Bench stone vs sharpening system

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Mar 30, 2009
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I cant decide if I want to get a sharpening stone like a norton combination india stone or a sharpening kit like lansky crock sticks:confused:.
Are there grit values for the course and fine sides of the india stone, or are they just a mystery?
Can i get a knife shaving sharp with an india stone or crock sticks?
Where is a good place to buy sharpening supplies?

I have confused myself with all of the choices.

Thank you
 
I'm a fan of free-handing on stones. They take a bit of practice to get that "shaving sharp" feel, which turns some people away. Sharpening systems take less effort and skill and keep things at a steady angle, producing more accurate results. Overall, the cost of a few good stones can be quite expensive, but they'll last much, much longer than sharpening systems. Hope that helps with your decision.
 
I use my Sharpmaker for touch ups, but nothing beats the feel of a blade on a stone. There's something freeing and peaceful about sharpening a knife on benchstones.

This page has some good information on Arkansas stones, their prices seem a little high though, but the information is good.

Getting a good set of benchstones will be a lot more expensive than a Sharpmaker or Edge Pro, but it's a good skill to have. And a good set of stones will last a lifetime.

Congress Tools has an ok selection of sharpening implements and pretty good prices. Your best is to look around and think of it as an invenstment.
 
I've tried to use stones for years, but I have never been able to put as fine and consistent an edge on a knife with them as I can with my Spyderco Sharpmaker. YMMV.
 
I use water stones for my chisels and plane blades when at work (I'm a boatbuilder), but always hone my knives at home with my Sharpmaker. It's a lot easier, cleaner and quicker for me. Plus, I always get a shaving sharp edge.
 
I'm a big fan of freehand sharpening. I use Spyderco ceramic stones because they are so easy to clean and are supposed to be used dry.
 
I've had a Lansky, an Edge Pro and a Sharpmaker and have never gotten a single knife sharp using them. I just purchased some Norton combination stones and have finally gotten started getting my knives sharp.
 
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