practice sharpening - US Army mess kit knife

[barnabus1999]

I assume these are made in upstate NY? Found them at a second hand gun store down in southern Oregon. Thought the handle looked interesting. Thinking about the tip. Using as a practice sharping and reshaping knife. I did a buck knife (long time ago) on a stone and reshaped the tip to look more like a shark. I like thinking of how I can reduce the sweep of the blade. Anyhow random thoughts as I learn.

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[Knobgoblin]

If I recall correctly, the body of the blade is pretty thin. Not sure how much practice you expect to gain with what's basically a fat butter knife

 

[Knobgoblin]

For funsies tho , maybe try copying this blade shape. I like the handle on the GI mess knife myself, and this reminds me of it.

 

[barnabus1999]

Nice yeah like that shape been sharpening the top side of the tip. One issue the end of the blade starts to curve up. Then I think I have to take metal off 2/3 way down to get a more aggressive profile. Pardon my lack of vocabulary. Like a stabber precise steak knife not a rocking motion to cut vegetables.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Old carbon steel kitchen knives make for excellent knives to practice sharpening and re-shaping.

If that was my mess knife...I'd leave it be...they are not made any more.
Not that it is worth a lot...or will be...just that it ain't made any more...and if it is modified..then there is one less.
Andy

 

[barnabus1999]

Oh I got 2 full sets. The spoons are super cool. Balance in your thumb and big scoop of corn flakes.

 

[Knobgoblin]

@Andy54Hawken is on the right track.
You could probably find a 5 gallon bucket full of knives at goodwill and garage sales that are way more useful in your learning endeavors.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Goodwill....and garage sales...yep....lots of beater knives to found there...
Learn to sharpen and re-shape with those....and give 'em a second lease on life.
Andy

 

[whiskeybill]

Just get some old automobile leaf springs out of a junk yard. Perfect steel. That's how Ruana Knives got started in the 1930's.

 

[barnabus1999]

I don't have a garage so no space for a belt sander. I just have one good knife that I want to shape different. Shaping metal seems fun. Anybody want to give me a lesson trade some ammo?