DIY: Sharpen A Hunting Knife After Field Dressing a Hog

Fast Knife Sharpening with the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition

After a long weekend of cleaning feral hogs, field dressing kits are usually in rough shape. Using a power sharpener like the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition with the Blade Grinding Attachment is a quick, consistent way to get skinning, boning, and caping knives back into field-ready condition.

Materials Needed

• Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Sharpener

• Blade Grinding Attachment

• Assorted Abrasive Belts (X65 coarse through fine polishing)

• Dawn Dish Soap

• Outdoor Edge Field Dressing Kit (or any hunting knives)

Step 1: Clean the Knives

Never sharpen a dirty knife. Fats, oils, and blood from field dressing will quickly gum up your abrasive belts and ruin them. Wash all knives thoroughly with Dawn dish soap and dry them completely before starting. [00:00:13]

Step 2: Set Up the Attachment

With the unit unplugged, remove the stock sharpening guide and install the Blade Grinding Attachment. Secure it using the reverse-threaded screw, which also acts as the driving point for the belt. Ensure this is tight to prevent slipping. [00:00:23]

Step 3: Select Your Angle

The Blade Grinding Attachment features an adjustable angle guide. For standard hunting knives like the Outdoor Edge series, a 22-degree angle usually matches the factory edge perfectly. Set the guide to 22 degrees to maintain consistency without removing unnecessary metal. [00:00:33]

Step 4: Raise a Burr

Start with a coarse belt (X65). The goal is to "raise a burr"—a tiny curl of metal—along the entire edge.

1. Run the knife along the belt for about eight strokes on the first side.

2. Tip Protection: To avoid rounding the tip, guide the knife with your finger and lift the blade straight up once the tip reaches the center of the belt. [00:01:25]

3. Once you feel a consistent burr, repeat the same number of strokes on the opposite side.

Step 5: Progress Through the Belts

Once the burr is established, switch to progressively finer belts. Perform four to eight strokes per side on each belt to refine the edge. Use the guide to keep the knife square to the grinder during every pass. [00:02:18]

Step 6: Sharpen the Gut Hook

If your kit includes a gut hook, use a fine polishing belt. Crucial Safety Note: Ensure the belt is running down and away from the edge of the hook. If you run the belt into the edge, the blade will slice the belt instantly. [00:02:44]

Wrapping Up

With the knives polished and razor-sharp, they are ready for the next hunt. This setup provides a professional-grade edge that holds up significantly better against tough hog hides than manual sharpening methods. Hope this helps y'all keep your edges sharp!