Sharpening supplies

[JBroida]

in the beginning, its a better idea to follow whats there

[mhlee]

Should I be following the bevel already on it, it looks to be about 70/30, or focus on getting the correct angles by myself?

Again, don't focus on "angles" or numbers. I don't know where people get this stuck in their heads, but angles are not the guiding rule for knives. The knife should guide the type of angle that you use.

The actual angle of the bevel will differ based on the area you sharpen, e.g., the tip is thinner than the heel, so the angle that you're holding your knife at will differ from the heel vs. the tip to get the same bevel angle and bevel size. So, since you're just starting, I would use the magic marker/Sharpie trick, and focus on the existing bevels.

(I'm not intentionally regurgitating what Jon wrote because I didn't see that he posted before I did. But, Jon explained this to me and it was an important starting point because I had basically had to unlearn some serious misconceptions and incorrect practices about sharpening first before starting to sharpen again using better practices.)

[Julian Nell]

Sounds good. Now all I have to do is work up the courage to start.

[Julian Nell]

I believe, Jon said in his video about the magic marker trick that you can use nail Polish remover to get the excess marker off; are there any other methods for getting it off?

[JBroida]

i use straight acetone

[mhlee]

Sounds good. Now all I have to do is work up the courage to start.

One last thing. Use light pressure since you're worried about making a mistake. A mistake using light pressure will be a much smaller mistake than one using a lot of pressure.

[Julian Nell]

Okay. I don't have a magic marker or acetone right now, so I might try it without until I get those two things.

[Pensacola Tiger]

I believe, Jon said in his video about the magic marker trick that you can use nail Polish remover to get the excess marker off; are there any other methods for getting it off?

Goo Gone works also, and doesn't evaporate as quickly.

[chinacats]

If the bevel is big enough to see then it is likely big enough to feel on the stones. You should be able to see what part of the edge you are hitting because it will be shiny. As said above, go slow and use light pressure and it will be fine

[Matus]

I believe, Jon said in his video about the magic marker trick that you can use nail Polish remover to get the excess marker off; are there any other methods for getting it off?

Since magic markers are mostly alcohol-based, you can use Vodka or even classical man's aftershave lotion - as long as it contains enough alcohol - just depends what kind of smell you want to end up with