An integral part of being a responsible knife owner, whether you use a Bowie knife or something different, is knowing how to keep a blade sharp. A dull knife is a useless tool, but also a considerable danger. Dull blades can cause serious injury, and can ruin whatever it is that you might be cutting. Of course, not everyone wants to use a bench stone to sharpen his or her knives. What other options are out there, though? What systems are worth trying?
Rod Systems Work Well: While rod systems certainly do use stones, they are very different from your traditional bench stone. What do rod systems offer? To sum it up in a single word - guidance. Rod systems use a rod connected to a whetstone, which runs through a hole in a metal guide. Your Bowie knife is attached to the metal framework. This ensures that your knife is stable throughout the entire process, and that you do not create uneven edges. Why does this matter?
Consider the problem with using a standard bench stone. You have to hold the blade at the same angle throughout the grinding process. However, with a rod system, all you have to do is move the stone over the blade of your knife to refresh that edge. However, for some systems, larger blades, such as a Bowie knife, will require that you reposition your rod periodically to get the entire blade.
There are also stones made out of ceramics and other materials which make find sharpeners for a Bowie knife. Oftentimes, these stones come with their own instructions and are more abrasive than a traditional whetstone. These stones can be used most anywhere, as they're generally very small. Some knives come with such stones contained in an extra pouch sewn to the sheath. Be sure to use oil, if the stone calls for it, though many of these stones do not require as much.
Your Bowie knife can definitely be sharpened in the field using these devices, but a good sharpening is usually done on a bench stone. Simply because the stone is mounted to the bench, it's easier to make sure that you're getting the right angle and pressure on the blade. You should practice, however, sharpening large blades on small stones, as you may well have to do so at some point when you're in the field.
Rod Systems Work Well: While rod systems certainly do use stones, they are very different from your traditional bench stone. What do rod systems offer? To sum it up in a single word - guidance. Rod systems use a rod connected to a whetstone, which runs through a hole in a metal guide. Your Bowie knife is attached to the metal framework. This ensures that your knife is stable throughout the entire process, and that you do not create uneven edges. Why does this matter?
Consider the problem with using a standard bench stone. You have to hold the blade at the same angle throughout the grinding process. However, with a rod system, all you have to do is move the stone over the blade of your knife to refresh that edge. However, for some systems, larger blades, such as a Bowie knife, will require that you reposition your rod periodically to get the entire blade.
There are also stones made out of ceramics and other materials which make find sharpeners for a Bowie knife. Oftentimes, these stones come with their own instructions and are more abrasive than a traditional whetstone. These stones can be used most anywhere, as they're generally very small. Some knives come with such stones contained in an extra pouch sewn to the sheath. Be sure to use oil, if the stone calls for it, though many of these stones do not require as much.
Your Bowie knife can definitely be sharpened in the field using these devices, but a good sharpening is usually done on a bench stone. Simply because the stone is mounted to the bench, it's easier to make sure that you're getting the right angle and pressure on the blade. You should practice, however, sharpening large blades on small stones, as you may well have to do so at some point when you're in the field.
About the Author:
Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knives store featuring combat knives.
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