First sharpener

T

tqmike

Joined
Jul 28, 2014
Messages
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After getting frustrated with dull knifes and needing sharp knifes for filleting my fish I stumbled on this site while looking at some reviews online. Can't believe how much knowledge is here and I never knew how involved sharpening can be( and expensive).

Well I have spent several days here reading, I would love to get a wicked edge but done want to spend that much to sharpen my knifes.

I first started my quest for a sharpener looking at the smiths http://www.smithsproducts.com/product/50008/. But can't seem to see anything about it here.

My budget will be around 150 I think, I am really leaning towards the worksharp ken onion but am open to suggestions. I need something that will bring my 25 year old hinkles back from very dull and also do filet and pocket knifes. Thanks, Mike
 
I would be the last one to talk you out of a Ken Onion Worksharp, I think it's a great tool. It will sharpen anything you mentioned at least. The only downside, if you really call it that, is that it is powered, and therefore can remove a lot of metal quickly--if you go into with your eyes (and mind) open and use a light touch, you likely won't be disappointed. I use mine now without the guides, and freehand it, and get great results--You are right about one thing for sure, there is a LOT of sharpening knowledge here.
Good luck with your choice!
 
If you are going to sharpen "fillet" type knives primarily I suggest free hand sharpening rather than a system.
The blades are longer and thinner...you will get better results with stones rather than a system...imo
 
Kai Winters said:
If you are going to sharpen "fillet" type knives primarily I suggest free hand sharpening rather than a system.
The blades are longer and thinner...you will get better results with stones rather than a system...imo
Click to expand...

The filet knifes I use are thick and curved, thanks for the reply
 
Fish30114 said:
I would be the last one to talk you out of a Ken Onion Worksharp, I think it's a great tool. It will sharpen anything you mentioned at least. The only downside, if you really call it that, is that it is powered, and therefore can remove a lot of metal quickly--if you go into with your eyes (and mind) open and use a light touch, you likely won't be disappointed. I use mine now without the guides, and freehand it, and get great results--You are right about one thing for sure, there is a LOT of sharpening knowledge here.
Good luck with your choice!
Click to expand...

That's what I keep hearing as the downside, what if I just run it slower and with a lighter belt to start with?
 
The WSKTS KO is a great tool and the variable speed makes it a lot easier to control how much metal you're removing. And yes, you can use the finer grit belts with more passes as you're getting the hang of it. I bet you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly, though.

Andrew
 
Thanks all!! I am going to get the onion. After watching the vids on the wicked edge I really want one, if I was able to make a few bucks sharpening I would get one but don't want to dole out that much just yet. May in the future though.
 
Don't know if you have ordered the work sharp. I've used one and it worked pretty well. Like they said you have to be careful with it. One other system to consider is the kme. It's little known it seems or at least not as well known as the wicked edge or edge pro. It's a quality clamp system and best of all you can get it with the ceramic kit for $125 on there site kmesharp.com I've never tried it on a fillet knife but if you call the number on the site you can talk to the creator of the system and he will tell you. He was surprisingly honest and humble imo. Anyway just thought I would mention this since you expressed interest in the wicked edge.
 
I'd suggest HeavyHanded's Washboard. It's a good learning tool and excellent for regular maintenance in the long run. That's if you're comfortable learning to freehand.

I do freehand, but if not, a Sharpmaker (add diamond/CBN rod) with excellent video would be my recommendation.

And a lot of patience & practice.

Both options are less than 100$ I guess.
 
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