I've seen a guy at the farmers market sharpening knives using a belt sander and strop, and while his knives pass the paper test, I'm still not sure if I should let him sharpen my planer blades and chisels. I often hear about the benefits of wet stones, but I'm curious if my concerns are valid. Is it worth investing in a knife sharpening belt sander given how fast and effective it seems?
3 Answers
Absolutely! Many professional knife makers use belt sanders to get fantastic results. With the right skills and 1000+ grit belts, you can achieve sharpness comparable to a good stone. It's quicker, but you need to be cautious not to overdo it; too much pressure can ruin the edge. Just know that it's all about the technique!
A belt sander can actually work really well for sharpening! This guy you're talking about seems to have a light touch and maintains a pot of water nearby, which helps keep the metal from overheating. I usually use a 180 grit belt for my chisels and lathe tools, and I get a great finish quickly. Just make sure he knows what he's doing, and you'll be fine!
I've seen people struggle with belt sanders because they can generate heat that might ruin the temper of the steel if you're not careful. Plus, they might leave a rough edge. Most woodworkers stick with stones for a reason—they make it easier to get that clean, straight edge. But if you're okay sacrificing a bit of edge quality for speed, then a belt sander could work for you. It's about finding what suits your sharpening style!
Yeah, I get why you'd be cautious about it. Losing temper can mean the steel won't hold an edge as well. If it does get too hot, it's pretty much toasted, and you can't just fix that. You'd have to reshape the edge again!