204 Sharpmaker: Is the difference really worth it?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
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I still have the 203, but the 204 seems to have so many more features. I also notice a lot of the knives I have, including a lot of the Spydies, are sharpened at a shallower angle than the 20 degree angle of the 203, and I was never able to sharpen well before the Sharpmaker.
Is it worth it for me to get the upgrade?
Jim
 
I'de like to know also, we have the 203 and have never been able to put a good edge on anything with it. Now from what I've been reading the 204 is a big improvement, but I'm leerey of trying it and still getting nowhere. One of these days we will be getting the Spyderco video and that might help me as when it comes to sharpening I'm nothing but thumbs.
 
In a word, yes. The 204 allows you to back-bevel as well as sharpen at 30 degrees. One of the things I found out while watching the video that comes with the 204 is that most knives come from the factory set at a 30 degree grind. I've since switched to this angle for most of my sharpening and I'm very impressed. The only caveat is that if the steel isn't hard enough, the thinner edge will break down more quickly. However, I haven't had any issues yet. All in all, it's worth getting the 204.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.
 
In a word, yes. The 204 allows you to back-bevel as well as sharpen at 30 degrees. One of the things I found out while watching the video that comes with the 204 is that most knives come from the factory set at a 30 degree grind. I've since switched to this angle for most of my sharpening and I'm very impressed. The only caveat is that if the steel isn't hard enough, the thinner edge will break down more quickly. However, I haven't had any issues yet. All in all, it's worth getting the 204.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.
 
The 204 is the best sharpening system I've ever owned.
I own several systems and this one smoke's them all.
It does things the other sharpening systems only dream they could do. (Assuming, of course, an inanimate object could dream).
smile.gif

I don't think there is any edged implement this system can't tackle.
Get one and you'll be glad you did.
I know I am
smile.gif
!

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
I've never used the 203 but getting the 204 just for the free video is a good deal. Taught me a thing or two that the manual didn't.

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ET

 
Well, I guess I knew I'd have to get it...I needed a little prodding. Looks like a 204 is on the list.
smile.gif


I have been able to get good edges on some knives with my 203. However, there are some other knives I've never been able to get really scary sharp, and I never let my knives actually get dull. Yes, I notice the 20 degree angle (40 degree included angle) of the 203 will not produce as fine an edge as are on many production knives today. Damn! Now I really want one!
Jim
 
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