The Westwind reed knife and sharpening system lets you sharpen and re-sharpen your knife as many times as you like without fear of damage. The specialized fixture holds the blade firmly in place at the correct angle with respect to the sharpening stone, resulting in a speedy restoration of the perfect scraping edge. Since this angle never changes, you'll never need to regrind the edge on a course stone.
Remove the handle from the knife blade by removing the screw with the allen wrench provided. Use the allen wrench to push the nut out, and then slide the blade out of the handle.
Find the two locating pins on one side of the blade. Slide the blade onto the sharpening fixture using the pins for alignment. A right-handed blade projects from the left side of the fixture, while a left-handed blade projects from the right.
Note: Always slide the blade onto the fixture using a straight up and down motion. Angling the blade while mounting it may cause it to bind. If it does, do not use force. Wrap a cloth around the blade to protect your hand, then push or tap the high side of the blade down until it is aligned again and moves freely.
Secure the blade by sliding the clamp bar forward over the blade, then tightening the knob.
Note: Make sure the blade and fixture are free of chips, dirt, or anything that would interfere with an smooth fit between the blade and fixture.
Position the fixture. Place the sharpening stone alongside the fixture, making sure they are both on the same flat surface so the stone will not be tipped with respect to the blade. A sheet of paper under both will protect the surface and help the fixture slide easily. Gently push the top plate down until the blade just touches the stone.
Note: If you don't push the top plate down far enough, the blade will tilt toward the tip and only the tip will be sharpened. If you push it too far, the heel of the knife will press into the stone, lifting the tip of the blade off of the stone. If you are in doubt, use a felt tip pen on the shiny part of the sharp edge and see where the ink is removed when sharpening.
Sharpen the blade. Using light pressure, slide the fixture backward and forward, passing the beveled face of the blade across the stone. When you can feel a distinct 'wire edge' on the top of the blade, remove the blade from the fixture.
Smooth the blade by laying it flat on the stone and lapping it. If necessary, repeat this sequence using a few light passes on the beveled face, lapping the flat face and finishing with a few more light strokes on the beveled face.
Remount the blade on the handle. Tighten the screw snugly but not really tightly. The nut clamps the screw in the handle well with moderate tightness.
Note: When you reassemble the knife, the side with the two locating pins goes on the same side of the handle as the nut.
DISCLAIMER: Reed knifes are sharp, and potentially dangerous tools. Westwind Double Reed assumes no responsibility for any harm or injury resulting from the use or handling of the Westwind reed knife or sharpening system.