Why Your Knife Isn't Sharp (And How to Fix It)
Published: 1 day ago
Learn how to sharpen your slipjoint knife using a diamond stone and the WorkSharp Field Sharpener. This no-fail sharpening method is perfect for getting a razor-sharp edge on any pocket knife.
Are you afraid of "screwing up" your favourite vintage blade? In this video, I’m showing you my fool proof sharpening routine that removes the guesswork and the fear. Whether you’re working on a classic Buck 301 or a high-carbon 1095 blade, this technique will get you a hair-shaving edge every single time.
I’m breaking down my personal process using just two essential tools: a freehand diamond bench stone and the WorkSharp Field Sharpener. We’ll cover the "Sharpie trick" to master your angles, how to identify a proper burr, and the final stropping secrets that make traditional knives truly perform.
In this video, we cover:
- Why diamond stones are the best choice for vintage steel
- Using the WorkSharp Field Sharpener as an angle guide
- The "Sharpie Trick" for perfect edge alignment
- Finding the burr: The most important step beginners miss
- How to strop for a smooth finish
Tools used in this video:
- Diamond Bench Stone (Coarse/Fine) https://amzn.eu/d/0bAg9Ycu
- WorkSharp Guided Field Sharpener https://amzn.eu/d/0fi84Hgl
Timestamps:
0:00 - The Fear of Sharpening
0:30 - Choosing the Right Tools: Diamond vs. Oil Stones
1:34 - The "Sharpie Trick" for Perfect Angles
1:59 - Initial Grinding on the Diamond Bench Stone
3:35 - Understanding the Burr: How to Know You’re Ready
7:54 - Refining the Edge with the WorkSharp Field Sharpener
9:28 - The Secret to a Hair-Shaving Strop
10:35 - Final Results & Maintenance Tips
Subscribe for traditional pocket knives, Sheffield made knives, American-made knives, knife collecting, everyday carry, and honest knife showcases. http://www.youtube.com/@UCH5VwpmxWhNJc2LfTmKN7Tw
JOIN THE KNIFE COLLECTING COMMUNITY:
Slipjoint Sanitarium Knife Forum - https://discord.gg/sgdsWD87Pu
???? RELATED VIDEOS YOU'LL LOVE:
• https://youtu.be/6WEGfM9Fxd4
• https://youtu.be/sH46v95seIs
• https://youtu.be/MgFTh9JJSpM
• https://youtu.be/dajBlaWoOHU
???? WHERE TO BUY (Affiliate Links):
• Heinnie Haynes Affiliate link - https://tidd.ly/42wcqWF
• Moonraker Knives - https://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/
• Brigantian Vintage Knives https://www.brigantian-vintage-pocketknives.co.uk/
• 10% Off at https://rosecraftblades.com/ with code Slippy10
• 10% off with code SLIPPY10 https://www.twistedassisted.co.uk/
• USA Traditional Pocket Knives - https://www.traditionalpocketknives.com/
• Rhoose Point Remedies, Outstanding wood restoration products! Affiliate link - https://rhoosepointremedies.com/product-category/wood-treatments/?wpam_id=15
• 10% off https://www.wubenlight.com/?ref=aofsfnod with code Slippy10 -
• 10% off https://www.viperade.com/ with code Slippy10 -
• 15% off https://shiresupply.com with code SlipjointSawyer15
???? BUSINESS ENQUIRIES:
Email - Slipjointsawyer@gmail.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slipjointsawyer?igsh=aWttYWt0dGE0ZHA4
DISCLAIMER: Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to keep making honest reviews. I only recommend products I've personally tested and believe in.
© 2026 Slipjoint Sawyer. All rights reserved.
Are you afraid of "screwing up" your favourite vintage blade? In this video, I’m showing you my fool proof sharpening routine that removes the guesswork and the fear. Whether you’re working on a classic Buck 301 or a high-carbon 1095 blade, this technique will get you a hair-shaving edge every single time.
I’m breaking down my personal process using just two essential tools: a freehand diamond bench stone and the WorkSharp Field Sharpener. We’ll cover the "Sharpie trick" to master your angles, how to identify a proper burr, and the final stropping secrets that make traditional knives truly perform.
In this video, we cover:
- Why diamond stones are the best choice for vintage steel
- Using the WorkSharp Field Sharpener as an angle guide
- The "Sharpie Trick" for perfect edge alignment
- Finding the burr: The most important step beginners miss
- How to strop for a smooth finish
Tools used in this video:
- Diamond Bench Stone (Coarse/Fine) https://amzn.eu/d/0bAg9Ycu
- WorkSharp Guided Field Sharpener https://amzn.eu/d/0fi84Hgl
Timestamps:
0:00 - The Fear of Sharpening
0:30 - Choosing the Right Tools: Diamond vs. Oil Stones
1:34 - The "Sharpie Trick" for Perfect Angles
1:59 - Initial Grinding on the Diamond Bench Stone
3:35 - Understanding the Burr: How to Know You’re Ready
7:54 - Refining the Edge with the WorkSharp Field Sharpener
9:28 - The Secret to a Hair-Shaving Strop
10:35 - Final Results & Maintenance Tips
Subscribe for traditional pocket knives, Sheffield made knives, American-made knives, knife collecting, everyday carry, and honest knife showcases. http://www.youtube.com/@UCH5VwpmxWhNJc2LfTmKN7Tw
JOIN THE KNIFE COLLECTING COMMUNITY:
Slipjoint Sanitarium Knife Forum - https://discord.gg/sgdsWD87Pu
???? RELATED VIDEOS YOU'LL LOVE:
• https://youtu.be/6WEGfM9Fxd4
• https://youtu.be/sH46v95seIs
• https://youtu.be/MgFTh9JJSpM
• https://youtu.be/dajBlaWoOHU
???? WHERE TO BUY (Affiliate Links):
• Heinnie Haynes Affiliate link - https://tidd.ly/42wcqWF
• Moonraker Knives - https://www.moonrakerknives.co.uk/
• Brigantian Vintage Knives https://www.brigantian-vintage-pocketknives.co.uk/
• 10% Off at https://rosecraftblades.com/ with code Slippy10
• 10% off with code SLIPPY10 https://www.twistedassisted.co.uk/
• USA Traditional Pocket Knives - https://www.traditionalpocketknives.com/
• Rhoose Point Remedies, Outstanding wood restoration products! Affiliate link - https://rhoosepointremedies.com/product-category/wood-treatments/?wpam_id=15
• 10% off https://www.wubenlight.com/?ref=aofsfnod with code Slippy10 -
• 10% off https://www.viperade.com/ with code Slippy10 -
• 15% off https://shiresupply.com with code SlipjointSawyer15
???? BUSINESS ENQUIRIES:
Email - Slipjointsawyer@gmail.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slipjointsawyer?igsh=aWttYWt0dGE0ZHA4
DISCLAIMER: Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to keep making honest reviews. I only recommend products I've personally tested and believe in.
© 2026 Slipjoint Sawyer. All rights reserved.