Maintaining the edge of a reed knife helps keep it ready for regular use. This guide explains how to use the Swiss Star reed knife from Oboes.ch with a custom 1,500 grit Shapton Pro 1″ × 6″ travel stone prepared by Tom Blodgett of Jende Industries, LLC. The process focuses on refreshing an existing edge and checking bevel contact on older knives.
Introducing the 1,500 Grit Shapton Pro Travel Stone
The custom 1,500 grit Shapton Pro stone is mounted to an aluminum base to provide support during sharpening. It is stored dry in a protective sheath and only requires a small amount of water before use. A quick splash is enough to prepare the stone for sharpening.
The 1″ × 6″ format makes the stone easy to transport while providing enough surface area for controlled sharpening of reed knives.
Refreshing a Reed Knife Edge
The first demonstration uses the Swiss Star beveled reed knife from Oboes.ch. The goal is to restore an edge that has become dull through use but is otherwise free from damage.
Rather than removing significant amounts of steel, the 1,500 grit stone is used to refresh the existing bevel. Consistent sharpening strokes help restore the cutting edge while maintaining the original geometry of the blade.
This process is intended for routine edge maintenance rather than repairing chips or reshaping a bevel.
Checking Edge Contact with a Permanent Marker
The second demonstration explains how to compensate for rounding that often develops on older single bevel reed knives.
Over time, sharpening and stone wear can change the shape of the bevel near the cutting edge. As a result, placing the knife flat on the stone may not contact the actual edge.
A permanent marker is applied along the edge before sharpening. After a few strokes, the marker shows where the stone is making contact.
- If the marker is removed from the edge, the sharpening angle is reaching the cutting edge.
- If the marker remains on the edge, the blade should be lifted slightly until the stone begins abrading the edge.
This method helps identify the correct sharpening angle without unnecessary material removal.
Compatible with Different Reed Knives
The 1,500 grit Shapton Pro travel stone can be used with:
- Swiss Star beveled reed knives
- Older single bevel reed knives
- Hollow ground reed knives
- Reed knives from different manufacturers
Its size and grit make it suitable for regular maintenance and edge touch-ups across a range of reed knife designs.
Conclusion
The custom 1,500 grit Shapton Pro travel stone provides a practical way to maintain reed knives. Using water, consistent sharpening strokes, and the permanent marker method allows the user to refresh an edge and verify bevel contact. Whether working with a Swiss Star knife, an older single bevel knife, or a hollow ground reed knife, this approach helps maintain the cutting edge for continued use.