Intro To Knife Sharpening: How to Sharpen Your Fixed Blade｜SHED KNIVES BLOG #4

A sharp blade is essential for any knife, especially a fixed blade knife that is used for hunting, camping, bushcraft, and other outdoor activities. If you own a fixed blade knife, then it's important to know how to sharpen it. In this blog, we will go over different types of fixed blade knives and methods to sharpen them.

(Knife Featured: 2023 Shed Knives Tuatara)

First, let's talk about the different types of fixed blade knives. There are several types of fixed blade knives but today we’ll go over some of the common styles. The common blade styles include skinners (2023 Shed Knives Resilience), cleavers (2023 Shed Knives Atlas), tantos (2023 Shed Knives Conquest & US Tanto), and belly knives (2023 Shed Knives Tuatara, Sheepsfoot, & Skur). Skinner knives are designed for skinning game and have a curved blade. Cleaver knives have a wide, straight blade and are used for chopping. Tanto knives have a sharp point and are used for EDC, small tasks, and self-defense. Last, belly knives have a curved blade that is perfect for slicing and the majority of camp tasks.

When it comes to sharpening a fixed blade knife, there are different methods you can use. One method is using a sharpening stone. A sharpening stone is a flat stone that is used to sharpen the blade. To use a sharpening stone, you need to hold the knife at a 20 to 25-degree angle and move the blade back and forth across the stone. You should start with a coarse stone and move to a finer stone as you go. You can also use a honing steel to sharpen your blade. A honing steel is a long metal rod that is used to straighten the edge of the blade. To use a honing steel, you need to hold the knife at a 20 - 25-degree angle and run the blade down the steel from the base to the tip.

(Knife Featured: 2023 Shed Knives Tuatara (x4) )

Another method to sharpen a fixed blade knife is using a sharpening tool. There are many different types of sharpening tools, including electric sharpeners from companies like Work Sharp, manual sharpeners, and sharpening kits. Electric sharpeners are easy to use and can sharpen your blade quickly. Manual sharpeners are inexpensive and easy to use. Sharpening kits include different types of stones and guides to help you sharpen your blade.

(Knives Featured: 2023 Shed Knives Skur (top) & US Tanto (bottom) )

When sharpening your fixed blade knife, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, you should always wear protective gloves to prevent injury. You should also use a lubricant, like honing oil, to maximize each pass on the sharpening stone - this will also keep your sharpening stone in good condition. When using a sharpening stone make sure to keep the blade at a consistent angle to prevent uneven sharpening. Finally, always sharpen away from your body to prevent injury.

(Knife Featured: 2023 Shed Knives Atlas)

In addition to sharpening your blade, it's important to maintain your knife. This includes keeping the blade clean and dry, oiling the blade to prevent rust, and storing the knife in a dry place. It's also important to check your blade for nicks, chips, and cracks to see if you need to replace the blade. American knife companies, like Shed Knives, allow the user to get hard use out of their knife without the worry of it failing, especially in life-threatening situations.

In conclusion, sharpening your fixed blade knife is an important skill to have. By using a sharpening stone or sharpening tool, you can keep your blade sharp and in good condition. Remember to wear protective gloves, use a lubricant, and keep the blade at a consistent angle when sharpening. By taking care of your fixed blade knife, you can ensure that it lasts for many years of outdoor adventures. If you liked some of the knives featured in this article, I highly recommend you take a look at the Shed Knives 2023 Collection. I've put a link for you here: https://shedknives.com/collections/2023-models

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About The Author:

Jack Billings is the 18 year old CEO and Founder of Shed Knives, a rising manufacturer of high-quality fixed blade bushcraft knives. With over 5 years of experience as a knife maker, he has developed a reputation for crafting durable, reliable knives that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and bushcrafters alike. Jack started making knives at the age of 13 and has been refining his craft ever since.

In addition to his expertise in knife making, Jack has a High School Degree from POLYTECH High School, where he studied Automotive Technology and obtained his ASE Certification. He is also a content creator for Shed Knives and has reached the eyes of over 600,000 people across the world through his work.

When he's not working on knives, Jack enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a passion for bushcraft. He also has a passion for the automotive world and enjoys learning about new technologies and advancements. Additionally, he has a great interest in language and is studying Spanish, German, and Arabic.

Jack's personal mission is to constantly improve himself, his products, and his processes in order to stay ahead of the rapidly changing interests of the knife industry and to surpass the competition. He takes great pride in American manufacturing and is committed to contributing to the growth of the world knife industry through his work.

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