BK2 and BK14 - simple sharpener

arizonaranchman

arizonaranchman

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Jan 1, 2012
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I've always sucked at using stones. I can't do a decent edge with a stone to save my life and don't really have that kind of patience either. I've looked at the Lansky, etc and they're expensive. I'm really just looking for a decent working edge, not to split hairs with it.

Is there a "pull-thru" type sharpener that I can use to maintain/touch-up my 20* on the BK2 and (I think it's a 15*) on the BK14? I don't really want to spend $100 on a sharpener, just hoping there's something simple like a pull-thru type but I do want to avoid screwing up the angle on the BK2 and 14. When looking at sharpeners on Amazon few if any say what angle they give. Do any of you know of one that works with Beckers?

I know this is heresy here to consider this type of sharpener, lol but I'm lazy!
 
You could go with sandpaper, mousepad, and a strop. That would run you anywhere from $0-20 depending on what materials you have on hand. You can just do a quick search and find many tutorials on it. :)
 
I really do suggest you keep practicing on a stone. Check out japanese sharpening stones, they really give the best edges. Even expensive edge pro's and wicked edge sharpening systems use japanese sharpening stones as their sharpening medium.

I sharpen almost exclusively by hand on stones. Either that or the edge pro.
 
What are you willing to spend? I've gone through quite a few sharpening systems including expensive chef's choice electric multi-stage sharpeners. The Lansky with natural stones isn't too bad at around$28. While it kind of a pain to use (especially with big knives), nothing I have ever used will get anything as sharp as I can get it on a Lansky. I have a few sharpeners by Smith's...they are cheap and effective (all $5-$20)..not sure the angles on them but I do know that Smiths makes stuff with adustable angles. I can usually get stuff acceptably sharp for processing game etc with the Smith's products, but not as sharp as on the Lansky. Even with all the sharpeners, I think you really ought to learn how to sharpen on a stone so you can throw a thin diamond stone in with your knife while backpacking etc and can touch it up anytime/anywhere. Pick up a $2 walmart knife and sharpen it to a toothpick on a stone until you figure out how to do it :)
 
I spent a couple hours last nite watching YouTube vids of knife sharpening systems and surfing online checking what's out there. Hoping to pick one and go with it in the next few weeks when the budget allows. Thanks for all the input, keep it coming as I'm open to advice. :)
 
I'd keep practicing with freehand and stones, after a little practice it's very rewarding when you can put a keen edge on a dulled knife.

As far as systems go, the spyderco sharpmaker is foolproof and very effective (and relatively cheap). I prefer it to just maintain already sharpened blades, but if you purchase the diamond stones you should be able to do at least a little edge profiling.
 
It's kind o expensive, but I took Moose's advice on a fool proof sharpening set up for my BK's and went with the KME sharpening set up. I am thoroughly impressed at how easy it is to get a razor sharp edge on anything from my folders and small fixed blades to my larger fixed blades.
 
The Sharpmaker is fantastic for what it costs so long as you either have a bevel that fits within the 40 degree stipulation or you can consistently maintain an angle adjustment for wider bevels. It's not particularly hard, you've just got to be aware of it. I use the Sharpmaker all the time for touch ups, it's fantastic.

I've been through a Lansky and an Edge Pro, and now use the Wicked Edge. The Lansky was good, decent execution of a great idea. The Edge Pro was great, I got a lot of good edges out of it, and considering the options it wasn't too expensive.

The Wicked Edge is amazing though, it really is. It's remarkably easy, and I got a perfect edge the first knife in. Now about 20 knives in, there's consistency and an enjoyable experience. One day I'll learn to freehand sharpen, it's a skill I'd love to learn. Until then though, using a WE is very fun.


If you're all torn about deciding on a good budget option, I'd say the Sharpmaker it a great option. If you'd like a new edge on your BKs, I'd be happy to sharpen them for you for no charge. I picked up a Doug Ritter RSK Mk2 and a BK9, and they came off very nicely on the WE.

Good luck sir. Cheers!
 
Maybe rephrasing the original question would help. Is there a simple pull through sharpener that closely matches a Becker's edge bevel?

If you don't get an answer OP you might just want to buy a cheap one from a hardware store or sporting goods section of a big box store. I don't use them personally but I've heard that even the sub $5 ones work adequately. The trick is finding one that fits the factory bevel.
 
Shotgun said:
Maybe rephrasing the original question would help. Is there a simple pull through sharpener that closely matches a Becker's edge bevel?

If you don't get an answer OP you might just want to buy a cheap one from a hardware store or sporting goods section of a big box store. I don't use them personally but I've heard that even the sub $5 ones work adequately. The trick is finding one that fits the factory bevel.
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Well said, this is what I was wondering, if someone has found a pull-thru sharpener that fits the factory bevel of the BK2/BK14. I think they're 20* and 15* respectively. I have no idea what most knives run as far as edge bevel. I'm sure most pull-thru sharpeners are for kitchen knives for example. Don't know if Beckers are the same angle as a kitchen knife?

I'll look at StickToDrum's system, I'm not against going with a Lansky or Wicked Edge, just was hoping there was someone here who discovered one of the simpler sharpeners that will give a "decent" edge without all the time involved in some of these systems.

Thanks to everyone, I'm really appreciating the responses!
 
I'd keep practicing with freehand and stones, after a little practice it's very rewarding when you can put a keen edge on a dulled knife.
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forgot to mention this, and it feels so much more awesome to know that the edge you put on there was done by you with your own skills. it sort of makes you feel much closer to the knife than with sharpening systems. makes you appreciate the edge and the knife, and understand the knife better.
 
To be honest, many of the cheap pull-thru sharpeners really do a number on your edge. They'll work in a pinch but they tend to remove a fair bit of metal each time, making your bevels more and more acute. I'd stick with stones and when funds allow, get a Sharpmaker. In the end a knife is a tool that needs maintenance, like a firearm or an axe. It pays to learn how.
 
Pull throughs destroy your knife, bit by bit. If you have invested the time and money into a nice knife, you have 2 options: Have someone sharpen it for you (I did that for years) or just spend a little time on a stone. I still can't get a perfect hair splitting edge, but I can get it pretty darn sharp. I'm still getting better. I can't afford a nice sharperner right now either...so I just take it down as much as I can on an Arkansas stone I have, then finish it out with different grits of sandpaper....so far, so good.
 
I've been looking at things off and on all day (the Wicked Edge looks good but wow expensive!), from the Landsky, Sharpmaker, etc to traditional oil and whetstones. Also looking at 8"x3" DMT Diamond "stones" (the long life of these appeals to me compared to traditional stones that lose their flat surface with use and require their own maintenance).

I'm wondering if these diamond "stones" are a good choice vs Arkansas, etc? Also what grade should I go with to start out - Fine(600)?, Extra Fine(1200)? I didn't see anything on Amazon that's in between 600 and 1200 is why I ask. I'm thinking Fine would give me a good "working edge" and later on I can add an Extra Fine to improve upon that eventually. They run about $50 each, so not cheap but the advantages are they're simple (no parts to lose or keep track of), can be transported and stored easily and have a long lifespan so ultimately might end up being cheaper than other methods.

What you all say?
 

All Worksharp. I hate how it scratched the S@@t out of my tigerstriped patina though. After the damage to my finish I started putting scotch tape on the side of the blade. It is a good EASY system and can be found on sale for around $60. There is a learning curve with the Worksharp ,so practice on a cheep knife or two and watch the tip.
 
Use the Worksharp free hand without the guides and there's no scratching on the blades. :D:thumbup:
 
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