Knife Sharpening - Serrated

Sharpening a serrated pocket knife involves a process distinctly different from that of a straight-edge blade, primarily due to the unique toothed design of serrations. The key to sharpening a serrated knife is focusing on each individual serration separately, ensuring the original shape and functionality are maintained. Begin by selecting a rod-shaped sharpener, such as a diamond or ceramic tapered rod, which is designed to fit into the serrations of the knife.

The first step is to identify the beveled edge of the knife, which is the side where the sharpening needs to occur. Unlike straight-edge knives that are sharpened on both sides, serrated knives typically have a chisel grind, an angle on only one side. Once identified, applying a marker along the beveled edge of each serration provides a clear visual indication of where you have sharpened. It's important to match the angle of the bevel, typically around 13-17 degrees, for effective sharpening, when all the marker ink is removed from a serration, it indicates that the sharpener has made sufficient contact with that particular serration.

Sharpen each serration by stroking the sharpener through the serration. Use moderate pressure and repeat this motion for each serration across the blade. Consistency is key, so try to count or time your strokes to ensure each serration is treated equally. When sharpening the tip of the knife, which can be more challenging due to its curved nature, slightly tilt the knife to ensure the sharpener fits correctly into the serration.

Items Needed

- A diamond or ceramic tapered rod

- A permanent marker

- A leather strop

- Before sharpening, apply permanent marker to the serrations for a visual aid

- Match the angle of the bevel and maintain consistent pressure and strokes

After working through each serration, it's important to check for a burr on the flat side of the blade. This burr is a small ridge of metal, an indicator that each serration has been sharpened properly. Once you've confirmed the presence of a burr and all serrations are sharpened, lightly run your sharpening rod along the flat side of the blade. This step is crucial for removing the burring, ensuring a smooth and sharp edge.

As an optional but beneficial final step, using a leather strop can further refine your knife's edge. Stropping the blade helps to straighten out any remaining microscopic irregularities and polishes the edge, enhancing its sharpness and providing a professional finish.

Regular maintenance of your serrated pocket knife will ensure its prolonged sharpness and functionality. Sharpening might seem challenging at first, but with patience and practice, the process becomes an integral part of preserving the quality and effectiveness of your serrated blade.

- Once sharpened, look for even burring on the back side of the blade

- If burring is present, lightly run your sharpening rod along the backside to remove it

- For further honing, run the blade along a leather strop for increased sharpness and finish