First time poster long time stalker here! My sharpening system is pretty good for what it is. I can get a hair whittling/shaving edge on straight/recurve blade but lately I've been getting more and more into free hand sharpening. Whilest the sharpmaker/crock sticks will always have a place in my system I am looking for something to help put a mirror finish on my cutting edge. I can already put a "ok" mirror finish on but I'm looking for some kit that will make it easier to do and improve the shine. To obtain my current mirror finish I use a Smith's Tri-Hone system (which i love) followed by fine > ultra fine spyderco sharpmaker rods in the benchstone setting (which im not crazy about) followed by some strops with compounds (3 different compounds from stropman). I've already ordered another strop with a compound that's only for polishing and has no cut to it but I would like to get something to replace the sharpmaker portion of my "mirror edge" path. I'm looking at the following possibilities and would just like some feedback, I've also included a picture of my sharpening kit just cause.
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-King-Sharpener-Whetstone-S-45/dp/B003Q377K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404771416&sr=8-1&keywords=6000+grit+stone
http://www.amazon.com/Taidea-Knife-Sharpening-Whetstone-Stone/dp/B00BPI4WNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404234141&sr=8-1&keywords=2000+grit+whetstone
My current setup:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c9i428mnaauibdb/0703141252.jpg
I am kind of on a budget and can't afford a Edge Pro or Wicked Edge right now and while I know they are great systems I kind of want to pursue the free-hand route. Any input would be great! Thanks guys!
http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-King-Sharpener-Whetstone-S-45/dp/B003Q377K4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404771416&sr=8-1&keywords=6000+grit+stone
http://www.amazon.com/Taidea-Knife-Sharpening-Whetstone-Stone/dp/B00BPI4WNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404234141&sr=8-1&keywords=2000+grit+whetstone
My current setup:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c9i428mnaauibdb/0703141252.jpg
I am kind of on a budget and can't afford a Edge Pro or Wicked Edge right now and while I know they are great systems I kind of want to pursue the free-hand route. Any input would be great! Thanks guys!