Field sharpeners ?

[m_bisson]

My main concern is for the OP.
It's not about policing anyone(sorry if that's how it came across), but making sure that people aren't misinformed or, for lack of a better term, "conned".

OK, so the rules allow promotion of your product by you.
That doesn't mean other members shouldn't make posts like mine, warning the information seekers that they should perhaps consider your motives for making such claims. Is it based on fact, that your Eru really is the best? Or based on something else, like you wanting to make money?

If you search these forums for info about the Eru, there is a lot of controversy over its ability and effectiveness. To say that it's the 'best', especially when you're the manufacturer of it, holds even less credibility than my meager few posts. This is really only the case because of the uncertainty that the Eru is actually worth the equivalent of a Sharpmaker, and the uncertainty of whether or not it works any better than other pull-through devices.

To the OP: let someone else be the test monkey. If the Eru proves to be a useful tool, then buy one a year from now. Meanwhile, get something more people have used that we know actually works. A lot of people love the sharpmaker for its ease of use, which is why I recommended the smaller version that Lansky produces.

 

[fnzeee]

I own an ERU and can say it is an effective field sharpener. I do not believe that it is the "best", but it is very good. I support Fred's right to promote his product, and I think he makes a very fine product. I do however agree that in a thread like this it would be more appropriate to share information and facts about the sharpener and not simply "market it" as the "best". That said, this is only my opinion and Fred can say anything he wants. Others who are not makers of a product surely will...I've seen countless posts that are one-liners claiming something to be the best. However, m_bisson is also within his rights to challenge the claims...and Fred, you have to expect some challenge when you post a one-liner in a public forum declaring your product to be the best. So while I agree with m_bisson in principle and would prefer to see fact based posts about WHY the ERU is a great product, I support both Fred's right to post what he wants and others' right to challenge. Now we have a forum.

As for the OP's question which seems to have gotten lost in the back and forth, many do not prefer carbide sharpeners because they can remove too much metal from the blade if too much pressure is applied. I would say this is manageable if you use a light touch, and can be very effective. There are also "purists" who will claim nothing beats a stone...also a good choice and many are small enough to be portable. Others will recommend a diamond sharpener like the DMT...another great choice. Bottom line is you have a lot of ways you can go and a lot is personal preference. The carbide sharpeners make it easy to put a consistent angle on the edge, which may be a benefit for an inexperienced user. The stones and diamond sharpeners require the user to hold the blade at the correct angle and maintain it while sharpening...a skill that requires some practice but can be done easily once you learn it. Honestly, I use all of the above at different times depending on what I am sharpening and how much time I have, etc.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

My main concern is for the OP.
It's not about policing anyone(sorry if that's how it came across), but making sure that people aren't misinformed or, for lack of a better term, "conned".

OK, so the rules allow promotion of your product by you.
That doesn't mean other members shouldn't make posts like mine, warning the information seekers that they should perhaps consider your motives for making such claims. Is it based on fact, that your Eru really is the best? Or based on something else, like you wanting to make money?

If you search these forums for info about the Eru, there is a lot of controversy over its ability and effectiveness. To say that it's the 'best', especially when you're the manufacturer of it, holds even less credibility than my meager few posts. This is really only the case because of the uncertainty that the Eru is actually worth the equivalent of a Sharpmaker, and the uncertainty of whether or not it works any better than other pull-through devices.

To the OP: let someone else be the test monkey. If the Eru proves to be a useful tool, then buy one a year from now. Meanwhile, get something more people have used that we know actually works. A lot of people love the sharpmaker for its ease of use, which is why I recommended the smaller version that Lansky produces.

I will say that is a crock and leave it at that. Your only concern is for yourself. The only controversy is you. Its members like you who have driven quality makers and members off this website and there are many who never frequent any more. I know many of them.

I say your a troll and will report you as such.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I've found DMT Diafolds to be ideal for field use. They come in various(dual) grits to suit your use (coarse/regular/fine).

 

[m_bisson]

I will say that is a crock and leave it at that. Your only concern is for yourself. The only controversy is you. Its members like you who have driven quality makers and members off this website and there are many who never frequent any more. I know many of them.

I say your a troll and will report you as such.

Sorry if I've said something offensive, but I urge you to read my posts again. I haven't said anything negative about the Eru. I just reminded the OP to be a smart shopper.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

I've read your post dude, from the first one where your saying no advertising and then onto I'm only concerned that the OP wouldn't get "conned" and then you are worried about me possible wanting to make money.
You sir are a real piece of work.

I'll leave you with that.

 

[ksskss]

Fred,

I can understand you saying your device is 'the best' and that you truly believe it. You can expect others to see this as your opinion and nothing more. No one says that they have an ugly baby, if you get my drift. It does invite you to be challenged. It is also your right to say this, but expect challenge. Challengers will come. They aren't trolls. If they are challenging you, you are worthy of conversation. Better than being ignored as irrelevant. In a public forum you need to have a thicker skin. Just saying that it is this way in the public. You will never get everyone to agree that anything is the best.

Similarly, the Sharpmaker isn't 'the best' either. Not even saying that you (m_bisson) are even saying this but perhaps only making an example of an alternative. Fixed angles, etc. It has it's flaws. While I have my preferences too, I'll leave this out of the discussion for now. I will say that the sharpening device I've made is the 'best' too, but that is IMHO. Lots of people will disagree with me. I've gotten used to it. Fred, you should too. It is a bit of hard earned wisdom I'm sharing with you and not meant to be offensive.

No one device is truly 'the best'. Saying so obviously provokes strong counter responses. Expect that.

---
Ken

 

[sir_mike]

Always be willing to try new things. Its the foundation of invention; improving on a concept. Knives started out as pieces of flint chipped to make them sharp. Somehow humans progressed to what we call a knife today.
With an ERU there is no need to learn how to hold an angle; the adjustable "V" can be set to any angle you want. No guess work, you can always produce the same cutting edge.
v

Yeah, not sure about your cutters on that and me putting my pm2 204p blade thru it. Isnt that why there is ceramics, waterstones diamknds, etc out now. I cant count how much I have been told to not use pull carbide cutters and that they are not good, cause damage, etc but it has been for many, many years! That is all I am saying!

I do have a couple cheaper blades and if you want to send a demo unit out, I will put one or two thru it and then decide if it is for me or not!

 

[fnzeee]

I will say that is a crock and leave it at that. Your only concern is for yourself. The only controversy is you. Its members like you who have driven quality makers and members off this website and there are many who never frequent any more. I know many of them.

I say your a troll and will report you as such.

This is not warranted. Everyone here is entitled to an opinion. Not okay to villianize just because you don't share his opinion. Can we calm down and try to get along?

 

[benchwarmer380]

I can understand you saying your device is 'the best' and that you truly believe it. You can expect others to see this as your opinion and nothing more. No one says that they have an ugly baby, if you get my drift. It does invite you to be challenged. It is also your right to say this, but expect challenge. Challengers will come. They aren't trolls. If they are challenging you, you are worthy of conversation. Better than being ignored as irrelevant. In a public forum you need to have a thicker skin. Just saying that it is this way in the public. You will never get everyone to agree that anything is the best.

If it was the product that was challenged that would be one thing. He didn't challenge the product, he challenged the man and his motives. Which, by the rules of this forum, Mr. Rowe was allowed to post about. Read the bold below.

Thanks for your post Ken.

The rules as I understand them relative to a dealer's membership is they are allowed to post in all discussion forums and be involved in discourse that mention a product they flip or produce. What is not allowed is talking price, linking to sites like E-bay or taking orders in these forums.

*The only members who may promote or display their personally built knives, their products, or services in the discussion threads, signature, home page listing or their user profile are "Manufacturers", "Dealers", and "Knifemaker/Craftsman/Service Provider".*

I've been on this website for a lot of years and I've tried as best as I can to follow and support the site in every manner. Some times I fall short but it is never for lack of effort.

Bison has been here for less than a month and has yet to garner any street cred at least by most standards. He is welcome to participate in the discussions as all the rest of us are; but I find it a bit much to see someone with so little investment, police others who have a long history of participation and contribution.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

There's a misconception when it comes to sharpening that I've observed for many years, the more pressure you supply to any sharpening device the faster and better it cuts. The reality is if your using the right stones, right device, in the right way you get the best results.

To the OP, this means getting the quickest cutting edge back on your blades and doing it consistently and in some cases to a variety of knives. Especially in a backpacking base camp situation. In this case Fred's sharpener is one of the best options out there and defending on your skill level may very well be the best option a person has.

I was one of the earlier test subjects of Fred's ERU I used it on everything from a cheap Jarbenza type knife, on my EK Model 5 Combat Bowie, kitchen knives even my Crawford Framelock with ATS34 blade, Fred's system works and if used for what it's intended to sharpen/revive the edge of any blade and do it in the field and do a great job.

It's not meant to reprofile or repair severely abused edges and as far as I know Fred never claimed that was its use, (not that you can't reprofile and edge with it, just takes time) but if you're looking for a quick expedient, field sharpener with great easily repeatable results try the ERU.

I've broken ceramic sticks(Sharpmaker) they're fragile, the pull through sharpeners on the market with the exception of Fred's and a cheap plastic one that can't maintain an accurate bevel are all set to one angle. Don't believe Fred, believe me or any of the other folks will tried it.

I have nothing to do with Fred other than I tried his system awhile back, one of the best things about this design too, feed listened to the folks who actually used it in the field and made improvements/changes based on our feedback.

Last thing I'd like to say, Fred's been a member a long time he knows the rules and there are mods to point out any violations of the TOS, really isn't the place of a junior member to police the forum, virtually if you feel he's in violation, report him. I know this is just my opinion but as a long standing member here I've seen instances of violation of the rules this isn't one.

m_bisson, if you don't agree with Fred's claim you have every right to contest it but explaining forum policy and interpretation of forum rules is best left to the mods. Just my 2¢…

 

[fnzeee]

The ERU has also served me well...and it does a fair job at re-profiling and also for de-burring. It is well-designed, and as you state Fred has continually improved it based on feedback. It is a great tool.

As a "junior member" myself I don't want to step on anyone's dress, but I personally did not see anything wrong with m_bisson challenging the statement that the ERU is "the best". Fred has his opinion, and others have theirs. This doesn't make anyone a "troll". Isn't this supposed to be a free exchange of ideas? Fred has been here a long time...long enough to know not to resort to name calling, whether to junior members or not. The dealers like Fred have their own forum to post their products in that is protected from negative posts by other members. But this is a general forum intended for the exchange of ideas and to help each other...this was m_bisson's intent. He even apologized twice...before being called a troll. The bolded portion above is fine, but doesn't mean a discussion cannot be had around the opinions expressed here in a general forum, be they from dealers or not. Perhaps different words could have been used instead of "conned", but his point is accurate (a maker does have a bias toward their wares) and his intent clearly not negative. I sincerely hope the mods will not ban or punish anyone from this discussion.

Fred, how about posting some of the advantages and benefits of the ERU for the OP? Perhaps tell him why it is better than the sharpmaker or the DMT. To me this would be a great way to position your product and gain credibility with those unfamiliar.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I have no problem with contesting or challenging Fred on his claim to his sharpener being best, as I said in my post he like everyone is entitled to his opinion but a person with considerably less time and posts interpreting and quoting policy to a longstanding active member was not his place, again this is merely my opinion.

The junior, senior reference was not meant as a slight, just as a reference to time here at BFC. This forum is built on a free exchange of ideas and we encourage that exchange. Lets leave policy interpretation and policing of the forum to the mods, that's all I'm saying.

 

[OHALLUM]

Well said Mr. Erdelyi! Thanks for being intelligent and polite in your post!

Blessings,

Omar

 

[awestib]

m_bison - you joined this forum in July 2014 - in my world you are a newbie, whether you have any experience or not in regards to what this forum is all about. So look and listen first and don't be a smart ass. You hijacked this entire thread and I can't stand that. Be productive, contribute with experience. I had problems with that first too.

 

[fnzeee]

Can't disagree with that!

 

[Modoc ED]

Any one of these make a great field sharpener.



This one is small enough to carry in a coat pocket or back pocket and makes a great field sharpener too.

Lansky 4-rod turn box sharpener



No matter what you use angle consistency is the key.