Patent ID: 7052385
Filing Date: 2006-05-30
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A self-aligning blade angle guide comprising: (a) an axle having a first end and a second end; (b) a clamp including, in combination, a pair of similar jaw members of predetermined shape arranged in opposition, means for attaching said first end of said axle to at least one said jaw member, a base having a hole through which said axle extends and releasably retaining said jaw members in combination with said first end of said axle, thereby forming a clamp-and-axle assembly, and means for imparting reciprocal movement to said axle, whereby said each jaw member is caused to pivot towards and away from the opposite said jaw member, thereby enabling the clamp to securely grip and release a blade; (c) a frame removably coupled to the clamp-and-axle assembly so as to enable free rotational movement of the clamp-and-axle assembly through an angle of at least 180 degrees with respect to said frame; and (d) means for establishing and maintaining a predetermined sharpening angle, whereby a weight of said self-aligning blade angle guide, combined with any added pressure applied by the user, causes said clamp to rotate on its axis as the self-aligning blade angle guide is placed in operational position on the surface of a sharpening means, thereby aligning the edge of a blade secured in said clamp with the surface of the sharpening means, said rotational capability further enabling the user to sharpen both sides of a blade's edge with a single blade clamping operation by manually rotating said clamp at least 180 degrees between passes along the surface of the sharpening means.