Amazing video, thanks for this! My JG-3 is one of my all time favorites. It feels like it was custom made for my hands. I always enjoy watching people at the top of their craft who have remained down to earth. From everything I've seen and read, both Mr. Gibson and Mr. Rollins fit that role.
This guy is spot on, sharpening doesn't have to be stressful its actually pretty dang easy. When I started out about 3 years ago I screwed up so many knives cause I listened to the wrong people. His method is perfect esp if you are using convex grinds.
You get to see James Gibson's easy moving nature....he's cool and calm in everything he does....Once you learn to sharpen I actually find it quite relaxing. Like meditation almost.
@@RandallsAdventureESEE I also hone and strop edges to relax, haha. Only when I have to sharpen pocket jewellery I get a little bit sweaty. But on my trusty 1095 I just go ahead. 🤭
I've done the same thing using a fine Arkansas stone for over 50 years. If one can't perform free hand sharpening, they need practice. Great video and Thanks.
Freehand on a stone is a skill I wish I had but consistency with the angles gets me every time. I have enormous respect for those who can manage it - even more for people who do it on Arkies, those stones are painfully slow.
Much respect Mr. Gibson. You sharpen your knife like I was taught to sharpen my axe. Makes sense I'm new to the knife community but I'm always outdoors as a federal Investigator investigating tax exemption fraud & public corruption. I live outside. I'm a Native American #NavyBrat of a special forces code breaker for Bob McNamara under Kennedy. I'm very unpopular with the Cuomo brothers, right now. They've got private investigators stalking me 24/7. But, they're hurting units, right now. I'm just getting warmed up. 😉 I just watched one of your videos on your carving axe. Now, I'm hooked on Esee knives. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! I'm going to be a lifelong Esee customer for sure.
This is the way I sharpen in the field as well. I always figured if I can get a hatchet or axe razor sharp in the woods the same method should work on my knife.
Just tried this method out on my Izula 2 which was getting a bit dull and the hairs on my arm just started popping off with little pressure afterwards . Thanks for the knowledge guys , I think this method is a keeper .
I love to use a Fällkniven CC4 on my knives. Got my first Izula on the way and I am so happy already for it being my new small EDC fixed blade! For my needs a double ceramic pocket stone is usually enough, especially for carbon steel. (Even comes in a leather pouch with a rough back side for stropping.) I also love to hone and strop me knoif every chance I can get! 🥰
Love that comment about the hair jumping off your arm because the knife is so sharp. Great technique you are using. Thanks for sharing. A dull knife will cut you faster than a sharp one.
This method does indeed work very well and its far easier than trying to freehand on a stone as if trying to "shave the stone". One note though.. spend some time working down the shoulder area above the edge, otherwise it'll get too thick over time. The shoulder needs to be taken down as the edge creeps closer to the spine.
Been sharpening like that for years. I just sharpened my pr4 about 10 min before seeing this video, that's what lead me to look at reviews and wind up here.
These methods can be applied to much harder or alloyed steels as well. Always take your time though, and remember consistency and angle. No matter how you sharpen, if you can make your strokes repetitive you will get a sharper blade.
Thank you very much for uploading this interesting video. I have one question: How do you know whether or not you have sharpened the knife equally on both sides? This method, it would be much easier to sharpen a knife than with the "traditional method" but I would like to know how to make sure that I remove the same amount of material on both sides. Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to answer my question.
John Smith time and practice. There are no shortcuts. Using the tools in the video are far more forgiving bc they don’t remove much material. Paying attention to the wire bead in the video is key. Once the convex edge is established I rarely use anything other than a leather strop.
As long as the core is thick enough....it might be an advantage in the field? Moisture retention from humidity in wood? IDk as I've never let a home made stroppe get that wet? I DO know the more you hone generally the less you sharpen...my grandfather carried a ceramic rod and small strop and rarely used. Coarser stones.
hani karam his neck knife is one he makes himself. 1095 steel 3" blade with an antler handle. He made one for me 3 years ago and it has been on my neck, in the Kydex Sheath he also makes, since then. Holds a great edge, easy to keep sharp. Great for slicing apples, making tent pegs, opening letters, packages, and boxes....all of the hundreds of things we use an everyday carry knife for.
Randall's Adventure / ESEE Damn great idea with the bevel and radius. I guess that's the perks of having materials like that on hand. Thanks for replying.
@TheLawDemon some RUclips searches on the following topics will give you a lot of options... TONS of info on RUclips that will answer these in GREAT detail. 1. Etch the Logos (numerous ways) 2. Strip the coating (chemically) 3. Forced Patina .....make sure you REMOVE the scales (usually requires 2 T15 Torx wrench)....
On a Convex edge it is as much about feel...you can feel the wire edge (roll) and when that edge is cleaned up it become very sharp.....sharpening is a skill that takes time and practice to acquire....you can see that James knows his way around the sharp edge of a blade.
I don’t and won’t use this method. Even strokes and consistency keep a even edge and a perfectly balanced and straight edge and doing his method can damage your blades finish
This guy is a journey man knife maker and some of value the edge over the finish of our tools. use the method that works for you but I use this method a lot and often finish on a strop and have no issues achieving a uniform SHARP edge.
Mr. Gibson himself said it: "Do what works for you." No single method works for everyone, all the time. When you find a system that works or you, use it. Personally, I do most of my sharpening on a Spyderco Sharpmaker and get good results that consistently shave arm hair but I started with round crock sticks in a wooden block over 40 years ago - I SHOULD be good at it by now! I'm now saving up to buy my first guided system to get better consistency of my angles. I have a system that's worked well for decades but I'm always open to new ideas. I also keep a Spyderco Double Stuff in my pack for remote touch ups in the field. I use it the way Mr. Gibson just demonstrated.
@@RandallsAdventureESEE Yes, I already understood that your communication skills are even worse than sharpening along the cutting edge. Keep going and you'll get haters instead of ESEE fans.
I've never met Mr Gibson, but the way he teaches my gut tells me he is a walking outdoor encyclopedia
cloudraker100 you gut does not lie. James is a fine a fellow as you will ever meet. He's as humble and humorous as he is knowledgeable.
I had the pleasure of meeting and learning from James last year and you can't go wrong meeting and learning from him.
Amazing video, thanks for this! My JG-3 is one of my all time favorites. It feels like it was custom made for my hands. I always enjoy watching people at the top of their craft who have remained down to earth. From everything I've seen and read, both Mr. Gibson and Mr. Rollins fit that role.
Glad you enjoyed it and hope you got something out of it.
This guy is spot on, sharpening doesn't have to be stressful its actually pretty dang easy. When I started out about 3 years ago I screwed up so many knives cause I listened to the wrong people. His method is perfect esp if you are using convex grinds.
You get to see James Gibson's easy moving nature....he's cool and calm in everything he does....Once you learn to sharpen I actually find it quite relaxing. Like meditation almost.
@@RandallsAdventureESEE I also hone and strop edges to relax, haha. Only when I have to sharpen pocket jewellery I get a little bit sweaty. But on my trusty 1095 I just go ahead. 🤭
Truly an amazing man. Thank you for all your kindness and help
we could not agree more....great student, teacher, and friend.
@@RandallsAdventureESEE Yes Yes and More Yes. Thank you guys as well
I've done the same thing using a fine Arkansas stone for over 50 years. If one can't perform free hand sharpening, they need practice. Great video and Thanks.
Freehand on a stone is a skill I wish I had but consistency with the angles gets me every time. I have enormous respect for those who can manage it - even more for people who do it on Arkies, those stones are painfully slow.
@@Crusty_Otter All the best to you . Thanks for your comment.
I have my 1st Esee knife coming in a few days and I'm excited about that an other ways to sharpen, Thank you
Happy to help and Thank you!
@@RandallsAdventureESEE Thank you for showing the easiest way to sharpening a knife
Much respect Mr. Gibson. You sharpen your knife like I was taught to sharpen my axe. Makes sense I'm new to the knife community but I'm always outdoors as a federal Investigator investigating tax exemption fraud & public corruption. I live outside. I'm a Native American #NavyBrat of a special forces code breaker for Bob McNamara under Kennedy. I'm very unpopular with the Cuomo brothers, right now. They've got private investigators stalking me 24/7. But, they're hurting units, right now. I'm just getting warmed up. 😉
I just watched one of your videos on your carving axe. Now, I'm hooked on Esee knives. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us! I'm going to be a lifelong Esee customer for sure.
This is the way I sharpen in the field as well. I always figured if I can get a hatchet or axe razor sharp in the woods the same method should work on my knife.
Just tried this method out on my Izula 2 which was getting a bit dull and the hairs on my arm just started popping off with little pressure afterwards . Thanks for the knowledge guys , I think this method is a keeper .
Zack Tait happy to help!
I love to use a Fällkniven CC4 on my knives. Got my first Izula on the way and I am so happy already for it being my new small EDC fixed blade!
For my needs a double ceramic pocket stone is usually enough, especially for carbon steel. (Even comes in a leather pouch with a rough back side for stropping.)
I also love to hone and strop me knoif every chance I can get! 🥰
First time i actually see a easy way to sharpen a great way in the field with ninimal gear. I wish i could learn from somebody like Mr. Gibson.
use what you've seen here...go slow, check your work often and you will get better.!
@@RandallsAdventureESEE i will keep practicing. Its kind of relaxing like meditating! Thx 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
It's obvious this gentleman knows what's up!!!!!
Love that comment about the hair jumping off your arm because the knife is so sharp. Great technique you are using. Thanks for sharing. A dull knife will cut you faster than a sharp one.
we agree 100%....a dull knife is a dangerous knife.
This method does indeed work very well and its far easier than trying to freehand on a stone as if trying to "shave the stone".
One note though.. spend some time working down the shoulder area above the edge, otherwise it'll get too thick over time. The shoulder needs to be taken down as the edge creeps closer to the spine.
Been sharpening like that for years. I just sharpened my pr4 about 10 min before seeing this video, that's what lead me to look at reviews and wind up here.
These methods can be applied to much harder or alloyed steels as well. Always take your time though, and remember consistency and angle. No matter how you sharpen, if you can make your strokes repetitive you will get a sharper blade.
Very true and great point!
Ha! Finally! Someone else that uses and recommends FlexCut Gold compound. It’s all I use anymore. Nice.
There's so much knowledge coming from James. There's just not enough hours in the day!!
Adam Campbell very true.
Good info, seems like a great guy !
Appalachian Outdoor Adventures James is good people for sure!!
I'm kinda hit and miss on sharpening. Thanks!!
Great info. I learned something
This is how my great uncle sharpened all his knives. He was taught by an even older barber who sharpened his straight razors this way.
if it aint broke.....lol
just like the method of Ax sharpening
I think I'm ready to try convex...
It’s not that hard. Carbon steel blades are great to start on too !
Mr. Gibson! I told him in Atlanta I wished he would make more videos. Him and Darryl both really need to
Thank you very much for uploading this interesting video.
I have one question: How do you know whether or not you have sharpened the knife equally on both sides? This method, it would be much easier to sharpen a knife than with the "traditional method" but I would like to know how to make sure that I remove the same amount of material on both sides.
Thank you very much in advance for taking the time to answer my question.
John Smith time and practice. There are no shortcuts. Using the tools in the video are far more forgiving bc they don’t remove much material. Paying attention to the wire bead in the video is key. Once the convex edge is established I rarely use anything other than a leather strop.
@@RandallsAdventureESEE,
Thank you very much for the prompt reply! I will follow your kind advice and practice!
Good lesson!
I wish I could go camping with Mr. Gibson
you can find him a few times a year at our 3 Day Advanced Bushcraft class.
I know he's creating a convex edge with this method. But does it create a convex blade too? Doesn't this knife have a flat grind? Good upload!
plejaren giants just convexing the edge.
I really like the idea of a micarta strop.
Larry Koziol it works well. I handled it and it was surprisingly rigid.
The tip on having one edge rounded and the other with a V notch for gouges and serrations (if you're into that kind of thing) is very clever.
Just remember, its wrapped in leather
As long as the core is thick enough....it might be an advantage in the field? Moisture retention from humidity in wood? IDk as I've never let a home made stroppe get that wet? I DO know the more you hone generally the less you sharpen...my grandfather carried a ceramic rod and small strop and rarely used. Coarser stones.
good lesson learned!
greetings from cologne, germany
arthur brehm
what diamond sharpener is that or at least what grit is it?
Seanoin Daugherty according to James "a cheap one". Med grit.
Ez lap. I got a 5 grit kit from ace hardware for $20. And they are worth every penny.
What sharpener is that you are using?
just an EZ Lap hone...very inexpensive and easy to carry...it's actually the same set up we use for our Blade maintenance kit.
wonder about your neck knife , all the best to you and thank you for the very nice video take care
hani karam his neck knife is one he makes himself. 1095 steel 3" blade with an antler handle. He made one for me 3 years ago and it has been on my neck, in the Kydex Sheath he also makes, since then. Holds a great edge, easy to keep sharp. Great for slicing apples, making tent pegs, opening letters, packages, and boxes....all of the hundreds of things we use an everyday carry knife for.
What “grit” or “roughness” is the diamond tool he’s using?
Varying between course, med, and fine....
God I love this video
Same as how I do it but with a small stone rather than diamond
Wish i could keep mr. Gibson in my pocket for when when my knife gets dull 😂😂😂😂😂
Interesting, I sharpen my axe this way and my axe is always sharper than my knife...time to implement this to my knives.
That stripped PR4 looks great. I'd like to know what neck knife that is.
The neck knife and the "PR4" were both custom made by James Gibson of Knobcreek Forge....James made the prototype of the PR4 for us..
Where can I pick up a strop like that?
AZ0960440 I think James made that one with leather over Micarta.
Randall's Adventure / ESEE Damn great idea with the bevel and radius. I guess that's the perks of having materials like that on hand. Thanks for replying.
Is that the PR4 prototype? If so, is that the same spec as far as dimensions as production version?
TacticalTupperware yes that was the prototype and the production model is identical save for just a few small changes.
Randall's Adventure / ESEE like a sharpening choil and rivets instead of screws? I could listen to Mr. Gibson talk all day.
Sharp knife is a safe knife ,dull knife can cause some injuries, anyone getting injured from a Sharp knife dosen't need to handle knives.
🤠👍
james is full of knowledge , and a good friend..
..bill
billy joe denny a good guy indeed!
Which knife is it?
Eliahu Green one of James’ customs.
Randall's Adventure / ESEE looks pretty much like ESEE Kephart, is that custom knife made of Stainless Steel?
Randall's Adventure / ESEE did not find this one on their website
Eliahu Green it’s made of carbon steel and is a custom made my James Gibson. It won’t be on our site.
beautiful craftsmanship, love the design.
Where can I buy a knife from mr. Gibson? His web sight shows absolutely nothing for sale and there’s nothing on the net either
Hit him up at Knob Creek forge on FB...Knife making is way more in Jame's wheelhouse than technology.
Hate to break it to you, but that's not a convex edge.
want it
notice his doesnt have the thick coating that esee slops on their knives...and actually has a convex edge
many of our newer models have the Black Oxide coating....and many of our users convex their blade as well...
@TheLawDemon some RUclips searches on the following topics will give you a lot of options... TONS of info on RUclips that will answer these in GREAT detail. 1. Etch the Logos (numerous ways) 2. Strip the coating (chemically) 3. Forced Patina .....make sure you REMOVE the scales (usually requires 2 T15 Torx wrench)....
TheLawDemon will do. Take care.
I sharpen the same way. Lets me see the metal Im taking off
That is something you tell your kids .. .. one day Mr Gibson sharpened this .. and then show them how
Sharpened a knife and just touched the skin on my arm and got goosebumps 😱
do you just eye ball the degree of the edge? sounds like level 10 shit
On a Convex edge it is as much about feel...you can feel the wire edge (roll) and when that edge is cleaned up it become very sharp.....sharpening is a skill that takes time and practice to acquire....you can see that James knows his way around the sharp edge of a blade.
10° for each side is 20 degrees! Nice video!
@@robertoruscigno7126 not 10 degrees on each side....20 degrees on either side.
I don’t and won’t use this method. Even strokes and consistency keep a even edge and a perfectly balanced and straight edge and doing his method can damage your blades finish
This guy is a journey man knife maker and some of value the edge over the finish of our tools. use the method that works for you but I use this method a lot and often finish on a strop and have no issues achieving a uniform SHARP edge.
Mr. Gibson himself said it: "Do what works for you." No single method works for everyone, all the time. When you find a system that works or you, use it. Personally, I do most of my sharpening on a Spyderco Sharpmaker and get good results that consistently shave arm hair but I started with round crock sticks in a wooden block over 40 years ago - I SHOULD be good at it by now! I'm now saving up to buy my first guided system to get better consistency of my angles. I have a system that's worked well for decades but I'm always open to new ideas.
I also keep a Spyderco Double Stuff in my pack for remote touch ups in the field. I use it the way Mr. Gibson just demonstrated.
This guy is talking out of his ass, but those without real knowledge will pay money to hear bullshit from anyone they think might be legit.
How NOT to sharpen a knife
RUclips is full of experts....tell me you are one withOUT telling me you are one..
@@RandallsAdventureESEE To be honest, I thought that the level of answers would be higher 😂
@@alexsolex2634 I felt like I met your effort in your original comment well...
@@RandallsAdventureESEE Yes, I already understood that your communication skills are even worse than sharpening along the cutting edge.
Keep going and you'll get haters instead of ESEE fans.