strokes with a file will prematurely wear down file teeth. There is no need to force the blades into the file. Smooth, controlled strokes allowing the teeth of the file to do the work is best. Always finish filing with very light strokes. 2. Finish honing on something very hard. A Black Hard Arkansas stone, a ceramic stone, or a fine grit diamond bench stone work very well. We prefer DMT diamond stones.
