Alright I need a sharpener

B

Bill86

Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Messages
758
I've been putting this off so long its ridiculous. 3 years here and I haven't tried to sharpen my knives, but I realize with my new user (Strider SMF) I'm going to need to sharpen it. Luckily it has a HUGE edge, so to me this will help. Lets say I have a pretty high budget but I need something literally idiot proof that will put an edge that will shave hair. So toss me recommendations, I'm aware of some of the options but I really want the easiest and most effective system. So with all the comments I will order one tonight or tomorrow. Thanks for the help in advance.
 
Easiest? Most effective? Shave hair? Idiot proof? High budget??

Sounds like you need a Wicked Edge System (http://www.wickededgeusa.com/)

sharpener-on-granite-base.jpg


Or an Edge Pro Apex 4 (http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-System/Apex-4-kit-p7.html)

ep-apex-kit4_1512_general.jpg
 
Is the only place to get those at the manufactures sites or is there another reliable dealer that sells them for less?
 
Manufacturers, I believe.

You can find the Edge Pro second hand sometimes.

The Wicked Edges are much more rare.


The cost of the Wicked Edge is deceptive, as that is only the basic package.

You'll want the fine and ultra fine grits (+ $50) and a strop bar (+ $50) to get a polished edge, as well as the granite base pictured (+ $60) unless you'll be mounting it to a desk.

They have some great YouTube videos.
 
3 years and you don't know the proper subforum either ;)


There is NO idiot proof system otherwise you would not see user questions about them. If you don't understand sharpening a system won't be much help because you still won't know what you are doing.

Though the above systems are very good I would suggest buying a benchstone first and see what you can do freehand after a little homework is done.
 
knifenut1013 said:
Though the above systems are very good I would suggest buying a benchstone first and see what you can do freehand after a little homework is done.
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Like the one you have advertised in your sig? :P (kidding)

Actually, OP, that's an awesome benchstone to consider, along with some coarser ones.

However, learning takes time.
 
haha, not exactly the stones I would suggest first but they are great for finishing. I was thinking more along the lines of a norton Sic stone.
 
knifenut1013 said:
haha, not exactly the stones I would suggest first but they are great for finishing. I was thinking more along the lines of a norton Sic stone.
Click to expand...

Yeah, definitely not one to learn on, but still a hell of a stone to polish up.

If only my hands were more steady....
 
knifenut1013 said:
3 years and you don't know the proper subforum either ;)


There is NO idiot proof system otherwise you would not see user questions about them. If you don't understand sharpening a system won't be much help because you still won't know what you are doing.

Though the above systems are very good I would suggest buying a benchstone first and see what you can do freehand after a little homework is done.
Click to expand...

Yeah this is true, not a single drink and I still Fail.....brutal! In all fairness I've been active for probably 6 months to a year out of my 3 years.

Basically I'm just looking to follow simple instructions with a solid system. I don't need a mirror polish, just shaving sharp will be fine till I get use to it.
But I'm figuring if I buy a good system it should be easier? Or am I asking too much
 
You have magic system syndrome ;)

It will take time and research to learn any method why not start with the system you always have with you.
 
knifenut1013 said:
You have magic system syndrome ;)

It will take time and research to learn any method why not start with the system you always have with you.
Click to expand...

Well shit. Guess I'll send the Strider to them, and I'll figure I'll buy a system and use a few lesser knives to start.
 
I am going to vote for freehand stones as being the most idiot-proof, because there is nothing simpler than a flat object. Embrace the freedom! Go freehand!:p
 
One lifetime stone, = Belgian double grit natural 3x8. (300-350$).

One 'common' stone, King 1200 grit (thick). maybe 80$?

Done.

No, I'm not selling any of my stones.
 
Once learned, the ability to free hand sharpen on bench stones is unquestionably a highly useful and rewarding skill. But it is a learned skill. It seems neither exceptionally difficult nor ridiculously easy. For a person NEW to sharpening, buying and using bench stones on a new knife may not however, be the best way to go. Most novices seem to be PRIMARILY interested in making their knife acceptably sharper in a short period of time with the least chance of error. They may also expect as cosmetically and mechanically perfect an edge as is frequently displayed on the pages of this forum. A novice using a bench stone may not be aware that one inexperienced miscalculation in edge to bench stone contact can instantly create some really nasty scratches high on the side of a nice new blade. The idea of waiting until they develop muscle memory and some degree of precision with an unfamiliar skill, by sharpening expendable knives first, may not seem like something to be looked forward to. The desire to start sharpening is usually triggered by the fact that they have a dull knife that needs a new edge. Not because they had an interest in stones and now need something to sharpen. Disappointing or frustrating results after using bench stones, that were recommended by more experienced and knowledgeable forum members, may quickly dampen a new bench stone user's eagerness and interest. Not screwing up a new knife is even more important than getting it sharper. Guided rods, blade clamps, fixed angle ceramic stones all have limitations but these limitations were designed to reduce the opportunity for user error while still producing an acceptably sharp edge.
With a large budget, both a Sharpmaker (short learning curve, less chance of screwing up a new knife edge, good for quick touch ups) and a set of bench stones (long term valuable skill, extremely versatile) might be the way to go. OldDude1
 
Buy a Lansky sharpening kit. You have a choice of different kits with various stones. The Deluxe kit would be a good place to start. You can buy other stones separately as you need them. If you don't like it, you are only out $50.
 
if you really want the best and you dont have the time to learn how to freehand sharpen, just go for the edgepro.
 
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