Beginner looking for quality budget sharpening system

[Surfingringo]

Good info for sure.

One of the things that many folks don't do with their sharpening tool, whether a Sharpmaker or a brick, is to rough or break-in the surface before sharpening. The tools come rather slick on the finish and a bit of rubbing the rods together, or a gentle scrub with a kitchen scrubby, or some polishing with a bit of fine steel wool will break the slickness of the stones finish and allow it to do their job better.

Gringo, that may be why you had trouble using the Sharpmaker of really dull knives. I had the same problem until I wore down the coating on the gray rods a bit, then I got a much better bite with the rod and things went more smoothly. Also some knives come with a recurved grind edge and it will take a bit of work to flatten
it out the first time you sharpen.

Point noted and I may find that the medium rods cut much better after I've used them more. However, it's not really about having trouble, I just feel I can get the same result in a fraction of the time with the coarse diamond stone. I've tried it both ways and both ways work. But it doesn't seem to make any notable difference in my final edge, so I'm taking the path of least resistance. I'm lazy.

 

[ConBon]

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Or, look in your kitchen cabinet and get a coffee mug with an unglazed ring on the bottom. That and the back of an oldleather belt will get you shaving sharp in no time with a little practice.

Or, a nice piece of brick and a little water.

And practice. You'll be able to sharpen anywhere, and any time. No gizmos needed.

Carl.

I agree 100%. Get some beaters from flea market, garage sale, etc. and get a brick. Practice first with small knives on a mug, and practice with big knives on the brick, that way you have a feel for the knife size

 

[GatorFlash1]

Point noted and I may find that the medium rods cut much better after I've used them more. However, it's not really about having trouble, I just feel I can get the same result in a fraction of the time with the coarse diamond stone. I've tried it both ways and both ways work. But it doesn't seem to make any notable difference in my final edge, so I'm taking the path of least resistance. I'm lazy.

Not lazy, smart it sounds like to me.