Knife Sharpening 101 -Basic Tools Techniques, and Methods- 

Undoubtedly I will catch a bit of flack on this vid as knife sharpening is a rather personal topic for many. Thought Id throw a basics out there and see how it is recieved. Thanks for the support guys. Making videos now faster than I can edit them. Weather is nice and we are up and running. Take care group.

Do a video about ur Bowie

Do a video on your knife please

whoever does your camera work does a damn fine job. professional level stuff

Bob, I've been sharpening for about 50 years, my father taught me. You did a fine job of giving the basics. You also did well with explaining the angles. The angle you sharpen at depends on what you are willing to live with. lol One little trick i figured out recently, when you have your blade as sharp as you can get it, on your finest stone, then lightly "strop" it backwards on that same stone and it will get sharper. Something worth trying.

I've been sharpening for around 20 years. I started watching videos about 10 years ago. I really like this one. Good job.

I learned at an early age that a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Great vid!

This is probably one of the most detailed bushcraft knife sharpening videos out there. Solid contribution to the bushcrafting community on YT. Thanks Bob! :D

my grandma taught me to use the underside of porcelain plates. had to be pure porcelain though

This video reminds me of survival school in the Philippines 1975 . Big stones used for many many years for machetes and parangs . Thanks very much Mr. Hansler and please give your dog a big hug from me . ATB

I've watched most of your videos and enjoy them a lot. You seem like a natural-born teacher with great presentation and personality. Thanks for all the videos.

I just thought I watch this video again Bob. Excellent methods how to sharpen a knife for those that are just beginning. Regards 👍👌☝️🇬🇧

I actually use the bottom of coffee mugs to sharpen my blades, so it's cool you mentioned it in this video.

I like the top of my truck door window halfway rolled down a perfect stone when you need it in a fix

That is a sweet blade. Is it a custom made knife? Or is it something that could be purchased?

Hi Bob nice video and well explained. You won’t get any flank from me mate. We all have our way in sharpening knives etc, I got varies stones I have an oil stone just like the one you showed I’ve had it for years my dad passed it on to me over 40 yrs ago ! Now my sons also use it, it’s only a stone but it’s got sentimental value. Thanks for sharing 👌🇬🇧

I use a double sided sharpening puck stone for my machete and axes. Works great with water or oil. A flat worked piece of brown flint makes a nice razor edge on skinning knives. Plenty of flint in Texas. As you sharpened that machete, I was reminded of all those warrior movies I have seen. Thank you Bob for the excellent demo.

this is one thing I've never taken the time too learn. Thank you for teaching me the craft of sharpening a knife because I've been meaning to learn it. A fine detailed video, good work.

well done sir - i have used the front door window of my pickup in a pinch - the top edge of the window will bring an edge back pretty good -- there is always a way when ur in the bush - you and urs take care

Sharpened knives for years and am happy with my edges but am always eager to learn more.Thanks for the tips

Bob...my sharpening abilities r limited. My grandfather could put a razor edge on his Case pocket knife n 2 min or less any time. He kept it razor sharp at all times. He fillet fish& skinned different animals with it regularly. That wasn't the only knife he was efficient with either...true fillet knives, axes, skinning knives, & most everyone would bring their knives of different kinds to him. His favorite way of sharpening was with the wet stone & seen fine files for axes & machetes. This is quite helpful because he passed away when I was very young. BTW...he always shaved the hair on his arm/stomach to check the sharpness. Even on his legs for good measure....awesome video!

Just bought the blue EDC sharpener Bob. Just what I need for my small knives, thanks for the recommendation.

You should have your own show lol glad your uploading again

I have been watching your videos for some time now and I have to say I have enjoyed every one you have taught me so much. Thank you for most of what I know now. You are always so informative and I greatly appreciate it so again I thank you. Keep up the good work

Just bought the Schrade SCHF37 and while it is an impressice knife, it arrived somewhat dull, so I now am challenged with sharpening it properly. I've never used a sharpening tool such as the one provided in the sheath pouch, so keep your fingers crossed for me !

Thank you for going over what to look for and to avoid, when looking for something in the outdoors that can sharpen your blade in the field.

The sound on the cup bottom is so close to your stone. Nice video! Thanks. I just bought items to sharpen my pocketknife.

Sharpening my knives , machetes , and axes is a form of therapy for me. I do bleed now and then. Thanks for the tips.

I LOVE IT because it is the real deal a person using his tool constantly as his almost daily activity and not a person acting as if in a survival situation which means Mr. Hansler having no fear putting his knife to full use in open environment and ruff conditions with the knowledge that at any time he wishes he is capable to sharpen it back from what the environment provide , that also means his knife he relies on it as his tool that provides for him constantly , the real deal of an outdoors working tool and its real deal operator

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS VIDEO OF HOW TO SHARPEN KNIVES ! YOU EXPLAIN IT VERY WELL ! AND YOUR CAMERA PERSON REALLY DOES A VERY, VERY GOOD JOB !!! NO SHAKING AT ALL !!! THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR VIDEO ! HOPE TO SEE SOME MORE !!!

Don’t forget about leather my friends! It’s ability to obtain barber shop quality sharpness shouldn’t be ignored. I may be in the wrong here or speaking irrelevance but leather is highly portable and convenient. It can be added to your bags for hardly no weight penalty at all or even worn on a wrist; or of course your belt you’re already wearing is an option too.

Really enjoyed this video and learned alot from it in terms of survival. I make knives for fun, and after messing around with sharpening and grind styles I found what works best for me when bushcrafting. Everything from splitting wood to carving and food prep. I use a combination of a Scandi style grind and a convex edge. I hate V grind blades which most on the market are at this point. I find them hard to maintain, and unable to get sharp enough for my tastes. When I make a blade instead of just using a Scandi grind on a belt grinder, I use a slack belt which creates a rounded bevel while still allowing me to maintain the correct angle. Then when sharpening I use the push back and forth motion, and the natural rocking of your hands will vary the angle enough for your convex edge. The most important tip I have found for maintaining a blade is to use a leather strop, preloaded with polishing compound. The polishing compound removes steel much faster, and leaves a cleaner edge with less micro-serrations. When I'm out in the bush I wear a leather belt loaded with polishing compound, or a block strop on long trips. If you strop your blade after every time you use it, it will retain a very fine edge capable of shaving effortlessly and still have the edge support to retain strength for splitting wood. I've use a couple different Mora knives and given them a slight convex just using a sharpening stone, and they seem to work much better. Sorry for the long comment, Rando

Yeah, you are so right on the sharpening being a " personal" thing ! Seems everyone has their own style but in the end what matters is that you have a usable edge ! I've seen some very big arguments, even among close friends over how to put an edge on a blade. I could never get a decent edge by dragging, I use the push stroke, but I have seen those that dragging is the only way they know and do a pretty good job of it so I guess it's to each his own. Thanks for sharing and take care !

Is your Bowie a Bear and sons?

This is the sharpening video i have been looking for.

One man's loss is another man's treasure👌👍

Just found this video tonight. Great video. I will add that i have a whetstone in a box similar to what you show here and i glued a leather strip to the top of the box so that i can strop the blade after sharpening.

Bob Hansler : Great video on how to sharpen your knives , axes , fish hooks , pitch forks etc....!!! Thanks ~ S.S.S./*Tom

Man this guy seems pretty chill. Good video!

Thanks Bob all good to know. Hope you feeling better, thumbs up to you regards 👍👋👋👋🇬🇧

Bob...this right here is the reason I tend to avoid the fancier superstainless knives for the largest part. If you can't sharpen and hone them fairly quickly in the field, you're in trouble. The more you hone the less you sharpen. I use simple diamond and natural stones lubed with a bit of soapy water, and ceramics.

Nice; thank you. I would like to see a video where you show exactly how to use the different features of that small round blue sharpener you mentioned early in the video. Thanks again.

Brilliant video added to my bushcraft playlist thanks man.

Wet stone is better if you use just water coz once you use oil it needs oil every use and water will run off that in the wild.

Bob, another great How to do lesson!

Take the slurry from the oil stone and rub it over your leather strop for honing.

definitely useful for really dull blades idk where to get the stone, great video!

in my bushcraft/hunting kit in addition to a stone I carry a 5 inch kitchen steel to hone the blade really fast while skinning and working the blade

I didn't know knife sharpening can be serious business, seeing as I recently learned how to sharpen last fall. If you're sharpening a machete, do you sharpen it like a kitchen knife or is there a special way to do it?

I gota say I believe you covered it all and all you said is pure truth of course, because believe me I can relate to all you have shown and a few other methods but generally you covered it all basic and inventive or primitive some would say....Very good job again Bob perfect demonstrations.

Great dog! He obviously gets plenty of exercise.

Hey Bob thanks for the tips...........

Prayers to you , Wooded Beardsman sent me !!

Knife sharpening has now joined the ranks of, "best self defense caliber", chili "with or without" beans and the ultimate debate, "Ford or Chevy".. Nice vid brother!

FRIST TIME TO WATCH U. VERY GOOD ,CAMER WOEK FRIST CLASS,AND I LEARN A LOT. THANK YOU.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and information.

Just found your channel and must say I'm really impressed. You've got a lot of great videos, all your tips seem really useful

Great Video Bob what make of knife is it please...Were not allowed them in the UK unless were in the woods out of sight...

I've actually been looking for a good sharpening video, I've see a few but this one has given me some new points to try, keep up the good work, and good to see you again my friend.

you can use that concrete slab...to make a oven or to use as a cooking stone.....

Hi ya Bob! You’ll get no flack from me, I’m a green horn on this subject, I’ve watched this video months ago, and for many months I’ve been trying to figure out what big knife to get, a good knife comes with a pretty price, months now I’ve been looking at ur knife and others, and months I’ve wasted not getting out there (I’m interested n bush craft as well, which is good to know if shtf) well yesterday at Walmart, I saw a generic Bowie, 20 bucks, I figure if I can manage its size and it works well for me (of course not a true Bowie, but it will work for a time giving me an idea) then I’ll pay the price for a true Bowie, and I know now by this handle, handle will have to be modified to my size . Thank u for this video, I’m going to need this skill, more than likely I’ll rewatch down the road. Still wishing u the best on this day, hoping for the best results, I know this will not be read for a few days, (Shauna an Bri, u two r awesome) till then. Thank u Bob

The Sharpens Best Tungsten Carbide field sharpener is awesome, and I use Chosera Naniwa splash and go stones for my Myabi knives, so I am not a complete novice.

My grandfather and dad used a wet stone... its what i use... Either way it goes your setup is nice.

Hey Bob ive seen many knife sharpening videos they never worked for me and i had the knife and the stone but no skill ...after watching your video i did what you said and nearly cut myself lol ....Thanks man really appreciate your videos

What Company makes the Bowie knife in all the video.

Great video. My dad could really sharpen a knife with the stone..Somehow I could get them close but never really sharp. I had ask about your Bowie before because I have been looking for one. Could you recommend a certain brand Bowie that won't break the bank ?

Useful video, im adopting these techniques! Wish I had found this chanel sooner! Much appreciated!

Thanks man I appreciate it and so does my ka bar usmc knife

Thanks Bob, great video.

Excellent sharpening tips. Thank you sir!

Dude, it’s kind of funny how me and you have the same sharpening stones. Lol 😂

I live in south texas too in texas city texas

Thanks Bob nice video 👌🇬🇧

Excellent, dood.

Definitely learned something new from you today! Thanks for the video!

Excellent work and information Bob. Right on point!

Bottom of a porcelain plate or cup at a restaurant always get em sharp. Most of their corrugated steak knives probably haven't been sharpened since they were new.

Bob both of my grandfathers, my father, my brother and I have all tested knives on our thumbs and by shaving and never once in the 250+ years combined have any of us been cut. What I am getting at is that as long as your careful you should be fine. Maybe peel off a layer of skin, but other than that You'll be fine.

Picks up coffee mug and proceeds to put a hell of an edge on pocket knife while vid plays out!

love your videos Bob, if that machete is a legitimus i have the same one and they are awesome! also hope you are doing better and heal fast and fully

I been waitting for so long to wacth another awesome vidio that you make

Great job, I Love that MACHETE......

looks like I need some sharpening stones for my bags or some broken old coffee cups. thanks for the video

Very informative thank you.

I discovered that the teeth of beaver make for a good improvised knife touch up tool. I made a simple little video to show some friends. Might check it out if ya like. Love your videos brother. Keep em rollin!

Ever thought about using a food grade oil like coconut or vegetable oil for sharpening? One problem I see is now you have a chemical based oil now you need soap and water to clean the blade. Food grade oil you don’t need to wash and you will have oil to cook with

Where can I get that machete whetstone?

Would the blue sharpener work well on a hatchet or ax?

Bob , please tell us where you got that great knife from 🤘🏼

I want to own a collection of your videos on bluray!

That's a beautiful bowie sir

I have an old peice of granite worktop that I know what to do with now thanks bud!

great info

Great vid, I remember saying something to you about sharpening your knives to you, but it seems you have it covered

Great video,

what is your knife? looks nice.

Thanks Bob 👍👍👍🇬🇧

I'll be honest. You taught me something.

Thanks I sharpen many of my tools like screw drivers, picks, arrows, claw of a hammer, shears, spears. A sharp point or edge makes the difference of finishing a project or eating your next meal. Damaging an animal because of a dull tool should not happen. A dull tool can break branches, a sharp one can save your life.

I’ve always really liked your big Bowie with the stag handle. What brand is it?