A while back I posted about using double stick tape, 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a highlighting marker to sharpen Rocket's pathfinder points. I'd like to follow that up now with what I did with the blades.
Basically, I started with the same 600 grit sheet of sandpaper, laid it flat on my desk and laid and individual blade (removed from the head) flat. I then used my thumbnail to push the cutting edge of the blade flat against the paper, so the full cutting angle of the blade was flat on the paper. I then used my index finger to support and hold the back side of the blade, and pushed the blade across the paper, with the cutting edge trailing. I did this repeatedly on each side until it slid smoothly across the paper, about 20 strokes or so total. When done, I did the other two blades the same way.
I then repeated the process with a sheet of 1500 grit paper, then 2000, the highest I could find locally. This left them very sharp, but I finished them on a piece of slick leather.
Result? Shiny, Like Diamond...
A very good mirror edge. Scary sharp, went from typical dull Rocket quality to shaves hair easily. On a stretched rubber band, before I could push the rubber down easily and had to work at it to cut it, now, just touch the rubber with a tad bit of pressure and it snaps in two
Unbelievable difference, and very very easy to do. I plan to get some higher grit paper just to see what level of sharpness I can take them to, but right now, they're easily the sharpest I've ever gotten anything in my life.
I went back and hit the pathfinder with the 1500 and 2000 grit paper as well, noticeable improvement.
Well worth the time and effort, which wasn't much
Sharpening Rocket heads and blades
