Best sharpening system for novice

A

AussieKnifeNut

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Jun 7, 2012
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50
I know this topic has been done to death but thought I would get your opinions. What is the best sharpening system for a novice? I have a tight budget of $100, no more as I simply can't justify it. The spyderco sharpmaker has caught my eye and seems to be reasonably popular. What are you guys using?
 
It's easy to use and good bang for the buck. You will be able to get at least hair shaving sharp within just a few practice rounds. Very easy to use. However, setting the edge can be difficult without spending money for the diamond rods. Tonight with my ka-bar jack knife, it took me FOREVER to get my angle set. I was going for 40 with my rough rods but the knife(traded used) was about 60 (guessing). It literally took one entire hour for ONE BLADE to be hair shaving sharp at 40. Think about getting the diamond rods if you trade often like me and want to set an angle often. Also be advised that I have seen where many are not happy with the time factor on the diamond rods or the life span. Many say they are to slow compared to a good rough stone. I can set an approx. angle on my course stone within 5 mins., something to think about.....I know I did tonight.
 
If you want to jump into free hand sharpening, buy yourself a Carborundum (silicon carbide) stone. They cut fast and are relatively cheap to replace. Plus, free hand sharpening is way more fun! :cool:
 
I currently use the sharpmaker, and like it. Its a good $40+ system...yes its often priced higher but you can find them cheaper than $50 for sure.

You will need* coarser rods if your factory edge is not the same or close...

I have been planning on picking up more aggresive rods for it, but have so far just used sand paper held on by either rubberbands or breadbag ties. A poor mans version that works. Out of I'm guessing 1000s of strokes on sandpaper wraped rods I have had one single time where I cut into the paper. I have been planning on buying some ruby stones for it (I think thats what they are called) as the sandpaper takes a little time to put on right.

Bottom line is the sharpmaker as sold will put a hair popping edge on some blades with very little work, and without coarser rods will not sharpen other blades without a massive time investment.
 
i just got a DMT Manga Guide Kit. Cheaper than most systems and has a consistent angle. You can youtube it if you wanna check it out
 
As with any belt sander, you could overheat the blade. But, if you don't overdo it, and keep a glass of water close by to cool it if you're doing some serious grinding, you should be OK.

I've never had a blade get hung up. A more common problem, especially at first, is rounding the tip, or creating a little unintentional "recurve" close to the choil. Practice on cheap knives first. There is a learning curve, but most seem to get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Andrew
 
AFAustin said:
As with any belt sander, you could overheat the blade. But, if you don't overdo it, and keep a glass of water close by to cool it if you're doing some serious grinding, you should be OK.

I've never had a blade get hung up. A more common problem, especially at first, is rounding the tip, or creating a little unintentional "recurve" close to the choil. Practice on cheap knives first. There is a learning curve, but most seem to get the hang of it pretty quickly.

Andrew
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Sounds like it could be the go. They haven't got anyone retailing them here so will have to see who will post to Australia for the best price.
 
you may be able to get another person on the forums to purchase one for you and ship it but you would have to pay shipping and actual cost.
 
+3 on the WorkSharp. The price is right, angles are easy with the guides, and it can, in my experience, get ANYTHING shaving sharp in just minutes.
I shanked a couple tips to start, too - practice knives are a great idea. I picked one up at a local sporting goods store, but have seen them online.
I've never been to Australia so I can't speak to that.
 
The worksharp sounds like a plan. I presume however that I can sharpen seration on it? What would you guys recomend for sharpening serations?
 
yes you can just have to jead the instructions there is a notch specifically for it on one of the attatchments. as well as a scissor attatchment
 
I don't see it mentioned much here but the Lansky Deluxe works just fine for me. And I am a rank beginner. Or was. 30 odd blades old on the Lansky and I can say with certainty it is the easiest way to properly get a bevel and smooth edge on a knife and also the cheapest guided angle system to cut your teeth on :D.
Follow the instructions and it works just fine. Add a leather strop and U can shave with it.
 
Even though I've been moving more toward sharpening freehand, I love my Sharpmaker. Like numerous others have said, get the coarser stones if you are planning on modifying the factory edge very much. I also purchased the very fine stones and have definitely seen an increase in the sharpness of my blades when finishing up with them.

It's a great system and it really only takes about 10 minutes or so to get the technique figured out.
 
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