Couple sharpening questions

P

pete-800

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Dec 8, 2006
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I have had a few good knives for quite a while but I have had issues keeping them sharp and they aren't doing any good if they aren't sharp. My dad has a spyderco sharpmaker and that does pretty good if I don't let them get very dull. But I have a sebenza that I use often and I can't ever get the belly of the blade sharp with the sharpmaker. Is there something im doing wrong or has anyone else had this problem?

I'm not a huge fan of the sharpmaker because of this and I'm looking at getting a sharpener for myself and just trying to decide what. I am leaning towards the edge pro, everything I have read says it is an amazing sharpener. Any recommendation on another good sharpener?

For those that have a edge pro what level would be sufficient (1,2,3,4)

Does anyone know what grit of stones are used in the sharpmaker?

Thanks for your help
 
Are you accidently changing the angle of which your holding your blade when you start to have to upsweep the blade to cover all of the blade.Sorry if that was hard to understand. Its very important to keep a constant angle.
 
I do it very carefully and keep the angle constant. I get the flat part sharp but not the belly.
 
Mark your edge with a sharpie. That will show you exactly what part of the edge bevel you're hitting with the stone. My money is betting the belly is a different angle and you aren't hitting it. May need to reprofile you're edge, but that would mean changing from factory convex to v edge, or using a mousepad with sandpaper. Or, you can really go all out and buy a work sharp or work sharp Ken Onion edition.
 
Medic1210 said:
Mark your edge with a sharpie. That will show you exactly what part of the edge bevel you're hitting with the stone. My money is betting the belly is a different angle and you aren't hitting it. May need to reprofile you're edge, but that would mean changing from factory convex to v edge, or using a mousepad with sandpaper. Or, you can really go all out and buy a work sharp or work sharp Ken Onion edition.
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I just looked into the work sharp and it looks like a pretty cool sharpener. I saw a loooong post that you made reviewing it. It looks like you have quite a bit of experience and expertise sharpening. Have you ever used a edge pro apex? I'm just curious how it compares. The price on the work sharp less as well.
 
pete-800 said:
I just looked into the work sharp and it looks like a pretty cool sharpener. I saw a loooong post that you made reviewing it. It looks like you have quite a bit of experience and expertise sharpening. Have you ever used a edge pro apex? I'm just curious how it compares. The price on the work sharp less as well.
Click to expand...

I've never used an edge pro, but it know many have, and it is a great system from what I've read and seen. I went with the Wicked Edge system instead of the Edge Pro, but after getting the Work Sharp, I will be selling my Wicked Edge. It makes awesome edges, but the setup is not something I care to do on a frequent basis. The Work Sharp is super fast, and once the new blade grinder attachment becomes available, I think it's gonna be one of the best all around sharpening systems available. I feel it will all but take care of any of my future sharpening needs. Regarding the Edge Pro, just remember it is used for putting v grind bevels, not convex, which is what the Sebenza comes as. That may not matter to you. It didn't really matter to me so I reprofiled my Sebbies to a V grind on my Wicked Edge. I have now changed them back to convex with my WSKO.
 
Pete,
I haven't seen this other sharpening system, It may be a fine unit but the Sharp maker will work. Do as has been suggested and marker over the edge with a Sharpie.
I also think there is a different angle in the belly or you are turning your wrist?

This is a chance to improve your technique instead of just spending money.
 
pete-800 said:
I have had a few good knives for quite a while but I have had issues keeping them sharp and they aren't doing any good if they aren't sharp. My dad has a spyderco sharpmaker and that does pretty good if I don't let them get very dull. But I have a sebenza that I use often and I can't ever get the belly of the blade sharp with the sharpmaker. Is there something im doing wrong or has anyone else had this problem?

I'm not a huge fan of the sharpmaker because of this and I'm looking at getting a sharpener for myself and just trying to decide what. I am leaning towards the edge pro, everything I have read says it is an amazing sharpener. Any recommendation on another good sharpener?

For those that have a edge pro what level would be sufficient (1,2,3,4)

Does anyone know what grit of stones are used in the sharpmaker?

Thanks for your help
Click to expand...

If your Sebenza is S30V or their newer S35VN, you could see a big improvement in using diamond rods with your Sharpmaker (IF you'd still like to use that tool). Diamond will do a much better job grinding, shaping and refining the vanadium carbides in the steel. The stock ceramic rods of the Sharpmaker can only do so much, and will just begin to over-polish the steel if the apex has worn somewhat. Diamond can make it crisp again, with whichever system you choose to step up to.


David
 
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