knife sharpening

[Erik]

Any one have any sugestions for sharpening my filet knives? I have a very hard time sharpening them as they are so long and flexible. I have a gatco sharpener set that works well on my hunting knives but lacks a little when it comes to doing my filet knives.

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Phish

[Salmonsmoker]

Eric,

Two sources for a knife sharpner that will do the job with a high-carbon flexible blade like a fliet knife.

1. L.E.M. Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 244
Miamitown, Oh. 45041
Info@lemproducts.com
They have a good 3 stage motorized electrical sharpenr for $129.

2. The SausageMaker
1500 Clinton Street, Bldg. 123
Buffalo,Ney York, 14206
sausagemaker.com
They have Diamond Knife Sharpener - basically a round sharpning steel coated with diamond for $39.95. A diamond V-style sharpner that mounts to a table for $79.95.

Either of these companies are good. Check out their web sites.

For a flexible blade filet knife, you need to be able to move the knife through the sharpner - as in the electrics or the V-style: or : hold the knife blade firmly in a vise and move the sharpenr over it - as in the hand held diamond.

ss

[This message has been edited by Salmonsmoker (edited 08-11-2000).]

[Erik]

I have used the vee type one that mounts to a table but did'nt think the edge lasted as long as when I do it with a stone. Also I can never get the blade sharp enough to shave hair like I can when I use the stone. The sharpener I have now has a clamp that attaches to the rear of the blade and a set of guides that you use to run the stone through, so as to keep a constant perfect angle. Like I said before, works great for my hunting knives but I have a hard time getting the ends of my filet knives sharp. The part up by the handle gets nice and sharp but not the forward end. I cant put enough presure on the forward end, it "flexs" away from the stone.
The electric model you spoke of, does that work good? I've seen them but I was always taught that this type of sharpener takes the temper out of the blade. Thats why I've never bought one. If I thought it would work without hurting my knives I might be persuaded to cough up the 150.00$. Or at least ask santa for one for christmas! SS, have you ever used the electric type?

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Phish

[Steve]

The Lansky sharpener is also a good product.

[Salmonsmoker]

Erik,

I have had filet knives sharpened on an electric, and it worked very well - never personally used one (too many other things that I couldn't live without). The reason that an electric could take the temper out of the steel is because of heat generated by the pressure exerted on the blade during grinding process. The advantage of the Diamond electric sharpner is that the knife is sharpened without so much pressure. I watched mine being sharpened. There was no more heat than when I use the "V" type.

ss

[This message has been edited by Salmonsmoker (edited 08-14-2000).]

[Erik]

Okay, this is probably going to sound stupid, but, you mean I could take my filet knives in and have them sharpend? I wonder if there is someplace around here that does that. I've never even thought about having them professionally done. Doh!
How much does that usauly cost? And where would be a place to check? Its got to be cheaper than buying new ones every time I screw one up!

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Phish

[Airoh]

Erik.....Some hardware stores still offer a sharpening service. Also your barber or dog groomer would probably know of someone that will do it for a fee.

[Salmonsmoker]

Erik,

Look in the Yellow Pages under "Scissors and Shears" or "Sharpening Services."

ss