Can you name a gadget for sharpening knives that REALLY works?

C

crishy

Joined
May 21, 2014
Messages
5
I have way too many knives. Kitchen, fishing, hunting, fillet, etc.. and can't keep them all sharp. Do you own a tried and true gadget for sharpening knives that really works? Does it put an edge on straight blade knives without destroying the knife? It seems like new knives are really hard to sharpen anymore. The name of your miracle gadget would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!

smile.gif
 
This should be moved to the knife sharpening forum.

There's a bunch that work well - Spyderco Sharpmaker, Edge Pro Apex, Wicked Edge, DMT, Lansky, etc.

Toshi
 
For speed and consistency few things beat the Worksharp. You can get acceptable sharpness with the standard Worksharp, but if you want a really good edge you can get the Worksharp Ken Onion edition which has feature like an adjustable guide, wider belts in more available grits, and variable speed.
 
Your question is like asking, "What's the best way for me to get to work?" You'd get answers from bicycle to commuter train, 'cause there's no way of knowing without more information. Most "gadgets" work to some degree, and most of the answers you get or will get will sharpen a knife. You need to provide more information like: how much do you want to spend, power or manual, how long you want to spend sharpening a knife, how much time are you willing to invest learning, where you will sharpen, to name a few.

The main categories are:

Freehand: no "gadgets" here, just deciding the type of stones to buy, and the time to learn.

Guided: Lansky/Gatco, Sharpmaker, KME, Edge Pro, Wicked Edge, etc. The decisions here are mostly cost, and the time it takes to get a knife sharp.

Powered: Sharpening Wheels, Belt Sander, Tormek, Work Sharp Knife Sharpener, etc. Again, cost, time, etc. will narrow it down.

To help decide, take a look at the Sharpening Made Easy website, it will give you a basic idea of how various sharpeners work.

Or buy this...

b84a784ba868ca2466ef8b44525de240_zpsfbe7186a.jpg


... and you could start a business. :)
(Just wanted an excuse to post this picture) :)

Edit: p.s. there's no "miracle" gadget, no matter what you choose, you should take the time to learn what it takes to properly sharpen a knife.
 
Last edited:
cbwx34 said:
Or buy this...

b84a784ba868ca2466ef8b44525de240_zpsfbe7186a.jpg


(Just wanted an excuse to post this picture) :)
Click to expand...

I think it needs a washboard to go with it than it's complete.

So another way to look into sharpening the washboard made by HeavyHanded.

Than there is just the scary sharp method which is basically sandpaper and a mousepad or another type of backing.

There are a lot of ways to sharpen a knife but the thing is they all take skill to get it done right, skill that is required to get a certain level of sharpness is dependant upon the method but the understanding of what is going on will help greatly.

Just avoid the pull through sharpeners in general, only good one I've heard of so far is the ERU made by a forum member here. And avoid the pull through electric sharpeners like those chefs choice sharpeners. Both will destroy your blade in no time flat.

As for me I use my DMT Aligner, benstones, or even the DMT Aligner clamp with the benchstones and strop on paper with some flexcut gold compound.
 
Last edited:
No gadgets needed crishy.

You can use a coffee cup bottom, the edge of a car window, the palm of your hand, bluejeans, a rock, cardboard, the list goes on... ;):D

Really, almost anything with abrasive qualities can be used to sharpen a knife IMO. Therefore, I AM the knife sharpener LOL.

Seriously though, there's many ways to sharpen a knife but it does come down to user skill in the end. I've seen Wicked Edge/Edge Pro edges that were shiny as heck but not sharp at all. Or severely blunted knife points from those two systems. So, even an excellent and expensive system can be mucked up if the user is not skilled in it's use.

I am partial to the Edge Pro, Paper Wheels (8" size), Plain ole Lansky with standard stones, sandpaper, ceramic rod, blue jean & polishing compound strop and diamond lapping flim mounted on mirror cut-offs...

Good luck in your search. :thumbup:
 
easy to use, ready to?

Been with me for over 20yrs....Sharp Maker..
 
My friend can't sharpen to save his life but he swears by the Chef's Choice sharpening system. It's a powered counter top sharpener kinda reminds me of the old electric sharpeners in the can openers.

I've taken it apart and tried it out, it is one of the better no brain needed sharpeners on the market.
 
I get excellent results with my KME system. The only current limitation is that the max thickness of blade it will accept is .25", and I do have a couple blades thicker than that. I'm hoping they'll release a clamp jaw for thicker blades one day. With the couple models of jaws currently available, though, it will sharpen anything from a tiny slip joint to a machete (if done in sections).
 
I'll give my vote to the Ken Onion Worksharp. I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker and still love it. It does a great job of maintaining a sharp edge but, when I really use the heck out of my knife and get it dull it is a chore to get the edge back. I also have knives that the sharpmaker would laugh at. The worksharp is quick and does a great job even on my trouble blades.
 
Patience, technique, and practice. No sharpener will work worth a damn without a good combination of these 3 things.
Sharpmaker
Smiths Tri-Hone
Lansky Field sharpener clamp kit
Edge Pro Apex 4
Sandpaper & glass or mouse pad
Sandpaper and PVC pipe section (for recurves)
Leather strop and compound.
 
I have the old worxsharp. I use it on a few of my blades. The trouble with it is if your away from power your stuck. You can't use a stone because you have a convex edge. I can take my Arkansas stones anywhere but the new steels will wear you out trying to sharpen them so I have a Wicked edge on order. Do some research, Go to youtube and watch some videos. They show every device from a brick on up and how they work. Then decide the one that fits your skill level and wallet. Yes they need more info on sharpeners
 
Last edited:
procrastinator said:
I have the old worxsharp. I use it on a few of my blades. The trouble with it is if your away from power your stuck. You can't use a stone because you have a convex edge. I can take my Arkansas stones anywhere but the new steels will wear you out trying to sharpen them so I have a Wicked edge on order. Do some research, Go to youtube and watch some videos. They show every device from a brick on up and how they work. Then decide the one that fits your skill level and wallet. Yes they need more info on sharpeners
Click to expand...

Silicon carbide and diamond stones work good with the newer high wear resistant steels. Arkansas stones are known for being very slow when it comes to removing steel.
 
From your post, it sounds like you don't have the time or desire to learn how to sharpen knives properly by hand with stones.

So I'd echo the suggestions of a couple others and recommend the WorkSharp -- or a paper wheel. Both are fast and reasonably easy to use, but you still have to know something about sharpening theory. Just cram a little learning into your noodle, hone that knowledge with practice, and you'll be good to go.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top