can no longer sharpen by hand

N

north1

Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
5
A year ago I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had surgery followed by 12 chemotherapy treatments and now my prognosis looks great. Problem is chemo not only kills dividing cells but also destroys nerves. As a result I have lost about 50% feeling in my hands. Will take 2 years for improvement and will probably never get full feeling back.

Prior to all this I used to hand sharpen all blades with arkansas stones etc. Never very good at it, but got along. I've lost the ability to handle the knives properly to do this. So it looks like I'm in the market for(gasp!) a mechanical sharpening system.

The edgepro looks great, but still think I might have trouble handling the knives properly. Would the eze sharp or wicked edge work for me? If so which one or are there any others that may work?

I have two puma skinners, a whitetail hunter and a marble hunting knife I usually sharpen. Also have the usual array of kitchen knives. Sharpened scissors for the wife, mother and mother-in-law, but I don't think any system but edgepro offers this. What system would do the best on the profiles of my pumas?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
I would anythink any clamp system would work great for you, I'd also think that the wicked edge would be the best of them.
Sorry to hear about your condition, wish you luck in a full recovery.
 
It makes me happy to hear that you are doing well.


I lost the feeling in the index and middle finger of my right hand after a compound fracture of my right arm partially severed a nerve, so I can somewhat relate.


I'll be honest with you, I have the edge pro and it is difficult for me still after almost a week with it. For the easiest time sharpening I would point you towards the wicked edge even though I have the edge pro. With the wicked edge the blade is clamped down so you have no need to worry with holding it, and the stones seem like they have enough area to get good purchase even without having a great grip. The wicked edge system sounds like it would be a great fit for you and I have no doubt that you'll be surprised at the great edges you can get with it. I hope this helps you a little bit. Stay healthy and let us know what you choose.
 
I too can relate to injuries making things tough.

I think the WE would work better for you than the edge pro, but thousands of people sharpen with $30 Harbor Freight 1x30 belt sanders. I don't have a HF, but I have three belt grinders of different sizes.

In all honesty, I can get 98% of the sharpness in 1/10th the time. For a mere $30 its worth a try. Real pros use them constantly. Knife makers use them. Big companies use the same thing, they're just better machines.

If you have about $250 to spend, the 1x42 Kalamazoo will have you bouncing of the ceiling in celebration!
 
I went through chemo and the numbness and the weakness that came along w/ it. I was the sharpening by hand that cleared my mind enough to get through the nausea. I'm also an ER nurse so the tingling in my fingers made starting IVs again a challenge. I learned two things: Your body/mind adjust to the amount of feeling you do have and I was able to work with what I had to get the tasks done (sharpening and IV starts), and the tingling dissipates. It took about a year for most of it to go away and 2 years later I can feel it a little but barely notice it unless my hands/feet are really cold.
So good news is your body adapts and it usually gets better. As far as the sharpening goes... The WE looks like you would need both hands at once to get the job done quickly but once the clamp is set up you could take breaks, walk away, and come back. The EP looks easier to set up and there seems to be less movement needed overall so may make it less tiring... Adjust the plate pick your angle and go. Just my .02
 
Welcome to BF :)

To me it seems the WE may be the better choice but if at any point you would like a hand sharpened edge my email is in my profile and my price is free.
 
I have substantial loss of sensation in my fingers due to diabetic neuropathy. Therefore I face a similar challenge in sharpening. :(

I've been using the Edge-Pro for quite some time now, and it works well for me. Admittedly, the learning time for me was undoubtedly longer than normal because of the neuropathy, but a bit of persistance paid off.:)

It is now a very simple matter to sharpen even the highest end steels to hair splitting capability. :thumbup::):thumbup:
 
The Edge Pro doesn't require a lot of fine feel I don't think and definitely not strength (that actually tells you you are doing it wrong re: if you are pushing or holding too hard), but you would have to at least hold the edge steady on the table. If you have tremors that may be an issue.

See if you can find anyone local to check one out or for that matter, call them and see if they would take it back due to your circumstances if you couldn't use it...they just might.

They do take practice to use, like anything else, so start with some lousy more flat ground blades for sure.
 
G'day there.
I too can relate as have other readers. It seems we are all damaged in some way.But that is not to downplay your experience at all. I am happy you are on the mend and I pray you a fine recovery.

re grinders etc.
I am very fortunate to have a Tormek water cooled knife grinder/sharpener.
"Feel" with this machine is far less than seeing what your doing. There are a zillion attachments but I have two one for scissors and the other for knives.
It takes a bit of getting used to like anything but it does a fabulous job.
Cant recommend it enough. Look them up on google.
warm regards from West Australia
 
Thanks for all the info and to knifenut1013 for the wonderful offer. Makes me proud to have joined a forum with such knowledgable and kind people. I do realize, however, I have to learn a way to do this on my own. I have alot of tools that need sharpening periodically. My mother-in-law and mother especially do alot of sowing and need to sharpen scissors. I have axes, woodworking tools like chisels and gouges, drill bits, lawnmower blades as well as hunting knives and kitchen utensils to sharpen.
I am wondering if something like a tormek t7 may be the best all around system. I realize it is slower and more expensive, but it is also the most universal. On my high end puma knives and woodworking tools I could possibly add the 4000 grit waterstone and would have 320, 1000, 4000 grit stones and the leather wheel for buffing. It also seems to require a learning curve, but any good tool does. Still weighing my options and looking at reviews and opinions.
 
Chirripa said:
G'day there.
I too can relate as have other readers. It seems we are all damaged in some way.But that is not to downplay your experience at all. I am happy you are on the mend and I pray you a fine recovery.

re grinders etc.
I am very fortunate to have a Tormek water cooled knife grinder/sharpener.
"Feel" with this machine is far less than seeing what your doing. There are a zillion attachments but I have two one for scissors and the other for knives.
It takes a bit of getting used to like anything but it does a fabulous job.
Cant recommend it enough. Look them up on google.
warm regards from West Australia
Click to expand...

I saw one of these at my local Woodcrafters - looks like a mighty nice setup!

North1, whatever you do, keep giving it a try freehand from time to time. I'm coming off of two wrist surgeries with three months of downtime per. My right (dominant) hand is now minus one bone, the rest are fused into a single mass and held together with a trio of machine screws. Its been one year since I went under the knife and my hand sharpening has never been better. It's been great dexterity and sensation exercise.

Also, whatever you decide on by all means take knifenut up on that offer!

HH
 
Well I bit the bullet and ordered a wicked edge. I called them to ask some specific questions about my puma knives and the receptionist actually handed the phone to clay and I visited with him. Super nice guy. He took the time to look up the specific knives and commented about sharpening each one. Not too many companies operate on this level anymore, and is so refreshing when you experience it. Thanks to all for your comments of expertise and to knifenut for the generous offer.
 
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