A New Guy's Question on Sharpening

[Idunno445]

Some of you may have read my post about a week ago regarding my decision for my first knife. Well, I now hold in my hands a brand new Spyderco Delica in VG-10. When I got it out of the box, I checked the edge. Wow, they got that sucker sharp (granted.... I probably don't know what sharp really is... that is, compared to what you guys think is sharp). Right after seeing how sharp the knife is, I realized I have no means of keeping it sharp (small, newbie oversight ). I've been reading a bit about sharpening on this forum, but haven't quite found the answers I've been looking for. Basically, would you guys recommend a new guy getting a sharpening system (Sharpmaker?) or finding some cheap knives and practicing on a stone? Just looking for something to keep that edge on my Delica Thank you in advance for your responses.

Nick

 

[Gollnick]

If you have a sharp knife to start with frequent touchups with a Sharpmaker is an excellent solution. Fortunately, the Sharpmaker takes about ten seconds to set up and ten seconds to put away and uses no messy oil or anything. So, a touch-up takes less than a minute and makes no mess.

 

[Laceration]

I think you'll find that Spyderco's edges are awfully sharp and most folks here would agree. I'd personally recommend a Lansky setup, since that's what I started with and know the best, but the Sharpmaker is very well regarded around these parts and would probably suit you fine. I like the Lansky because it's a very intuitive system and (for me at least) procuced exceptional edges from the start and they keep getting better.

 

[Idunno445]

Well... if there isn't any dissent, I'll probably go with the Sharpmaker, which is the direction I was leaning anyway.

 

[WadeF]

Get the Sharpmaker. The Spyderco knives usually have an edge on them that is easily touched up with the Sharpmaker.

 

[Sword and Shield]

Sharpmaker, definitely. I would also learn how to work a regular stone freehand, but the Sharpmaker will work well for now.