subject: Can I Sharpen My Serrated Bowie Knife? [print this page] Bowie knives have undergone numerous transitions and modifications down the long years since they first debuted. The have been made larger and smaller, with gut hooks and with serrated blades. If you own a Bowie knife with a serrated blade, such as a "survival" model, then you have a very capable blade. However, you also have a problem. How do you sharpen that serrated blade? Eventually, your serrations will dull, if you use the knife at all. Can they be sharpened?
First, you should understand that you will have years before you need to sharpen the serrated portion of your Bowie knife blade. This is because even those who use their knives on a regular basis rarely use the serrated portion. This means that you might be able to go for a decade without the need to sharpen it at all. What do you do if you do have to sharpen it, though? What are your options?
Actually, you have several options open to you here. One of the most common options is to use a round file for the job. You will have to sharpen each individual serration one at a time, though. There is no way to use a whetstone for this job, so you will simply have to soldier on and achieve the sharpness that you desire with a bit of effort. Of course, there are other options out there if you prefer something that involves a bit less in the way of physical labor. However, this method often provides the most accurate results.
A rotary tool can be an excellent option for sharpening the serrated portion of your Bowie knife blade. Using a rotary tool with a sharpening bit on the machine can help ensure that you are able to sharpen each individual serration without the physical effort that comes from using a round file for each individual tooth. This can be a great timesaver for your needs, and can also ensure that you are able to get the serrations as sharp as you would like. However, make sure that you hold the tool at the right angle.
Finally, you will find that some companies manufacture semi-flexible strops that will allow you to sharpen each individual serration. Of course, this requires a bit more effort than using a rotary tool, but it can be a great way to get the perfect sharpness for your Bowie knife in just a few minutes.
