First "High Quality" Knife Purchase...

[systemamfry]

Hi all, I have finally taken the plunge and bought my first high quality knife. I ordered a Ritter Mini Grip today and am seeking opinions on how to best keep an edge on it. My only experience with sharpening has been with an Accusharp and a couple sub $20 knives with mixed results (scratches on side of blade, etc.) Would it be best to send it back to Benchmade now and again for their Lifesharp service, buy a sharpmaker, etc. I would hate to ruin an edge on this knife .Any input is appreciated

 

[Roadrunner]

First off, congratulations! Very nice choice as well, Benchmade puts together some great knives. I would recommend getting a Sharpmaker. It works and it's simple. Best of luck.

 

[Hateman]

I EDC'd a Ritter Mini-Grip for about 3 months. The edge held up well and I only sharpened it (with a couple of touch ups in between) once on a Sharpmaker. For ease of use, get a Sharpmaker. But, be warned, as the S30V blade can be noticeably harder to get a shaving edge compared to other metals such as AUS8, 440V and ATS numbered steels. You'll need a lot more 'elbow grease.' A little harder to do, but it can be done on the Sharpmaker.

 

[yoda4561]

The best thing to do would be to learn how to sharpen properly on knives you aren't worried about messing up. A sharpmaker is great, but you should also learn how to sharpen freehand, as freehand on a coarse stone is still the fastest way to reprofile an edge (which can take a great deal of time on the sharpmaker if the existing edge angle is too obtuse.)