204 UltraFine Rods

Thomas J Ekman

Thomas J Ekman

Joined
Jul 29, 2000
Messages
555
Those of us who have bought the experimental run of the ultrafine rods have now had some time to test them. I have a Native which often gets the sharpmaker treatment. I used all three rods - medium, fine and ultrafine. Then I examined the edge carefully with a 30x pocket microscope. The edge appears to be very smooth indeed.

What's your opinion? Do the ultrafine rods add something to the sharpening?
 
I have been able to get my knives sharper with the ultra fine stones than I had previously been able to. I can classify the knives that I give the treatment to as "scary sharp". I am very happy with the results I have been getting.
 
I agree with you two, they are now sharper than they were without the Ultra Fines.

I've examined the edge too, and it does obtain a nice polish.

Overall, I've been very happy with them.
 
When we have discussed this matter about month ago I have expressed some doubts that SharpMaker U-fine rods could add something for sharpening. At that thread Sal promised to bring me to IWA these rods for testing and evaluation and he did.
Thanks a lot, Sal!

Well, at this moment I do not have too much experience in their long-run use, here are very first impressions only:
  • They are very U-fine, in look and touch they seem noticeably smoother than SPYDERCO U-fine Bench Stone. Once Sal told that basically it is the same ceramic as fine one, just artificially smoothened with diamond abrasive after burning.
  • They appear also finer comparing with U-fine Bench Stone when working. In my honest opinion they work rather like smooth steel than like abrasive.
  • Yes, I have noticed edge performance rising but I think this occurs at the cost of more accurate burr removing rather than edge smoothness. Even the edge finished on U-fine Bench Stone is much smoother than it is necessary for the most of cutting tasks but these rods are even smoother.
  • However better burr removing after sharpening and edge steeling up after cutting makes a lot of sense and really can improve knife performance. In my opinion here is the natural application for U-fine rods.

But you, Guys, really should try SPYDERCO U-fine Bench Stone! The edge petting on this one is great pleasure as itself no matter how useful it is. This brings me lots of relax and rest for my soul in our crazy and stressful age. :)
 
As you move to finer stones, the edge always seems to get sharper. I agree that the new ultra fine hones for the sharpmaker make an obviously-noticeable improvement, if razor polished edges are what you're going for. They're a must-have.

Joe
 
Razor polished edges are exactly what I need. follow up question though compare the ultrafine 204 stones with the ultra fine benchstone assuming someone knows how to do both equally.
 
i too have had a chance to give my UF rods a try on a few knives, and i must say, they ROCK! every few days or so i give my Strider AR a few mintues on these rods and then a few passes on a strop and its back to its original sharpness:eek:

Spyderco should definetaly make the UF rods a full production thing!
cause if i broke mine and i couldnt get another i know id cry for a while:(
 
Thanx Serg & Joe. It's always difficult to decide if the market is large enough to produce a given product. Your testing input and the input of any ELU is valuable in new concepts.

sal
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top