I own a Tri-Hone Knife Sharpener.
I am wondering what is the purpose of each type of stone that is provided. There is no explanation as to when to use each. I would love to learn more.
Also can i use this kit for sharpening S30V knifes?
Please help.
Chris
Edge Expert Response:
Chris,
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in Smith’s Sharpeners. The Tri-Hone Sharpening System is a classic multi-use sharpener for all your knives and tools with cutting edges. The three stone system provides a broad capability to sharpen all edge conditions, from extremely dull to a quick touchup of already sharp blades. The purpose of each stone is provided below.
COARSE – This coarse grit synthetic stone removes large amounts of metal. It should be used for quick, aggressive sharpening on extremely dull or damaged blades. This stones takes a very dull or damaged blade and restores a good working edge to the blade. You should start the sharpening process with this stone only if your blade is extremely dull or damaged. It should only be used on straight edge blades only and honing solution is required.
MEDIUM (soft) Arkansas Stone – This general purpose sharpening stone is the most used of all the natural Arkansas stones. It removes moderate amounts of metal while polishing the edge of your blade at the same time. It should be used to the start the sharpening process for blades that are somewhat dull and still have a consistent edge. It should be used on straight edge blades only and honing solution is required.
FINE (hard) Arkansas Stone – Removes the least amount of metal of the three stones. It produces an extremely fine edge on your blade and is used for finishing, polishing, or smoothing your cutting edge to razor sharpness. These stones are excellent for maintaining (or touching up) already sharp edges before each use. We also recommend always using the Fine Arkansas stone after sharpening on the COARSE or MEDIUM stones to finish and polish the edge.
Note: Natural Arkansas Stones are unique sharpeners because they hone and polish the edge at the same time. No other sharpening apparatus can perform both these tasks simultaneously. They are perfect for sharpening pocket knives, hunting/fishing knives, hobby knives, tools, and kitchen knives.
HONING SOLUTION: Always use a lubricant when sharpening with the two natural Arkansas stones. It protects the stones and the blade of the knife or tool by washing away the particles of stone and metal created during the sharpening process. Without the lubricant’s washing effect, the particles are forced into the pores of the stone and it “glazes” over, reducing the stone’s sharpening effectiveness. We recommend Smith’s Premium Honing Oil as the best lubricant. It is mineral-based and is completely safe. If necessary, water can be used as a substitute.
CARE & STORAGE: You must wash your stone after each use. Just clean it off under running water, then store it in a safe place where it won’t get broken. We strongly suggest cleaning your Arkansas Stone by vigorously brushing it with soap and water and using a nylon, stiff brush after every three or four times of sharpening. This will keep the pores of your stone clean and it will last for many, many years.
The answer to your question regarding use of the Tri-Hone system to sharpen “S30V” knives is YES.
You can use this system to sharpen any type of straight edge knife, but you may have to repeat the process several times and/or make numerous strokes over the sharpening stones. For knives made of tempered steel, which are extremely hard, you need to use the same process as you do with regular steel but do it longer. If it takes you say 10 strokes on each side of the blade on both the Medium and Fine Arkansas stones to get a regular knife sharp, then it may take you 30 or more on each side on a combination of all the stones to get harder steel knives like S30V knives sharp. Just be patient and consistent. Remember, the key to obtaining a sharp edge is consistency of angle and doing the same number of strokes on both sides of the blade.
(Read a good post we did a while back on angles and consistency.)
Thank you again for your interest in our sharpening products. If there is anything else you need or would like to know, all of us at Smith’s would love to help.