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

I tried sharpening the blades off my Steelheads like that. Kept losing the little bahstahds! Found 'em under my fingernails.[>:]

Either the blades are too little or my fingers are too big.

Hey Rangeball - what do you do for a living? Retired?

Close.

Insurance.

'Nuff said.