Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Learn how to sharpen a knife freehand using the Work Sharp x Outdoors55 Dual Grit Diamond Sharpening Stone, designed in collaboration with Alex Garland of Outdoors55.
In this User’s Guide, Alex walks through the fundamentals of freehand sharpening, from finding your angle and making your first sharpening passes to forming a burr and refining the finished edge.
The Work Sharp x Outdoors55 sharpening system pairs a premium 3" x 8" dual-grit diamond stone with a heavy-duty cast aluminum adjustable base designed to keep your stone stable, elevated, and out of the way so you can focus on what matters: angle, pressure, feedback, and burr formation.
In this video, you’ll learn:
• How to set up the sharpening stone and adjustable base
• How to use the 15°, 17°, and 20° magnetic angle guides
• The fundamentals of consistent freehand sharpening technique
• How to use the marker trick to find your sharpening angle
• How to form and detect a burr from heel to tip
• When to use the 320 grit vs. 1200 grit diamond stone
• How to refine your edge and minimize the burr
• How to test your finished edge
• When to finish at 320 grit vs. 1200 grit
• How to use other sharpening stones with the adjustable base
320 Grit Diamond
The coarse side does the real sharpening work. Use it to establish the edge, apex the knife, and form a consistent burr from heel to tip.
1200 Grit Diamond
Once the knife is sharp off the 320 grit, use the fine side to refine the scratch pattern, minimize the burr, and create a cleaner, more refined edge.
Built to help you master freehand sharpening.
The adjustable cast aluminum base provides a stable working platform with plenty of knuckle clearance, while the removable magnetic angle guides give you a reference as you develop the muscle memory to hold a consistent angle on your own.
The base accommodates a wide range of 3" x 8" sharpening stones and can also be configured for other stone sizes, including 1" x 6" stones.
Freehand sharpening is a skill. Start slow, make consistent passes, pay attention to what’s happening at the edge, and let the knife give you feedback.
Designed with Alex. Built by Work Sharp.
Subscribe to Work Sharp for more sharpening guides, product videos, and edge education.
For deeper dives into sharpening theory, edge geometry, abrasives, and what’s happening at the edge under magnification, check out Outdoors55 on YouTube.
#WorkSharp #Outdoors55 #KnifeSharpening #FreehandSharpening #DiamondStone
Learn how to sharpen a knife freehand using the Work Sharp x Outdoors55 Dual Grit Diamond Sharpening Stone, designed in collaboration with Alex Garland of Outdoors55.
In this User’s Guide, Alex walks through the fundamentals of freehand sharpening, from finding your angle and making your first sharpening passes to forming a burr and refining the finished edge.
The Work Sharp x Outdoors55 sharpening system pairs a premium 3" x 8" dual-grit diamond stone with a heavy-duty cast aluminum adjustable base designed to keep your stone stable, elevated, and out of the way so you can focus on what matters: angle, pressure, feedback, and burr formation.
In this video, you’ll learn:
• How to set up the sharpening stone and adjustable base
• How to use the 15°, 17°, and 20° magnetic angle guides
• The fundamentals of consistent freehand sharpening technique
• How to use the marker trick to find your sharpening angle
• How to form and detect a burr from heel to tip
• When to use the 320 grit vs. 1200 grit diamond stone
• How to refine your edge and minimize the burr
• How to test your finished edge
• When to finish at 320 grit vs. 1200 grit
• How to use other sharpening stones with the adjustable base
320 Grit Diamond
The coarse side does the real sharpening work. Use it to establish the edge, apex the knife, and form a consistent burr from heel to tip.
1200 Grit Diamond
Once the knife is sharp off the 320 grit, use the fine side to refine the scratch pattern, minimize the burr, and create a cleaner, more refined edge.
Built to help you master freehand sharpening.
The adjustable cast aluminum base provides a stable working platform with plenty of knuckle clearance, while the removable magnetic angle guides give you a reference as you develop the muscle memory to hold a consistent angle on your own.
The base accommodates a wide range of 3" x 8" sharpening stones and can also be configured for other stone sizes, including 1" x 6" stones.
Freehand sharpening is a skill. Start slow, make consistent passes, pay attention to what’s happening at the edge, and let the knife give you feedback.
Designed with Alex. Built by Work Sharp.
Subscribe to Work Sharp for more sharpening guides, product videos, and edge education.
For deeper dives into sharpening theory, edge geometry, abrasives, and what’s happening at the edge under magnification, check out Outdoors55 on YouTube.
#WorkSharp #Outdoors55 #KnifeSharpening #FreehandSharpening #DiamondStone
