How to Sharpen a Knife With a Dremel

How to Sharpen a Knife With a Dremel

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A sharp blade will make a knife work work quicker and safer. A dull blade can be reconditioned easily. A Dremel rotary tool makes it easy to not only sharpen your blade, but to polish it as well.

Items you will need

  • Dremel

  • Vise

  • Goggles

  • Aluminum oxide grinding stone (part number 932)

  • Mandrel (part number 401)--Optional

  • 1/2" felt polishing wheel (part number 414)--Optional

  • Polishing compound (part number 421)--Optional

Step 1

Insert the knife into the vise. You will want to tighten the vise so that the blade is well exposed and the knife is held securely for sharpening. Be sure the vise is also secured to your workbench so that it will not move while you are sharpening your knife blade.

Step 2

Install the grinding attachment to the Dremel. Be sure that it is secured because the rapid rotation could cause it to fly off if not properly fastened. Use the proper angle to begin sharpening the blade. There are two schools of thought on sharpening. One is to sharpen the blade from one side only with a 24-degree angle; the other is to sharpen both sides of the blade using a 12.5-degree angle.

Use the angle that is most comfortable to you. Begin at the base of the blade closest to the handle. Move the Dremel along the edge of the knife blade holding your desired angle firmly.

Be sure to let the blade cool before attempting a second pass on either side of the blade.

Step 3

Use the polishing compound, mandrel and felt pad to polish your knife blade, if you desire. The rotary motion of the Dremel tool makes this an easy task to accomplish. Follow the instructions found on the polishing compound to get the best results from the product.

Warnings

  • Be careful with rotary sharpening. Too much heat can damage the tempering and weaken the blade.

Tips

  • Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
  • Practice on an old blade before attempting to sharpen an expensive knife.
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