The Tool Desk
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For a plain-edge Leatherman blade, sharpen both sides while maintaining the bevel. For a serrated section, sharpen only the edged side; sharpening the flat back can wear away the serrations. Leatherman’s stated angles are 32° inclusive (16° per side) for plain edges and 20° on one side for serrated sections. Those figures are Leatherman guidance, not a universal specification for every multi-tool.
How to tell which sharpening method to use
Look at the blade’s cutting edge before choosing a sharpening method. A plain edge has a continuous, smooth bevel; a serrated edge has a row of teeth or scallops. Some blades combine both, so identify each section separately.
| Blade section | Which side to sharpen | Leatherman angle guidance | Method consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain edge | Both sides | 32° inclusive, or 16° per side | Standard sharpening equipment, such as a whetstone, rod, or sharpening kit |
| Serrated edge | Only the edged side | 20° on one side | Use a system that fits the serration curves |
| Combination edge | Both sides of the plain section; only the edged side of the serrated section | Use the guidance for each section | Choose a method that suits each section’s geometry |
Leatherman’s maintenance guidance gives these angles as its standard, not as a measurement of every factory edge or a claim that every Leatherman model has an identical bevel. For another maker or model, check the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming Leatherman’s angles apply. Leatherman’s knife-sharpening guidance explains its approach to plain and serrated blade sections.
Why serrations should not be sharpened on the flat side
The serrated edge is shaped to cut with its teeth and curves. Sharpening the flat back removes material from that geometry; Leatherman warns that doing so wears away the serrations and reduces the blade’s effectiveness. Work only on the edged side, following the shape of the serrations with an appropriately sized sharpening surface.
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Choose equipment that fits the edge
For a plain edge
Leatherman says straight-edged blades can be sharpened with standard equipment, including whetstones, rods, and kits. Whatever you use, maintain the existing bevel rather than treating the 16°-per-side guidance as a reason to reprofile a blade without need.
For a serrated edge
Use a sharpening system designed to accommodate the serration curvature. A straight, flat surface does not follow the individual curves in the same way; avoid using it on the flat back of the blade.
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Leatherman’s sharpener and sharpening service
Leatherman describes its Blade Sharpener as including a carbide sharpener, ceramic hone, and diamond-coated rod, with the rod identified for serrated blades. The product page was listed as unavailable in a search result retrieved on October 7, 2026, so check the current product page for availability.
Leatherman advertises free sharpening for tools and knives featuring MagnaCut steel, but the service covers only non-serrated portions. Its routine sharpening policy excludes chipped or broken blades; check the current service terms for eligibility and handling. The company directs owners of non-MagnaCut products to its maintenance advice and Blade Sharpener.
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A careful approach before you start
- Identify the edge geometry. Separate any plain portion from a serrated portion on a combination blade.
- Check the maker’s guidance. Use Leatherman’s stated angles for Leatherman blades only; consult the maker for other multi-tools.
- Match the equipment to the section. Standard equipment can suit a plain edge, while serrations call for a tool that follows their curves.
- Keep sharpening to the correct faces. Work both sides of a plain edge and only the edged side of a serrations section.
- Check service eligibility if you prefer not to sharpen it yourself. MagnaCut service is limited to non-serrated portions and subject to Leatherman’s policy.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
