DIY: How to do a mirror polished perfect convex edge for $20

[Spots]

One of them was unknown grind and quite dull. I guess I just need the coarse stuff to reprofile. Generally how many times per edge would you say to reprofile with 200 grit? Hundreds? Thousands?

It shouldnt take that many. My case pocket knife was beat to hell and it only took a few minutes. If it comes down to it and you can't get it to work, you can send them to me and Ill reprofile them and sharpen so all you have to do is hone them when they need it

[GlockSpock]

I may do that. I want to learn how to myself if I can. I'll try to get some 200 or so grit and give it a try. Even s30v? The ZT is a "recurve" blade.

[Spots]

I may do that. I want to learn how to myself if I can. I'll try to get some 200 or so grit and give it a try.Even s30v? The ZT is a "recurve" blade.

That steel is gonna take more time and patience as it is very abrasion resistant. And a recurve can be tricky. I have done recurves by wrapping a mouse pad around a 1" wooden dowel rod to allow me to work the curve better. Ill work with you as long as you like till your happys with the results. You can also pm any specific questions if you need too.

[peejman]

How sharp was the knife to begin with? You may just have to try varying your angles and pressure. It took me awhile to find the pressure (fairly light now) and angle I liked. Its a lot of feel thats hard to explain. Also if they weren't convex edges you'll need to start at a low grit to reprofile the edge

 

This.  I was horrible at sharpening knives for the longest time.  I finally got a Smith's system and practiced on some junk pocket knives.  It took a while but once I got the feel for it, I can do a reasonable job of touching up an edge without it.  Heavy work still requires the guides.