Wood/Glass/Metal Extra help in filing/sharpening a blade?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effectiveness of using chemical solutions, such as acids or alkaline substances, in the blade sharpening process. It is established that most sharpening is performed with a coolant to prevent overheating and annealing of the steel blade. Chemical etching can adversely affect the blade's edge, leading to a rounded profile rather than a sharp one. A specific instance where acid is beneficial is in sharpening old metal files, where the acid selectively attacks the rounded parts of the teeth while preserving the cutting edges.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of blade materials and properties
  • Knowledge of sharpening techniques and tools
  • Familiarity with chemical properties of acids and alkalis
  • Experience with coolant usage in sharpening processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of chemical etching on different blade materials
  • Learn about the proper use of coolants in blade sharpening
  • Explore techniques for sharpening old metal files using acid
  • Investigate alternative sharpening kits and their effectiveness
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for metalworkers, knife enthusiasts, and anyone involved in blade maintenance and sharpening techniques.

abdulbadii
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TL;DR
Would there be additional help when filing/sharpening a blade by using extra kits
Would there be additional help when filing/sharpening a blade by using extra kits such as, Imho, isn't it better use a bit of acid/alkaline rather than just nothing, ie. neutral water, or other better suitable chemical liquid ?

Note: I'm zero in such knowledge, just came up in mind when working that in lot pain so to ask here now
 
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Most sharpening is done with a coolant because heating and annealing a steel blade must be avoided. The problem with chemical etching a blade is that the chemical attacks the edge more than the flat face, so it becomes more rounded. The polished sides of the blade may develop a mat finish, which may be difficult to clean and so pose a health hazard.

I only know one situation where a chemical is used to sharpen a cutter. When you need to sharpen an old metal file, use it, then do not clean it before you pickle it overnight in acid. The metal that will be attacked by the acid, will be the bare and rounded part of the teeth. The clogged grooves will protect the cutting edges from attack.
 
abdulbadii said:
TL;DR Summary: Would there be additional help when filing/sharpening a blade by using extra kits

Would there be additional help when filing/sharpening a blade by using extra kits such as, Imho, isn't it better use a bit of acid/alkaline rather than just nothing, ie. neutral water, or other better suitable chemical liquid ?

Note: I'm zero in such knowledge, just came up in mind when working that in lot pain so to ask here now
What are you sharpening that is causing you pain? Knives, axes, chainsaws, files, ...?

https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Step-by-Step-Knife-Sharpening-W41.aspx
 
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