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I just came in posession of a knife from a friend that no longer wants it. It is custon made and I have no idea of the type of steel. I have been working on it over an hour with my Lanske without any luck. Usually my knives shave in just a few minutes. Can any-one please help me?

I have the same problem with my Randalls. The only thing that seems to get them sharp in a hurry are the cardboard wheels. In fact, that is how I sharpen all of my knives. I love those wheels.

Im no expert,,,but I do own that Lanske too, so I have a point of view on this problem you are haveing.

first, I dont think the Lanske can do a good job on a convex edge and if your handmade knife has that type of edge, there is always going to be trouble.

2nd....as your knife sounds like it has gotten really dull, it is then time to raise a burr and then worry about sharpening it.
You may need to get a stone .

as far as I know, the ONLY way to make sure you are on the right track with sharpening a very dull knife is to get a stone and just work one side until you get a burr or wire all along the other edge, then and only then do you flip and start to grind away of this side untill the burr is felt.

this will end up with a sharpened knife that a few stroke-flip-strokes on the stone should remove and the knife is sharp.

there are faster ways to do this, but this is the easyest to post here about

Until I tried to sharpen it the knife was new. I think what is hurting me is the thickness of the blade. I think it needs to be taken down from the handle out so as it won't be quite as thick. What I need to do is send it to someone for a makeover so to speak so I won't have this problem. I really like the shape of it so to speak except the thickness. It is like a drop-point skinner type knife. Maybe someone will volunteer to take it and re-do it so to speak. Of course I'll pay all shipping!!

Oakie,

That is a darned silly question coming from you ... I suspect I can get it done if anyone can. Send me an e-mail and we'll make what ever arrangements are needed!

(Back from Africa)