Gut hook sharpening question

[wrencher]

I have been using the same knife with a gut hook for the last 16 years. When I was gutting my buck on Monday, I noticed the hook was pretty dull.

Anybody have any experience sharpening these. Just use a round file? Or is there a better and/or easier way. I'm not afraid to get at it with a file, just wondering if there is something else to get a better result?

[kevco]

Get a new one??

[streaker69]

I certainly wouldn't take a file to any knife. But they do make round sharpening stones that you could probably use for it. If not, you might be able to find a knife store that will sharpen it for you. I know you're not from this area, but the Country Knife Store down here will sharpen any knife for a reasonable price.

[A-5]

Get a new one??

He is right buy a new one. They make them that use box opener blades so getting a sharp blade is a mere changing it.

[unloved]

I have been using the same knife with a gut hook for the last 16 years. When I was gutting my buck on Monday, I noticed the hook was pretty dull.

Anybody have any experience sharpening these. Just use a round file? Or is there a better and/or easier way. I'm not afraid to get at it with a file, just wondering if there is something else to get a better result?

Noooooo! Don't use a file, unless it's a ceramic file. You could also use a round, or round tapered, diamond sharpening rod. Then, you have slipstones of various types, which are generally made for, and used on, woodworking tools, but will work for your gut hook too. You may have to look around a bit to find one that will fit.

I'd go with a tapered diamond rod (or 2-4 in varying grits) myself.

[Sandcut]

As has been mentioned upthread, get a diamond sharpening rod/steel. http://www.chefdepot.net/DMTproducts2.htm They work well on hooks and serrated blades. I usually use a medium grit. If you need to recontour the edge, it works pretty quickly. With a lighter touch, you don't need a fine grit to finish the edge.

Another less expensive idea is to go to Gander Mt./Dicks/etc. and get the same thing marketed as one of those pen-sized fishing hook sharpeners. Aside from the groove down one side, they are the same thing and usually only cost around $5. You can touch up your main cutting edge with it too!

ETA: It'll be cheaper than getting new knife and throwing away a friend of 16 years. That would be silly!

[ironhorse]

dremel tool

[SharpShooter88]

If it is a high quality knife or holds sentimental value...take it to a reputable knife dealer or blade sharpener and have them do it. If it is a cheap o K mart or wally world peice then jut invest in a new one....did they have wally world 16 years ago?

[unloved]

dremel tool

Nah, just save yourself some time, and throw your knife right in the trash.

If it is a high quality knife or holds sentimental value...take it to a reputable knife dealer or blade sharpener and have them do it.

With the proper tools, and a little practice, there's absolutely no reason that you can't do a great job sharpening your own knives.

If it is a cheap o K mart or wally world peice then jut invest in a new one....did they have wally world 16 years ago?

Ugh, kids these days. That wouldn't be an investment, it'd be an example of our crass, throwaway culture.

[Dextrimental]

I would highly recommend a Lansky Sharpening system.

http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/outdoor.php

Lansky has all the accessories needed to sharpen those dull straight blades, hook blades, and serrated blades.


Brad