Choosing a sharpener

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fockewul

Joined
Nov 21, 2005
Messages
20
Hi

I've been lurking this forum for a while and I have read several opinions on several sharpening systems, but still, I can't decide which one suits my needs.

I have very little experience with sharpening. All the sharpening I've ever done was freehand using cheap waterstones. Results ranged from bad to awful.

So, here are my needs:

Primary use:

Sharpening kitchen knives and my two swiss army knives. My longest kitchen blade is 7" long and the shortest is 3". I tend to prefer short blades over long ones. I mostly use my 3" and 4" blades. Currently, all of them are very dull (cutting anything harder than butter presents a challenge :)).

I also have one of those sets of X-Acto blades in different sizes and shapes that I use regularly. I know these blades aren't supposed to be sharpened but I can't find replacement blades where I live, so I thought I might try to sharpen them. However, these blades are not my main concern.

Budget:

100-120 Euros.

I intend to buy the sharpener online, preferably from a seller based in Europe.

Any help is appreciated.
 
We used to sharpen x-acto blades all the time on some sort of fine bench stone that was in the shop next to the light table.

Are your SAKs narrow like a Victorinox Classic?
 
Almost any kind of waterstone is capable of producing a sharp edge on a kitchen knife. There must be some problem with your freehand technique. I would suggest a SPYDERCO SHARPMAKER 204MF sharpening system. It should overcome whatever problem you are having with your technique. The only tips I have with the Sharpmaker is to mostly use the flat sides of the rods, don't use too much pressure, but do be sure to keep honing until the edge gets sharp. The primary problem that people have is underestimating how long it takes to restore a seriously dull edge. There are many circumstances where it might take you close to an hour the first time (usually more like 20 minutes).

I don't know where you are exactly, but I did a search for "sharpmaker" on www.ebay.de and found 204MF systems for well under 100 euros.

PS: On kitchen knives I would work almost exclusively with the "30-degree" slots, the 40-degree position is excessively obtuse.
 
To choose and use the best sharpening method or sharpening system it's necessary to understand the principles of sharpening. Having a choice of transportation won't help if one doesn't know where they are going or how to get there.

The best resource I've found is The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening, by John Juranitch.

I agree with Jeff Clark about the Sharpmaker and the other points he makes. The only thing I'd add is that I first raise a burr, either with the gray rods or a coarse stone, depending on the knife and how dull the edge is.
 
Best sharpening tools for today is DMT diamond stones. You need to cover most needs Extra Extra Coarse, Coarse and Extra Fine better 11.5" long. Wit currrent dollar to euro rate you may easy get it. Then made 15 degree stand and you are set for life. If you want slicing hair - get Green Rouge - chromium oxide and polish edge on leather loaded with it.

To me this is best solution for today.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Jeff Clark said:
Almost any kind of waterstone is capable of producing a sharp edge on a kitchen knife. There must be some problem with your freehand technique. I would suggest a SPYDERCO SHARPMAKER 204MF sharpening system. It should overcome whatever problem you are having with your technique. The only tips I have with the Sharpmaker is to mostly use the flat sides of the rods, don't use too much pressure, but do be sure to keep honing until the edge gets sharp. The primary problem that people have is underestimating how long it takes to restore a seriously dull edge. There are many circumstances where it might take you close to an hour the first time (usually more like 20 minutes).

I don't know where you are exactly, but I did a search for "sharpmaker" on www.ebay.de and found 204MF systems for well under 100 euros.

PS: On kitchen knives I would work almost exclusively with the "30-degree" slots, the 40-degree position is excessively obtuse.
Click to expand...

Jeff is right, in my opinion. You'll be happy with a sharpmaker, and you can sharpen almost anything in the home that has an edge with it, even if you're only a beginner.

Be Blessed!
 
One more vote for the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It provides a reasonable selection of durable stones and a DESIGN that facillitates a reproducible technique. The Sharpmaker is a simple and quick system to sharpen and maintain knives. This system also requires a minimum maintenance. If/when the ever-sharper bug bites, then pull out the stones. Be sure the get the training video that comes with the Sharpmaker.:)
 
Reading a few books on sharpening helped me out. I got better results instantly.

Try The Complete Guide to Sharpening by Leonard Lee and Sharpening Made Easy by Steve Bottorff.
 
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