Easy/good/cheap sharpening system?

philthygeezer

philthygeezer

Joined
Aug 6, 2002
Messages
746
Hello,

Discovering this forum has put a gazillion questions into my n00b brain.

I am currently using one of thoes EZE-Lap diamond-coated screwdriver-like thingys to sharpen my knives but can't seem to get the sharpness I want.

Is there a better/easier way to get a good edge on a knife? What is the best mass-produced one that will do the job? I keep hearing the Spyderco Sharpmaker mentioned, so it must be OK? What about Lansky?

Thanks again,
Phil
 
Hi,
I use the Razor Edge System for sharpening.
Works great for me.
I hear the spyderco sharpmaker 204 is good and I would like to try one someday just to test it out myself.
It is hard to get myself to buy another sharpening system when what I use works so good :)
 
Get a sharpmaker and don't look back. I finally got one and love it. BTW..... DO NOT GO GETTING CHEAP ON SHARPENING EQUIPMENT!!!!!!! I have tried them all and all I got was a box full of crap. Stick with the high quality(not necessarily expensive)stuff. I also love the performance of my DMT diamonds. I have one that is 16 years old and still cutting. Nothing against the DMT or the EZE Lap but the Sharpmaker is sooooo easy to use,especially for the beginner. Have fun:)
 
The 204 is excellent. What I like most about it is how well it will sharpen my serrated knives.

Personally I haven't used a better portable system for serrated edges...both scalloped and inverted...
 
The Sharpmaker is great but ... your best sharpening resource is your knowledge. Look up at the top of the page for FAQ's and find Joe Talmadge on Knife Sharpening. (Yes, click on my link. :)) Once you know about edges and how sharpening works, you'll be able to use any system better, including benchstones.

The Sharpmaker is a fine maintenance device, but if you have to sharpen a dull knife, you should probably use diamonds to start with. Fortunately, Spyderco just came out with diamond rods for the Sharpmaker. (Note: remind myself to get them already!)

Some kind of decent sharpening equipment is an investment in the longevity of your knives, and the use you can get out of them. Any of the major systems work well, but some depend more on how much trouble you go to and how polished an edge you really need. The Sharpmaker will give you a great working edge. Go for it.
 
For a noob, I think the best bet is to get the following equipment:

1)Knowledge: print off the sharpening FAQ or get John Juranich's knife sharpening book, "The Razor Edge Guide to Sharpening", os some such title. The company he has is called Razor Edge Systems and they sell all kinds of gear too.

2)Power: The knowledge section will teach you about releif. Get yourself a DMT extra coarse hone if you have the bucks or just get a bog coarse hone (Silicone carbide is best). This stone is used to thin an edge out FAST, not to put an edge on.

3)Edge: Get a sharpmaker. The sharpmaker will quickly put an edge on a knife that is properly prepared (power!) and can easily maintain those edges.


I started off with a sharpmaker when I began "studying" about sharpening, and I still use mine. I also use my Razor Edge Systems kit a lot, and my grinder. It will take you a while to find what is best, but I think the above set-up is about ideal for a beginner and will still work when you are a pro.
 
Thanks everyone,

Just traded in my new 420 cryo Kobun for a Sharpmaker 204. Now I shall know wht "scary sharp" means. My arm hair shall quake in fear!

:D
 
You won't be disappointed with the 204.

IMHO, it's the BEST sharpening system out there. :D ;)
 
I've heard from less than trusted sources the Spyderco 204 isn't particularly suited on M2 tool steel (perhaps out of context?) Does it work well for putting an edge back on a dulling M2 bladed knife along w/ changing the angle of the blade (or is something like a Lansky rod system or an EdgePro Apex more suited for changing angles?)
 
Originally posted by philthygeezer
My arm hair shall quake in fear!
:D
Click to expand...

After you run out of arm hair....
You will know that you have gone over the edge when the dog runs and hides whenever you break out the 204. :p
 
teknical, I think you're right about the Sharpmaker not being suited to rebeveling (changing angles). It takes forever on even softer steels, so you might want to get the diamond rods for the system. (Costs around $60 shipped at the cheapest places) They are highly recommended by BF members.

You could also try propping up a benchstone against the ceramic rods that already come with the Sharpmaker. With this method you'll have to be careful not to slice open the hand holding the stone there. If you just get a diamond hone, this could be a little cheaper than buying the rods.
 
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