best, not too big, sharpener...

L

lukx

Joined
Apr 26, 2008
Messages
2
I'm looking for some good sharpener for my new Benchmade 710 for future if I need to sharpen it a bit. Can you recommend something not to complicated but very good. There is Benchmade field sharpener but I guess it's not too good. So what would you recommend.
 
Spyderco's a classic. I'm also big on the A. G. Russell field sharpener, which is my "go to" sharpener. Quick, easy, portable...and everything I need to maintain the edges in a small package.
 
Let’s see if we can find the right forum …
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Does anyone have experience with the Diafold Magna-Guide Sharpening System from DMT? If so, what's your opinion? I like the fact that you can use the Diafold itself as a standalone sharpener as well. My only concern is that the system ships with a fine/extra fine Diafold; I would have preferred something a bit more coarse as one of the options. The blades that would be sharpened by this system range from no-name kitchen knives, up to my Swamp Rat Mini-Mojo (1/4 thick spine, 6.75" blade).

Edit:

Link added: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DMTDMGEF

ST
 
spacetyrant said:
Does anyone have experience with the Diafold Magna-Guide Sharpening System from DMT? If so, what's your opinion? I like the fact that you can use the Diafold itself as a standalone sharpener as well. My only concern is that the system ships with a fine/extra fine Diafold; I would have preferred something a bit more coarse as one of the options. The blades that would be sharpened by this system range from no-name kitchen knives, up to my Swamp Rat Mini-Mojo (1/4 thick spine, 6.75" blade).

Edit:

Link added: http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DMTDMGEF

ST
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I've used it, but I don't think it's really the same sub-category of sharpener as the Sharpmaker. I'm admittedly over-equipped, but I prefer to use Magnaguide (with coarse and extra-coarse diafold added in) or Gatco to rebevel, and then Sharpmaker to put the final microbevel (ie cutting edge) on.
 
Thanks for the reply, Lucky Bob. I've just about come to the same conclusion after going over many of the posts in this part of the forum. It does seem the Sharpmaker has many fans around here. There is a slight price premium for it, but based on the feedback, most people seem to think it's worth it. One additional question though -- how well does the Sharpmaker handle recurves? The recurve on my Swamp Rat isn't as extreme as say a kukri, but I would think that special care would need to be taken for the blade to be sharpened properly.

ST
 
Recurves are fine, the stones are narrow enough to not cause problems. If you have alot of recurves though you may want to try out any of the numerous round crock-stick type sharpeners.
 
yoda4561 said:
Recurves are fine, the stones are narrow enough to not cause problems. If you have alot of recurves though you may want to try out any of the numerous round crock-stick type sharpeners.
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Using the corners of the Sharpmaker's stones works like the round crock sticks.
 
Yeah, I wouldn't think that one would have any trouble using a sharpmaker on a recurve. Just have to adjust your sharpening stroke so as to keep the edge perpendicular to the stone, that's all.
 
Definitely the Sharpmaker. If that's even too large (only about the size of a thick slice of banana bread :D ) then maybe their "double stuff" pocket stone.

I hear the Duckfoot has positive reviews as well. ;-)
 
I am not a skilled sharpener, but with a little practice I am now able to get knives nicely sharp with the Sharpmaker.
It does take some practice, but the results are amazing. I learned that with the Sharpmaker, I get the best results when I angle the blade so that I can feel the it dragging slightly through each stroke--as if I am trying to slice a thin piece off the rods. As I the sharpening progresses, I lessen the dragging-feeling and the pressure.
Even my sorry-skills can produce some razors!

As a side-note, everyone cringes when I say this, but I occasionally use the Smith's 2 in 1 for a quick edge. I don't use the carbide part unless the blade is really trashed.
I even used an Accusharp (finishing with the Smith's ceramic hones) to quickly put edges on a drawer full of DULL knives for a party at grandma's house. The edges were a bit toothy, but cut very well. I guess this is a "utility edge."
 
I'd hope no one cringes at the use of a carbide sharpener for a quick edge on a thrashed blade--that's what they do best! When sharpening really dull knives for customers I'll sometimes use a drag-through just to put some semblance of a bevel back on the knife, then polish the scratches and any waves out with a coarse diamond paddle. Then it's on to the sharpmaker, and I get a good undistorted shaving edge in about half the time it takes with any other method.
 
pedalinbob said:
I even used an Accusharp (finishing with the Smith's ceramic hones) to quickly put edges on a drawer full of DULL knives for a party at grandma's house. The edges were a bit toothy, but cut very well. I guess this is a "utility edge."
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I agree that the Accusharp is a great way to get a working edge on a dull knife in no time at all. A great, practical sharpener. Not for the hair-whittling perfectionists, but a very useful device for hard working knives.
 
Spyderco Sharpmaker is the way to go. If you want smaller try the Lansky turn box Crock Sticks or the dogbone shaped sharpeners from Lansky and Gatco.
 
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