Best sharpening system for novice

[Magnaminous_G]

Just remember that the SharpMaker is *incomplete* without the diamond and ultra-fine stones! So when you purchase, remember to add those which will double the purchase price.

But my suggestion is to get bench stones of any kind (diamond, water, Arkansas, whatever), one coarse and one fine, and thoroughly read this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...advice-for-newbie-knife-sharpeners-(freehand)

 

[mqqn]

Sharpmaker is good - DMT aligner can get you a better edge, but the plastic is fragile and you can break the "nubs" off easily -

The Sharpmaker is good and will get a good edge but you have to start with a decent edge (I only have the standard brown and white stones) - you can't fix a really dulled edge easily with the Sharpmaker standard kit.

The DMT can be used to re-profile an edge - but you have to be gentle with it (and in reality you should be light on the touch when sharpening) -

If I could have only one I would choose the DMT Aligner and a sharpie for a novice.

I get my very best results still by hand with DMT or Lansky diamond stones - that that takes a lot of practice.

best

mqqn

 

[gomipile]

The worksharp sounds like a plan. I presume however that I can sharpen seration on it? What would you guys recomend for sharpening serations?

I use a Lansky Spyder sharpener for serrations. It should cost you less than $10.

For touching up serrations and putting on a really fine edge, I have some different sized leather laces impregnated with cutting compound which I use to strop inside the serrations. At the end, you can strop the flat side on cardboard first, then on a normal flat strop.

Also, in direct response to the original question, always keep some nice pieces of stiff double or triple-wall corrugated cardboard around for stropping against. It works great for touch ups, and is very helpful for removing burrs and fine wire edges.