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Sharpmaker/ZDP-189

A

AARP

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Nov 27, 2007
Messages
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Hey guys, I bought a Calypso jr. in ZDP-189/PE and am also going to pick up a Sharpmaker. My question is 1.) Will the fine stones the sharpmaker comes with work well with ZDP-189? and 2.) Is it really difficult for a beginner to sharpening to start out with ZDP-189? Thanks guys.
 
1) Yes, they will work fine.

2) Hard to say, but probably not a good idea. When learning a new skill, tangible results are important. ZDP-189 is a very hard steel which will require more time to produce results. I found sharpening ZDP to be somewhat frustrating at first, and I am hardly a novice. My problem seems to be the hard steel tricked me into using too much pressure on the stones because I couldn't feel the abrasion that I was used to. Once I lightened up, great results were not difficult to achieve, just time-consuming.

If you are patient enough, learning on ZDP might be a good idea, as it may keep you from developing bad habits. On the other hand, if you are easily frustrated or have a short attention span, I would suggest starting with something softer, like VG-10.
 
I'm a rookie at this stuff and was surprised how tough it was to get my zdp delica sharpened
 
yablanowitz said:
1) Yes, they will work fine.

2) Hard to say, but probably not a good idea. When learning a new skill, tangible results are important. ZDP-189 is a very hard steel which will require more time to produce results. I found sharpening ZDP to be somewhat frustrating at first, and I am hardly a novice. My problem seems to be the hard steel tricked me into using too much pressure on the stones because I couldn't feel the abrasion that I was used to. Once I lightened up, great results were not difficult to achieve, just time-consuming.

If you are patient enough, learning on ZDP might be a good idea, as it may keep you from developing bad habits. On the other hand, if you are easily frustrated or have a short attention span, I would suggest starting with something softer, like VG-10.
Click to expand...

Perfect answer. :thumbup:
 
When you get the 204 Sharpmaker I can't stress enough for you to view the video/DVD at least 2 to 3 times before proceeding to sharpen a blade. I also would advise you to practice on a couple of older folders or kitchen blade before using it on a premium Spyder or any other high end blade.

Also when you get well versed in the use of the 204 Sharpmaker I highly urge you to also get the Ultra-Fine stones you can buy for the 204 unit. They also make a set of diamond 204 stones as well and you will love what you can do with those. As far as portable sharpening kits go you can't beat the 204 Sharpmaker unit.

ZDP-189 blade steel is a very hard steel just like Yablanowitz said but you will really be cussing and swearing when you sharpen your first 440V ( S60V) blade. Sharpening that blade steel is nothing short of punishment :D
 
yablanowitz said:
1) Yes, they will work fine.

2) Hard to say, but probably not a good idea. When learning a new skill, tangible results are important. ZDP-189 is a very hard steel which will require more time to produce results. I found sharpening ZDP to be somewhat frustrating at first, and I am hardly a novice. My problem seems to be the hard steel tricked me into using too much pressure on the stones because I couldn't feel the abrasion that I was used to. Once I lightened up, great results were not difficult to achieve, just time-consuming.

If you are patient enough, learning on ZDP might be a good idea, as it may keep you from developing bad habits. On the other hand, if you are easily frustrated or have a short attention span, I would suggest starting with something softer, like VG-10.
Click to expand...

Well said, I couldn't of explained it better:thumbup:
 
JD Spydo said:
When you get the 204 Sharpmaker I can't stress enough for you to view the video/DVD at least 2 to 3 times before proceeding to sharpen a blade. I also would advise you to practice on a couple of older folders or kitchen blade before using it on a premium Spyder or any other high end blade.

Also when you get well versed in the use of the 204 Sharpmaker I highly urge you to also get the Ultra-Fine stones you can buy for the 204 unit. They also make a set of diamond 204 stones as well and you will love what you can do with those. As far as portable sharpening kits go you can't beat the 204 Sharpmaker unit.

ZDP-189 blade steel is a very hard steel just like Yablanowitz said but you will really be cussing and swearing when you sharpen your first 440V ( S60V) blade. Sharpening that blade steel is nothing short of punishment :D
Click to expand...

Heh. And I'm hoping to get a Military in that. :rolleyes:

Try practicing on some mystery china kitchen knives, and then maybe a Buck or two you've got kicking around. I've sharpened my S90V no problem, but I've had practice.
 
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