Sharpening Speed Using Hand Stones

[DMW1116]

I just sharpened the main kitchen knives. I use a block to hold the stone at the desired angle. I was able to sharpen them in about 10 passes per side, then 20 per side on the medium stone, and finally 20 per side on the Sharpmaker. This would have been fairly quick had I been in a hurry. Does anyone else have a procedure for sharpening that emphasizes speed?

 

[Kingcreek]

Nope. Never been rushed when sharpening. Grandpa taught me to sharpen his chisels and planer blades with stones when I was young enough to sit on his lap. Slow and precise and deliberate.
The pros that sharpen barrels full of meat processing plant knives use belt grinders. I'm sure they're pretty fast but no way would I hand them one of my knives.

 

[Valkman]

Like with reloading I am never in a hurry sharpening - I want it done right. I use a Wicked Edge system but it gets results. I have spent 3 hours on a knife that was sharpened on a grinder (by me when I thought that was a good thing) but the time doesn't matter to me as much as results.

 

[DMW1116]

How sharp do you all generally want your knives?

 

[Valkman]

How sharp do you all generally want your knives?

I don't generally go beyond 800 grit but I do polish the edge with diamond paste and balsa strops. They get incredibly sharp.