Best manual sharpener

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davidohyer

Joined
Mar 13, 2011
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I just bought a Ratmandu (RMD) and am trying to figure out what the best solution is for sharpening. I'm not very experience mind you. I've seen some pretty expensive stuff, like the Edge Pro Apex and Wicked Edge, but those are a little pricey. There are also some fairly inexpensive systems like the Lansky Deluxe that look like they use a similar principle. Then there is the mid priced Spyderco Sharpmaker. On the other hand, I could just get some different coarseness sharpening stones, but will have to decide whether I need diamond coated stones or not. My question is this: What system or combination of systems are the most effective, and if there is one that is just slightly worse but much cheaper, what is it? I want to be able to sharpen my knives easily and get a good edge every time, but I also want something that will last a long time in case things ever go to pot so I can always have sharp knives to rely on. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? If spending more money is the only way to get what I'm looking for, then so be it.
 
Consider bench stones. I use DMT diamond hones, for the most part, and after a decade or more they work as good as new, maybe better. Occasionally I use an angle guide but for the most part sharpen free-hand. It's not hard.
 
For a V shape blade spend some time watching youtube and trying out some methods on a cheapo blade for practice. Or buy a spyderco sharpmaker.

Or you can get into convexing.. cheap way to really get a blade sharp
 
Only thing I could say is whatever you feel most comfortable will be the best and stick with one method, don't keep switching it up.
 
For v edges I use the entire line of DMT diamond plates followed by a series of strops, usually MDF, Hardwood or leather with a varies assortment of compounds. For convex I use a Kalamazoo 1x42 belt sander with an assortment of belts and finish with a leather belt on the grinder loaded with .5 micron compound.
 
davidohyer said:
I just bought a Ratmandu (RMD) and am trying to figure out what the best solution is for sharpening. I'm not very experience mind you. I've seen some pretty expensive stuff, like the Edge Pro Apex and Wicked Edge, but those are a little pricey. There are also some fairly inexpensive systems like the Lansky Deluxe that look like they use a similar principle. Then there is the mid priced Spyderco Sharpmaker. On the other hand, I could just get some different coarseness sharpening stones, but will have to decide whether I need diamond coated stones or not. My question is this: What system or combination of systems are the most effective, and if there is one that is just slightly worse but much cheaper, what is it? I want to be able to sharpen my knives easily and get a good edge every time, but I also want something that will last a long time in case things ever go to pot so I can always have sharp knives to rely on. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? If spending more money is the only way to get what I'm looking for, then so be it.
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For the inexperienced that wants good dependable repeatable results at a reasonable price and be able to address 95% of the needs - my vote is the SharpMaker.
 
The spyderco sounds like it's pretty portable and easy to use. How long will a set last before replacement? Will the dmt diamond stones sharpen fairly fast? What is the best angle guide to use with bench stones? DMT has one for $12 that looks good, anyone try that one? Also, there are so many options for stones, what is the best choice for the 6" range of knives? http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Diamond-Stones-C3.aspx
 
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