First Spydie! What sharpening System.

G

gunslinger

Joined
Jan 21, 2003
Messages
71
Hey everyone, I'm new to the board. I just bought my first spyderco (carbon fiber police) and I'm impatiently waiting. I'm in the market for a sharpening system and was thinking about Gatco. I cant afford much more right now due to other knife purchaes made in the last week. I want something that will put a shaving edge on a knife. Does anyone have an opinion on the Gatco systems and which one is a good one to use?
 
Is the Gatco system one that you're looking at one that clamps on the blade? If so, bundle it heavily in felt or chamois before even thinking about using a clamp on your police model. Even then, don't use it. Save up and buy a Sharpmaker or some good bench stones.

Clamp systems like Gatco and Lansky do work and do work well, but they can scuff up blade finishes with abandon along the way.
 
If you plan to use it and touch up as soon as it starts to get dull(takes a bit of time to get the feel), the spyderco 204MF is great... almost foolproof.

BUT
I have been goin freehand for 13yrs... I can shave off a 500grit stone, almost have my 300 down so I can shave... I find freehand with a good stone is a lot easier than the guide systems. it's instinct, and no set-up or take-down time. Carry a small stone like the 303MF, and you're good for work. I've spent about 80CAN on stones for freehand(not counting my lost 303MF), and the 75CAN for my 204...
the 204 doesn't see a lot of use, it's only for serrations, and thats only once a month or so on my work knives.

Doesn't matter HOW dull the knife is with freehand, a 200/300 will give you a working edge, a 500 will shave, 800 will slice paper on a pushcut. Soon buying a UltraFine benchstone or an arkansaw.
 
Gunslinger,

For most people, the Sharpmaker is an excellent choice. It's easy to use, and works very well. Welcome to the club.

Jeff/1911.
 
Gunslinger - I would save up and get the sharpmaker. I have tried a similar system and I think you will find that it is harder to learn well than the sharpmaker. The sharpmaker is the best system I have used. You might also note that several other knife makers, recommend the sharpmaker.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Chuck
 
gunslinger,
Welcome to the forums.

I use DMT hones with the razor edge guides.

I also freehand with just the DMT hones.

I find myself using the guides less all the time.

Some day I hope to try the sharpmaker.
 
Welcome aboard and congratulations for your inspired acquisition. :)
As my forespeakers mentioned, the Sharpmaker is the match for your Police. I only tell you that Benchmade themselves recommend the sharpmaker for their knives :rolleyes:
 
Hi Gunslinger. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Spyderco started out in the late 70's by making things sharp, (Sharpmaker model 201) then we began making sharp things. If we thought there was a more effective, versatile, user friendly tool for high performance sharpening, we would be selling it instead of the 204 Sharpmaker).

sal
 
Thanks for all of the imput! I ordered a sharpmaker. I can't wait to recieve my first spydie. This could be the beginning of an addiction!
 
Sal, can you really shave paper with the spine of a knife?

Oh another vote for the 204.
My favorite line about the 204 is, "Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot." :D
 
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